South America Ten Foot Square

Chile is thankfully not full of incomprehensible and unspoken etiquette guidelines that baffle the visitor. Instead most of the general etiquette and customs you need to take note of simply takes a little common sense. Of course there are a few things that aren’t nearly as common though none of them are really that hard to remember.

For an enjoyable vacation free of embarrassing etiquette mistakes here’s a list of some basic etiquette and customs you should remember:

When Meeting or Greeting Chileans:

1. Men usually shake hands while women give each other a pat on the shoulder or right forearm.
2. It is good manners to greet the other person with a “Buenos Dias” or “Buenos Noches” depending on the time of the day.
3. Chileans are affectionate and are known for embracing (for men) and giving each other a peck on the cheek (for women) when they greet each other but this is only among close friends. DO NOT assume such familiarity with them unless they make the first move.
4. Use the father’s surname when addressing someone. This is the first and not the second surname listed when a person’s name is listed down.
5. DO NOT automatically go to first name basis unless asked to by your host always use the person’s title or honorific. In case you don’t know the title you can always use Señor or Señora.
6. As always simply use your common sense to know what level of formality you should use. Just take your host’s cue and you should be alright.

When Giving/Receiving Gifts:

1. When invited into a home for a social visit it is good manners to send flowers in advance. However NEVER send yellow flowers since they are a sign of contempt or purple and black flowers since they signify death.
2. When you get there bring your hostess a gift of sweets like chocolates or wine or something from your own country.
3. When giving gifts to anybody for any occasion NEVER give scissors or knives since it means that you want to cut off your ties with them.
4. Birthday gifts are expected though a special gift of gold jewelry should be given to a 15 year old celebrant (if a girl).
   Christmas gifts are also expected.
5. Chileans open the gifts right away and would expect you to open any gift you receive in front of them.

When Dining:

1. Dining etiquette can be formal in Chile though the degree of formality varies from family to family. So again in this case observe and use your common sense to know how to act when dining with a group of people.
2. Wait for the hostess’ invitation to start the meal and wait to be shown your seat.
3. Women always sit down before men.
4. Do not leave unfinished food in your plate if possible so get small portions to ensure you finish everything off.
5. Do not drink until the host has made the first toast.
6. The common toast in Chile is “Salud!”