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FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR TRIP

Official travel advice is available by calling 04 439 8000 or visiting www.safetravel.govt.nz

Chile is a modern country linked to a wide variety of international markets, providing for a broad and varied assortment of international "modern" goods available in its malls and shops, without forgetting its past or its culture. In most places you will therefore be able to find "artesanias" as well as local markets selling handmade local products, ranging from woodwork and pottery to the world renowned alpaca sweaters and jumpers and beautifully made silver and Lapis Lazuli jewellery all with a distinct Andean style, for very reasonable prices. In contrast to many other places these handmade products are primarily meant for the local market and widely used by the Chileans themselves rather than being mass produced "tourist quality" souvenirs and good buys can often be found in the most unlikely places.

Generally, traditional street front shops are open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday with some also open on the weekend. Larger shopping malls are open every day between 11am to 10pm.

Chilean etiquette does not differ very much from that of Western societies. Although Chileans are in general less formal than other Latin Americans, they definitively follow certain rules in social gatherings. During formal occasions people shake hands in a restrained way, while good  friends may shake hands and embrace.

Chilean women normally salute acquaintances (both male and female) with one kiss on the right cheek. Chileans commonly use the formal "you" (usted) to address persons, independently of the interlocutor's social status. Also parents-in-law are respectfully addressed with usted and with  don or doña before their Christian name. The informal "you" (tú) is largely used between people who know each other very well and among youngsters, but it is avoided when one speaks to an elder. Chileans are generally quite punctual for their business appointments.

When invited into a home for dinner, however, it is expected that the guest will not show up before some twenty minutes after the agreed time. Chileans are quite restrained in public spaces and restaurants and it is particularly bad form to talk too loudly. Waiters are called "señor" and are addressed in formal "you" form. It is also considered imprudent to talk about the authoritarian past, Pinochet, the armed forces, and the like in social gatherings, as Chileans are quite divided on these sensitive subjects.

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a travellers individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor on (+64) 9 373 3531. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for travellers to Chile. Vaccination against Hepatitis B should be considered by frequent or long stay travellers. Vaccination against Typhoid should be considered particularly when travelling to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Cholera is reported in Chile, but immunisation is usually not recommended. Care with food and beverage selection is far more important than vaccination. Please consult a medical practitioner or contact The Travel Doctor for your specific risk to these preventable diseases and the appropriate avoidance measures. New Zealanders travelling to Chile should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover the length of their stay. Medications that are legal in New Zealand may be illegal in other countries. 

Electrical Plug Type: European (C) and Italian (L)

Voltage: 220V

Modem Plug: USA

Country Code for Chile: +56

Visa Global Assistance: 1230 020 2136

Emergency Services: Ambulance - 131 Fire - 132 Police - 133
These services may not have English speaking staff. To avoid delay it may be best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to call the emergency services.

Tipping is not compulsory in Chile. Tipping is a very personal matter and should only be considered when the staff have gone above and beyond for you. However it is common at restaurants and bars. 10% of the total bill is the usual tip and sometimes the tip is included or suggested in the total bill, but it depends entirely if you are satisfied with the service provided.
 
Should you feel you would like to acknowledge their service, the recommended tip for a Guide is USD $15 per person, per day and $5 per person, per day for a Driver. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped however if you have heavy luggage and good service is provided, tips are often given, and they appreciate the fare being rounded up. Hotel room service is not tipped, but cleaning service is left a generous tip when leaving. If staying at an all-inclusive hotel a package tip of $20-$30 USD per person, per day is suggested, to be distributed amongst the hotel staff members such as guides, drivers, waiters and maids.

Travelling in Chile is easy, comfortable and, compared with Europe or North America, inexpensive. Most Chileans travel by bus, and it’s a reliable, affordable option. However, internal flights are best for covering long distances. The country has a good road network, and driving is a quick, relatively stress-free way of getting around. Chile’s rail network has fallen into decline and only limited services are available. South of Puerto Montt, ferry services provide a slow but scenic way of travelling as far as Puerto Natales.

Spanish is the official language, although some other dialects are still spoken by indigenous communities, such as the Mapuches, Aymaras and Rapa Nuis.