Welcome to Chile by AUSCHAM

Welcome to Chile Information for Australians

By AUSCHAM

Welcome to Chile Index 1. Banking / Money 2. Basic Services 3. Car Insurance 4. Car Accident Information 5. Churches 6. Cinemas / Live Theatres 7. Climate 8. Clothing 9. Customs and Manners 10. Driver’s License 11. Electricity 12. Entry / Airport / Departure 13. Ground Transport 14. Health 15. Hotels / Apart hotels 16. Local Airlines 17. Medical Information / Private and Public Hospitals 18. Museums / Art Galleries 19. Public Holidays 20. Pubs / Clubs 21. Real Estate Agencies 22. Rent a Car 23. Restaurants 24. Schools 25. Shopping 26. Time 27. Tour Agencies 28. Useful local Telephone numbers 29. Veterinarians 30. Visas / Australian Embassy in Chile

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Welcome to Chile 1. Banking / Money The banking industry in Chile provides world class bank services and allows electronic money transfers. Your home bank may be very helpful in setting up your financial needs in Chile. Be sure to confirm the necessary PIN numbers and any other instructions before departure. Setting up accounts In order to open a local cheque account, you will need several documents as follows: 1. RUT or tax identification number 2. Carnet de Identidad or ID card or Passport 3. Evidence of solvency in the form of a permanent job contract, salary slips, a letter from the employer, or a form indicating net worth. A recommendation from an international bank may be dispensed with some of the above requirements. The period of time necessary to establish an account ranges from 2 to 20 days. Those under 18 years of age or unemployed will need authorization from a parent or working spouse to guarantee funds in the account. Overdrawing your account in Chile is illegal. There are no cheque guarantee arrangements. When paying by cheque, you are usually asked for your RUT and your telephone number. A minimum balance in the account may avoid account maintenance fees. However, there is a government tax levied on each chequebook. In addition, there is an annual fee charged to obtain cash with teller cards, although the cards are issued at no cost by most banks and can be utilized nationwide at 24hour ATMs. Be particularly careful with your chequebook. It is used for many transactions, and unauthorized persons can use cheques like cash. In case of theft, notify the police and your bank as soon as possible; they will advise you what specific actions to take. BEWARE: Sometimes the last one or two cheques (or middle cheques), are stolen from your chequebook, so you only find out towards finishing a book. When you get a new chequebook, it is a good idea to always cross out the words “LA ORDEN DE” and “O AL PORTADOR”, which requires the person cashing it to identify him/herself and stops the recipient endorsing the cheque to another party, and wherever possible, cross the cheque with two paralel lines which requires the cheque to be deposited in a bank account. Savings accounts To open a savings account, you will need to present only your personal data and RUT or Passport. Minimum deposits vary from bank to bank and may be Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

