BRIEFING PACKAGE – SANTIAGO – THE ESSENTIALS
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Chile is characterized by generally sound regulation, political and economic stability. Chile has an
extensive portfolio of signed Free Trade Agreements including the Canada-Chile Free Trade
Agreement (CCFTA).
• Potential opportunities : Chile is characterized by generally sound regulation, political and
economic stability. Chile's foreign-investment regime is considered to be one of the most liberal
in the world.
• Potential challenges: there is a high degree of competition. Even though Chile is a market with a
population of just under 18 million, its open trade and investment policy has attracted the
attention of many foreign firms
• Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
• Government structure: There are 3 branches to the government: executive, judicial, and
legislative. It is a multiparty republic with a presidential system based on the 1980 constitution.
The Chilean Constitution of 1980 sets the format for the National Congress, composed of a
Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.
• Language: Spanish
• Weather: the average May temperature in Santiago is mild at 12 °C . Afternoons can be fairly
warm with average high temperatures reaching 20 °C. June is the beginning of the “winter”
season with average temperatures of 9 °C.
Incumbent
Michelle Bachelet
since 11 March 2014
CURRENT NEWS
• Santiago stands at the tenth spot on the list of cities that have the worst traffic during rush hour according to Tom Tom’s
survey of the Top 10 Cities with Worst Traffic Jams in 2017 .
• GE is in talks to provide turbines for wind farms to be developed by Ireland's Mainstream Renewable Power throughout
Chile.
TIPS FOR DOING BUSINESS
• Appearances are an important part of Chilean business. Dress codes are generally formal and conservative - suit and
tie for men and discreet business suit (skirt or trousers) for women.
• The business atmosphere in Chile is formal, with punctuality expected and respected. Chileans may be up to thirty
minutes late, and do not like to be pressured or rushed.
• Marketing materials should be in Spanish. Business cards should be printed with English on one side and Spanish on
the other.
• Personal, family, and company background is important in conducting business, where family and friendship play large
roles in minimizing red tape.
• Negotiations are straightforward in general, but it is important to always get written confirmation of agreements.
• Avoid business visits in the months of January and February as executives and staff tend to be away on holiday,
slowing down general business activities.
• It is common that Chilean business people do not answer e-mails, faxes, letters or phone calls promptly.
• Choosing a local intermediary, or representative, who can leverage existing relationships to make the initial
• contact is highly recommended.
• Remember that decisions are not made at meetings so it is important to provide all necessary information during the
meeting.
LOCAL CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AFFILIATES
Both the Trade Commissioner Service and the Canadian
Embassy are located at:
Nueva Tajamar 481, 12th Floor, Torre Norte, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Phone: 011+56 (2) 2652-3800
Email: [email protected]
DIALING INTO CHILE:
011 + 56 + AREA CODE+ LOCAL NUMBER
DIALING OUT TO CANADA:
XXX0 + 1 +AREA CODE+ LOCAL NUMBER
XXX IS THE LONG DISTANCE CARRIER CODE (ENTEL 123,
GLOBUS 120, MANQUEHUE 122, MOVISTAR 181, NETLINE
169, TELMEX 171)
BRIEFING PACKAGE – SANTIAGO – DOING BUSINESS
CULTURAL AWARENESS
•
Chileans are a warm and affectionate people.
Greetings tend to involve plenty of physical
touching.
•
Chileans stand close to one another when
communicating. It is considered rude to back up or
avoid eye contact.
•
Chileans are not fond of bargaining and strongly
dislike haggling--even in the street markets.
•
Business lunches are usually long and are held in
restaurants, hotels or residences.
•
Always arrive late for social functions, but be
punctual for business appointments.
•
Keep both hands above the table throughout the
meal.
•
Men almost always pay the bill in a restaurant and
may be embarrassed if a woman attempts to pay. If
it is important for you to pay, make arrangements in
advance.
•
Santiago has one of the highest pollution levels in
South America. Expect heavy smog from May
through October.
•
The ozone layer is especially thin over Chile. Cover
up, and use sunblock and sunglasses with UV
filters.
LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDANCE
Things to talk about with locals:
• Chile is known to produce some of the finest wines
in the world. Food and wine are popular topics.
• Many Chileans have an enthusiasm for artistic
pursuits such as music, painting, and literature, and
you might find common ground in these areas.
• Sports such as soccer, polo, skiing and fishing are
popular.
• Inquire about family, but don’t probe too deeply.
• Chili’s beautiful geography, landscape, and lakes
are welcome topics
Things to avoid:
• Be careful when taking photos in areas with military
buildings or where you see soldiers guarding an
entrance. They have the right to arrest and
confiscate your camera.
