Useful information
Transportation
Santiago has a subway system (called Metro) that covers a large part of the city. It is a fast and safe
way to get around. To use the subway it is required to buy a ticket or a reloadable card (BIP card) at
the ticket offices located at each subway station.
Public transportation includes the combination of bus and subway. However, it may be difficult for a
tourist use buses due to lack of knowledge of routes, frequencies and stops. In case of using a bus,
it is necessary to use the same BIP card as for the subway (bus tickets cannot be paid in cash).
Santiago's taxis are black with yellow roofs, orange license plates and have a taximeter in view of the
passenger. There are also „radiotaxis‟ that may be of different colors, also with orange license
plates. Unlike the common taxis, the radiotaxis belong to companies that control them. However, it
is recommended when using a taxi that it be requested by the hotel.
Security
Santiago is a city that worries public safety level. However, as other big cities in the world, it is
recommended follow some tips:
Take care of personal objects in places with crowds.
Watch your backpacks or bags, and anything of value in the outside pockets.
It is recommended to be careful when using jewelry or electronic devices, like
cameras, video cameras, iPods, notebooks, etc.
In order to avoid any inconvenience, watch your belongings in restaurants, pubs and
entertainment places.
Remember not to exchange dollars or another currency in the street. You should use
authorized exchange places.
If you have an incident of this nature, call 133, police emergency number of Chile. In Chile, police are
called “Carabineros”.
Currency and Tipping
Chile's currency is the peso.
There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos. And there are bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000,
10,000 and 20,000 pesos.
One U.S. dollar equals about 500 pesos and one euro equals about 640 pesos.
See current dolar (in Spanish)
Tipping is optional on all restaurant services. However, 10% is what is usually recommended.
Visas and documents
To enter Chile, you must present identification documents (identity card or passport) and stamped
visa (depending on country of origin).
South American citizens and citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada and Australia
do not need a tourist visa.
However, some countries have to pay a cash fee (reciprocity tax) at the airport in Chile:
•
Americans: fee of USD$ 140.
•
Canadians: fee of USD $ 132.
•
Australians: fee of USD $ 95.
•
Mexicans: fee of USD $ 23.
•
Albanians: fee of USD $ 30.
Tourists from the European Union and New Zealand do not have to pay a fee to enter the
country.
Tourists are given a 90 day permit when entering the country, renewable for another 90 days.
See more information
Office Hours
Offices are open to the public from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Banks are open Monday
through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00.
Money Exchange Houses are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 18:00.
Stores attend the public from 10:00 to 20:00. Most stores are closed during holidays.
Malls are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 21:00.
Health and emergencies
Vaccines: Currently no vaccinations or medical exams are required to enter Chile.
Water: In general the water is perfectly safe to drink. However, we suggest drinking mineral
water.
In case of an earthquake, try to stay calm. When inside buildings, try to stay away from windows,
mirrors and objects that could break loose from the walls. Also, try to stay away from furniture or
objects that could tip over. Look for strong structures, for example try to go under a table or bed,
under the threshold of a door, next to a pillar, a bearing wall or a corner, and protect your head.
Never rush to the exit or use the elevators. If you are in the street stay away from power lines,
cornices, windows and watch out for falling roof tiles.
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 133
Fire:
132
Police:
133
Electricity and communications
Electric current in Chile is 220 Volts and 50 Hertz.
Although 3-prong plug adapters are not commonly used, 2-prong plug converters can be
purchased at any store that sells electrical parts.
Communications are vast and varied in the country: public, mobile and satellite telephones are
available. There is broadband Internet access in almost all parts of the country and WiFi in the
main cities.
Links of Interest
Santiago International Airport
Useful Information for smokers (in Spanish)