Chile is as a very interesting place to visit full of surprising things for the usual tourist. Some of the “cultural oddities” in Chile might seems funny, some bizarre, and some not really that surprising. But whatever your reaction to the “cultural oddities” of Chileans you might as well come prepared to make sure you don’t commit and faux pas or simply end up like the ignorant foreigner that you are in that instance.
Some cultural facts you might be interested in knowing:
- Chileans eat four meals a day so find out the set meal times in your hotel because you might miss meals if they follow Chilean custom. Breakfast is served depending on how early one wakes up, lunch is served between 1 to 3pm, afternoon tea is served between 5 to 7pm, and dinner served starting 9pm till about midnight.
- Easter and Christmas holidays are the considered to be the most important holidays in the country. Most holidays in Chile are religious in nature reflecting the fact that religion is taken very seriously by Chileans who are predominantly Roman Catholic.
- Chileans are fond of their slang so that a thesaurus might do you no good with the direct translation. For example if someone greets you with a “¡Chao pescado!” don’t go looking for a fish since the person is simply saying goodbye or see you later.
- Even Spanish speaking foreigners might still have a hard time with the language barrier in Chile due the noted difference in pronunciation of some consonants as well as the frequent dropping of final syllables and “s” sounds. Not to mention the rather frequent use of slang mentioned above.
- In Chile a ring on the right means engaged and a ring on the left hand means married.
- Family is very important in the Chilean culture so much so that when family and business is intertwined (which it more often than not is) then nepotism is almost a given and is even seen by most as a positive thing.
- Class structure in Chile is determined by ones financial status with most of the wealthy families nowadays being the same old land owning families of the older Chile. The middle class has recently developed and now makes up the bulk of the Chilean population.
- Social ranking is determined by ones class, which is why appearances (in dress and manner) are very important in Chile so as to present one’s self in the best way possible and so look like you belong to in a better class or at least of your own class. This is of course true not only in Chile.
- Chileans are very relaxed and affectionate people towards close friends and family but can be quite formal and uncomfortable with mere acquaintances. To avoid any breach of custom head on to the Top Etiquette Tips in Chile Section of this website and learn more about how to behave in the country you are visiting.