* Safety: Generally, Chile is a safe destination, but areas like downtown Santiago and Valparaiso can get a bit hectic. To stay secure, avoid showing off your phone or other valuables in public. Be extra cautious with your belongings on the metro, and solo travelers should aim to be back at their hotels before sunset. As you move further east in Santiago, the neighborhoods become more affluent and modern, offering a safer and more upscale environment 🏙
* Entry: All visitors to Chile must complete an online customs declaration (SAG Affidavit) before boarding their flight. Upon successful submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation, which should be kept safe. ⚠️ Special Note ⚠️ If you’re planning to visit Easter Island, you must also complete an online registration for entry to the island before boarding.
After submitting, you’ll receive an email confirmation that should be kept safe as well. Without a round-trip ticket to Easter Island within 30 days and proof of SERNATUR certified hotel booking, you will not be allowed to board 🗿
* Customs: Upon arrival, you will receive a white slip from customs containing your personal information, flight details, entry date, and duration of stay. This document must be kept until your departure from Chile, when it will be reclaimed by customs. You will need this slip along with your passport for all hotel check-ins. ⚠️ Before boarding a flight to Easter Island, you will also receive a white slip allowing you to board, which will be checked and collected at the gate 👮🏽♂️
* Language: English proficiency in Chile is relatively low, with less than 10% of the population speaking it. Knowing Spanish is a huge advantage, but if you don’t, using gestures and simple English can still help. While Chileans may not be overly effusive, they are generally friendly and willing to assist ✌🏻
* Currency: The Chilean Peso comes in large denominations, with the smallest banknote being 1000 and the largest coin 500. Most items cost at least 3000 Pesos, so be mindful and calculate carefully. Credit cards are widely accepted, but often come with high fees. Not all airports offer currency exchange, and the rates at Santiago airport tend to be lower than in the city center, so plan accordingly 🤑
* Transportation: Chile boasts some of the best public transportation and road systems in South America. However, as you venture south towards Patagonia, you’ll encounter more gravel roads, so choose your vehicle wisely if driving. The Santiago metro is both convenient and affordable, and metro cards bought at stations can also be used on buses.
There’s a direct bus from the airport to the city that connects with the metro, costing less than $5, while a taxi would set you back $35-50. Cities and towns are well-connected by long-distance buses, offering both regular and premium seating options. Ride-hailing apps are available and usually cheaper than taxis, but they are illegal at the airport 🙅🏻♀️
* Airlines: For a top-notch flying experience, LATAM, the national airline of Chile and the largest in South America, is highly recommended. Though prices are higher, the reputation, service, food, safety, punctuality, and comfort are excellent, making it a worthwhile choice ✌🏻
* Food: In Chile, the daily culinary journey is divided into four delightful meals. Breakfast, typically enjoyed between 9 and 10 AM, kickstarts the day. Lunch, a hearty affair, is served from 2 to 4 PM. Tea time, a charming tradition, takes place between 6 and 8 PM, offering a perfect mid-evening break. Dinner, the final feast, is usually savored between 9 and 11 PM. Most local eateries adhere to these timings, though many close earlier on Sundays.
While tap water is generally safe to drink, its high mineral content can be a bit much for those with sensitive stomachs and may not be the best for your skin. If you prefer non-carbonated bottled water, be sure to specify this when placing your order.
Chile boasts the world’s longest coastline, making its seafood some of the freshest and most delectable you’ll ever taste. Don’t miss out on this oceanic bounty! 😋
@TravelPotato @OutdoorPotato
