Chile is a delightful place to visit. But like any place you go to your visit will be a lot smoother and definitely more enjoyable if you come prepared. Here are some of the things that most tourists don’t know about Chile that actually do matter. Read along and hopefully after reading the tips below you’ll be better prepared to have wonderful time in Chile.
Entry Requirements – Be sure to bring your valid passport and tourist visa as well as any legal documents or certificates related to your visit to Chile since legal requirements can be pretty complex in this country. This is especially true if you do not know Spanish.
Customs – This portion is not about Chile’s culture and traditions but CUSTOMS as in custom requirements. Many a tourist has been put on the spot simply because they did not know what is legal and not-legal to bring in and out of the country.
The short list of things you CAN’T BRING should help you:
- Fruit, seeds, unprocessed vegetables
- Animals and animal products (with the exemption of pets with distemper and rabies vaccine)
- Firearms, munitions, explosives
- Illegal drugs of any kind
The following items can be brought into Chile but must be declared at the Customs Service and should be used solely for personal purposes and should be brought home upon exit of the country.
- Cameras and camcorders
- Portable typewriters, laptops, etc
- Record players and records, portable radios, etc.
- Binoculars and sporting equipment
- Camping equipment
- Vehicles (but can be used for up to 90 days only starting from date of entry)
Communication –
Post Office – open from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm; Saturdays 9am to 12 noon
Calls – Local, long distance, and international calls can be made using public telephones or in call centers. You will need to either purchase a card to make the call or have at least several $100 coins in hand. The ENTEL card is the most widely used card and can be used even in the more rural areas. You can also place a call via the hotel phone for an additional fee.
Mobile Phones – You can purchase a mobile phone for about Ch$30,000 and 90,000 or hire one for a cheaper price if you are not staying for very long but need the convenience a mobile phone brings.
Internet – There are plenty of internet cafes in the city and unsurprisingly less in rural areas. Most hotels offer internet access with the rates varying from Ch$300 to $600 per hour.
Safety – For a safer travel please take note of the following information.
- Do not wear flashy jewelry and make sure that your valuables are safe inside your bags and not hanging out in side pockets.
- Do not change money in the streets but go to your hotel front desk or an authorized exchange office.
- Avoid vehicle theft by using only recognized garages for repairs, never giving your keys to parking attendants, and by making sure you have a security system installed in it.
In case of any emergencies or untoward incidents you can call the following numbers:
Ambulance emergency service 131
Fire brigade 132
Police (Carabienos de Chile) 133
Mountain Rescue service 136
Police information 139