opened either in Chilean pesos or U.S. dollars. Rates are quoted at a monthly rate for the Chilean peso and at an annual rate for the U.S. dollar. There are savings institutions that often offer higher interest rates for term deposits, but these institutions are considered slightly less secure than banks. Electronic fund transfers Most international banks offer automatic electronic fund transfer between international banks. Funds can be transferred via telex from Chile to another country. Most banks can arrange this service; the transfer typically takes 48 hours. Telex charges and bank commissions are incurred. Personal Income Taxes During the first three years of residence in Chile, foreigners are subject to tax only on their Chilean-source income. This period may be extended for another three years. Foreigners are considered residents if they reside in Chile for more than six months in one calendar year, or for more than six months within two consecutive assessment years. Thereafter, resident foreigners are taxed on all source income. Taxable income includes remuneration from any source. Personal income tax rates are progressive and range from 0 percent to 40%. Capital gains on sales of personal property not used in connection with a trade or business are exempt from taxation. Real estate, unless the transaction is considered constant or sustained through time or has occurred within one year of acquiring the property, is also exempt from taxation. Those capital gains not exempt are taxed as ordinary income. Capital gains from stock or other investments, if not considered habitual, are taxed at a flat rate of 15 percent. Social security tax is paid at the basic rate of 20 percent. Chile does exempt expatriates from paying into the social security fund if their own country's social security system is similar to Chile's. Personal allowances and deductions are minimal. Spouses are taxed separately on their personal income, while married couples without separate incomes are taxed jointly. Employers withhold taxes from the salaries of employees. In March of each year, taxpayers must submit to the SII/ Servicio de Impuestos Internos, a detailed list of all taxes withheld. Yearly returns must be filed by April 30 of each year for income of the preceding calendar year. A single form is provided by the SII. All supporting documents should be retained by the taxpayer for possible future review. Taxes are payable in local currency at the time the tax form is submitted. Money The official currency in Chile is called Peso, whose symbol is the same as the dollar sign. Denominations are: coins $1 (rarely used), $5, $10, $50, $100, and $500 and bank notes: $500 (almost never seen today), $1.000, $5.000 and $10.000. (Note the use of a dot to indicate thousands.) MonseĂąor EscrivĂĄ de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 536 pesos. This rate is pretty stable, so you can expect to get between $ 570 to $590 for US$1.00. If you come from abroad, bring US dollars with you. Other currencies can only be traded in downtown Santiago during business hours. If you bring Chilean pesos it is very likely that the rate of exchange will be very bad. While trading in US dollars is legal, very few shops take them. (They do in the airport, many hotels, travel agencies, and other touristic sites.) US dollars can be changed freely in money exchange booths (open during business hours, Mon. to Fri.), travel agencies, and hotels. You can also buy some pesos at the airport, in the baggage claim area. In addition, some shopping malls have an exchange booth which opens every day and buys US dollars at a reduced rate: use them only for small amounts. Because 1 peso is of such small value, no decimals are ever used in prices. Unless otherwise specified, prices shown in stores include VAT (Value-added Tax, or in Spanish IVA, Impuesto al Valor Agregado).

A veinte mil pesos note

A diez mil pesos note

MonseĂąor EscrivĂĄ de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

A cinco mil pesos note

A dos mil pesos note

A mil pesos note

2. Basic Services Water Santiago has different companies that distribute water all over the city. It depends where you are located. You have to contact the company to inform them that you are moving to a specific address, so the bill for the address you moved from no longer has your name on it and therefore cannot be charged to you. You have to check the meter to take note of the numbers from the day your consumption starts, and ensure that the last water invoice had been paid by the previous resident. MonseĂąor EscrivĂĄ de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Gas Almost every house or apartment in Chile is connected to Metrogas, otherwise, check if the property is still working with the traditional balloon gas of 45 kilograms; which you can call to request to Abastible (800 20 9000 or www.abastible.cl) or Gasco (800 530 800). If you are connected to Metrogas, the first thing you have to do is to check the metre in order to verify connection from the day your consumption starts at the residence, when you start to pay, similar to the water and light situation. Electricity Chilectra (www.chilectra.cl) is the company in charge of the electricity distribution in Santiago. The same situation that we explained for water and gas applies with lighting and electricity. It is important to check the metre in order to verify the reading since that is when your consumption starts and check that the last water invoice had been paid by the previous resident. Pay TV / Internet / Phone It is usually convenient to hire these three services together. The companies that offer this service are: - Telefonica (www.telefonica.cl) - GTD Manquehue (www.gtdmanquehue.cl) - VTR (www.vtr.cl) Internet cafés and Call Centres with this service are distributed throughout many shopping centres and most towns and cities in Chile and usually give fast good quality computer Internet contact (sometimes with audio/video contact), at very low rates – 300 to 600 pesos an hour – USD 0.50 to USD 1.00 approx. Printing and Scanning of documents are often available too. Cell Phones There are three main companies in Chile for cell phone services, which are: - Entel PCS (www.entelpcs.cl) - Movistar (www.movistar.cl) - Claro (www.claro.cl) Cell phones for rent It is possible to rent these with Entel PCS, or Chilecellrent.com. Also, if you prefer to use your own mobile, you can rent just the Sim Card (it must be GSM 1900 mobile) at Entel.