• There are a lot of stray dogs in the streets. Avoid
touching them, they may carry disease.
• Avoid starting a conversation with “What do you
do?”
• It’s best not to mention the countries surrounding
Chile – Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. There is a lot
of competition between them.
ECONOMICS AND TRADE IN CHILE:
EDC IN CHILE (2016)
•
•
•
2015 Canadian exports to Chile: 790.31 Million CAD
2015 Canadian foreign direct investment in Chile:
15,130 Million CAD
GDP/capita: $22197.04 USD, versus $56,115 USD
in the US and $43,248USD in Canada
Ease of doing business ranking (left chart below):
Chile is ranked 57 among 190 economies in the
ease of doing business.
Global competitiveness 2016 ranking (right chart
below): Chile ranks 33rd of 138 markets on level of
productivity & prosperity
•
•
•
57
33
15
22
3
7
Chile
Canada
United States
•
•
•
•
•
Through our representation in Santiago, Chile, we
provide on-the-ground support to Canadian
companies planning on or currently doing business
in Chile. Our regional representatives have
developed strategic relationships with major buyers
in key sectors as well as an extensive network of
local contacts in the market.
EDC is actively pursuing business opportunities in
the Chilean market subject to regular approval
criteria.
Canadian companies assisted: 597
International buyers insured: 371
Business volume supported: 1,757.20 Million CAD
We are well positioned to help Canadian companies
through a range of financing and risk management
services.
Your Regional Manager: Christian Daroch
[email protected]
BRIEFING PACKAGE – SANTIAGO – OTHER INFORMATION
TRAVEL TIPS
• Taxis are the most hassle-free means of
transportation into the city. No tipping required.
• In Santiago the buses are equipped with the “BIP”
system. To ride the bus you must purchase a BIP
card and charge it with money.
• In Chile, some restaurants will include a 10%
gratuity on the bill. 5% should be given directly to
your server in pesos.
• Tap water is safe to drink but many visitors cannot
tolerate the local flora.
• Be prepared to pay to get into public wash rooms.
• Avoid roaming charges. Bring your unlocked
phone and buy a SIM card along with a Chilean
number from an airport kiosk.
• The standard electrical current used in Chile is
220-240 volts with a Euro-plug socket. You will
need a transformer and converter.
IF YOU HAVE SOME FREE TIME
•
•
•
•
If you love skiing and snowboarding you’ll be thrilled to
know that there’s an incredible spot just 90 minutes
outside Santiago – Valle Nevado.
See the impressive views from Costanera Center.
Nearly 1,000 feet (304 m) tall, you’ll enjoy 360-degree
views of the city below, as well as the Andes.
Discover ancient artworks at Museo Chileno de Arte
Precolombino. Admission: CLP 4,500
San Cristobal Hill sits in the middle of Santiago. Hike
or cycle to the 300 meter high summit. There is also a
cable car which stops at different levels of the hill. At
the summit is an impressive snow white 22 meter
statue of the Virgin Mary looking out onto a spectacular
panoramic view of the city; this view is a must see in
Santiago.
San Cristobal Hill
Electrical
Outlet
LOCAL LANGUAGE WORDS AND PHRASES
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
The official language of Chile is Spanish.
Nationwide risk level:
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Chile. Exercise
normal security precautions.
Yes
No
Good morning/
afternoon/
evening
I’m sorry
stop
How much is this?
thank you
you’re welcome
Help!
Hello
I don’t understand
You know?
Si
No
Buenos días
Buenas tardes
Buenas noches
Discúlpame
Detente
Cuánto cuesta esto?
Gracias
De nada
Ayuda
Hola
No entiendo
¿Cachay sabes??
Regions to be avoided:
• Exercise caution when travelling in the Araucanía region,
some Mapuche communities, Chile’s largest indigenous
group, are engaged in a conflict over land and indigenous
rights.
• Demarcated minefields are a danger in remote areas,
including in the northern regions of Arica, Panicota,
Tarapaca and Antofagasta, which are near the borders
with Bolivia and Peru, and in the southern regions of
Magallanes and Antártica, near the border with
Argentina.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada Travel
Advisory page https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile or
https://goo.gl/fZvCm1.
*Disclaimer
The information contained within this booklet is intended to convey high level business and travel information for the Chilean market, but should be used only as a
starter guide. For more detailed information, please contact the consulate or trade commissioner service. Please send over any feedback that you may have to
[email protected]. This package was updated on 04/05/2017.