3. Car Insurance If you buy a car the easiest thing to do is to accept the insurance that the seller offers, but if you prefer to get in contact directly with the companies, here are some options: Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Name Address Consorcio Av. El Bosque Sur 180, Las Condes Falabella Any mall Pro Mapfre Av. Las Condes 12584, Lo Barnechea BCI Av. Manquehue Seguros Norte Nº 1880

Phone (56-2) 7825398

Web page www.consorcio.cl

(502) 390 65 42

www.falabellapro.cl

6007004000

www.mapfreseguros.cl

(56-2) 2186130

www.bciseguros.cl

4. Car Accident Information The first thing to remember about car accidents in Chile is that police do not automatically come to the accident. You have to call them. In calling them, you immediately take the risk that the other party in the accident will leave the scene. If you ever have an accident (car damage only – no injuries), you must get the following information from the driver of the other car: 1. Name of driver 2. Carnet (ID) number of driver 3. Address and phone of driver 4. License number of vehicle 5. Name of his insurance company 6. Time, date and exact location of accident If you do not call the police to the scene of the accident, go immediately to the nearest police station (called “comisaria”) to make a report. Record and save the folio number and paragraph number of the report that you made to the police for legal purposes or insurance. Call your insurance company to ask about their procedures. Both parties to the accident should go to the Comisaria and make the report (“Denuncia”). This may be impossible but in any case at least go yourself. If the other driver is not willing to go, record the name, address and phone number, take note of the number plate and see if there are any witnesses to get his/her promise that he will provide a statement if necessary. Important: It is not uncommon for drivers in Chile to be without insurance. This situation is very common with taxi drivers who assume that your insurance will cover the damage to both cars. Be sure that you have all the insurance necessary and that you completely understand the policy conditions. Accidents involving serious injury or death: should a death be involved, it is the law in Chile that the driver is arrested. The body will not be moved until a Judge visits the scene. In the event of a serious injury, the driver may be Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

detained until a doctor announces that the injured person will recover. If there is an injured party do not transport them to the hospital in your car, wait for an ambulance to do so. If they die in your car on the wait to the hospital you may be held liable.

5. Anglican Churches Iglesia de Providencia Reverendo Enrique Lago Holanda 151, Providencia (Metro Tobalaba) www.lap.cl Iglesia La Trinidad Rvdo. Alfredo Cooper - Rvdo. Juan Luis Navarro Nuestra Señora del Rosario 565, Las Condes 2117909 www.latrinidad.cl

6. Cinemas / Live Theatres Most malls in Chile will include a cinema and information can therefore be found in the details under ‘Shopping Malls’ in this document. The following is a selective list of Live Theatres in Santiago, many of which can be found in Bellavista. Teatro Municipal de Santiago Calle Agustinas 794, Santiago Centro. Ph.(56) (2) 463 10 00 / (56) (2) 463 10 00 Teatro Municipal de Las Condes Av. Apoquindo 6570, Las Condes Ph. (02) 366 9393 / (02) 366 9393 Teatro Bellavista Calle Dardignac 0110, Bellavista. Ph. (56) (2) 735 23 95 / (56) (2) 735 23 95 Teatro Oriente Calle Avenida Pedro de Valdivia 099, Providencia. Ph. (56) - (2) 234 56 37 / (2) 234 56 37 Teatro popular ICTUS (Sala La Comedia) Calle Merced 349, Bellas Artes. Ph. (56) - (2) – 6392101 Teatro Lastarria 90 José Victorino Lastarria 90, Barrio Lastarria. Ph. (56) - (2) 632 74 97 / (2) 632 74 97 Teatro El Conventillo Avenida Bellavista 173, Bellavista. Ph. (56) - (2) 777 41 64 / (2) 777 41 64 Teatro Alcalá Calle Bellavista 97, Bellavista. Ph. (56) - (2) 732 71 61 / (2) 732 71 61 Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Teatro Universidad Católica Calle Jorge Washington 26, . Ph. (56) - (2) 205 56 52 / (2) 205 56 52 Teatro San Ginés Calle Mallinkrodt 76, Bellavista. Ph. (56) - (2) 738 21 59 / (2) 738 21 59 Teatro Teletón Calle Rosas 1531, Santiago Centro. Ph. (56) - (2) 696 51 39 / (2) 696 51 39 Teatro Mori Constitución 183, Providencia. Ph. 777 62 46 Teatro Aparte Ernesto Pinto Laguirre 179, Bellavista. Ph. (56) (2) 7350861

7. Climate Both being in the Southern hemisphere, the seasons in Chile are at the same time of year as Australia and the temperatures are in a similar range, although it can get down to 0°C in Winter in Chile. February is the traditional Summer vacation month in Chile.

8. Clothing During the Chilean Summer (November to March) you should be prepared for warm to hot, dry days and cool nights in Central Chile. Protect yourself adequately against the strong sun with a hat or cap, sun glasses and suncream. For those who continue from here to the South, a warm sweater, a good raincoat and weatherproof shoes are essential. For tourists, the following would only apply for formal occasions (such as concerts, lunch/dinner invitations): Chileans emphasize conventional dress. If you don't want to raise eyebrows in the city, don't wear sandals and shorts. The same is true for too-revealing clothes for women who want to avoid unpleasant catcalls (piropos), from Chilean machos.

9. Customs and Manners Basically, Chileans appreciate politeness and certain phrases, even though as a foreigner, you will enjoy a certain gringo/a bonus. The greetings take some getting used to. Men shake hands with each other, while men and women as well as women among each other will give a little peck on the right cheek, even among strangers, who can also add shaking hands to that. Same goes for saying good-bye.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

What you should say is Buenos días (until noon), Buenas tardes (noon to approx. 8 PM) , and Buenas noches (starting at approx. 8 PM), to take your leave, say Hasta luego or Adios. When turning down an offer, always say No, gracias; just Gracias will usually be taken to mean consent (Sí, gracias). For appointments you usually have about 15 minutes "wriggle room". Long distance buses and planes are usually on time. Little things such as long hair and earrings in men, short skirts, unshaved legs and armpits in women, as well as insufficient deodorant are equally repulsive to the spiffy Chileans. At work, dress is formal and, in most offices, ties are required. However, people will quickly make the transition from the more formal address “usted” to the more casual “tú” with colleagues and acquaintances, except in very formal contexts, and especially young people (up to about 35 years of age), are not very likely to be addressed with “usted”. When in doubt, it is safer to stick with the more formal (usted), especially with older people. Chileans are very hospitable towards most foreigners. If possible, do not turn down invitations.

10. Driver’s License An international driver’s license is allowed for tourists in Chile, and must be secured in your home country. It is available through major automobile associations. Temporary or permanent residents should have a Chilean national driving license. To obtain a Chilean license, go to the office of the “Dirección del Tránsito” in your municipality and take the following documents: 1. ID card (Carnet de Identidad) 2. RUT 3. Passport 4. A valid license from Australia 5. Two passport photos (if you use glasses, be sure that you are wearing them in the photograph) 6. “Certificado de Antecedentes”, certifying that you have not had any previous traffic violations or serious accidents (this is available at police stations or Comisarias) 7. Cash (cheques are not accepted) You will be required to take a sight and hearing test, as well as a driving test in your own car, and a written test in Spanish. Once you have successfully passed these tests, you will be given a Certificado de Registro that must be taken to the Registro Nacional de Conductores to enter it in the National Register.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

11. Electricity The voltage is 220 V / 50Hz, and appliances also need an adapter (adaptador), to plug into Chilean sockets, which can be found in supermarkets or specialty stores. Australian 240 V appliances can be used in Chile.

12. Entry / Airport / Departure Entry Australians are required to pay US$ 56 a reciprocity tax on entering the airport. When you disembark the aeroplane in Santiago, signs will lead you to Customs – as you enter the large room where people are lined up waiting to pass through Customs, there is a permanent kiosk (stand), where you can pay this fee, before you get in line for Customs. Chilean Tourism Card A Chilean Tourist Card Application (which is valid for 90 days), will be handed out by your air-carrier during your flight to Chile. You must fill out the application and present it with your passport to Chilean Immigration upon arrival into Santiago. Immigration will take one copy of the Tourist Card and leave you with another which you must keep with your passport and present to Immigration when you leave Chile. Loss of your tourist card may result in a penalty upon departure. Customs Generally, foreign tourists pass through Chilean customs smoothly. There are specific limitations for the following items: 400 cigarettes, tobacco 500 g, 50 large cigars, or 50 small cigars, 2 litres of alcohol, and a reasonable quantity of perfume. Expensive electronic equipment, such as cameras or laptops computer, must be declared and should be accompanied by a copy of the receipt and a simple list noting serial number. In order to avoid import taxes you may need to prove that upon departure you are taking these items home. Prohibited items include: live animal products, some (untreated) wooden products, meat, flowers, fruit and vegetables. Carry-on restrictions Each airline has its own specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. Please be sure to contact your airlines directly with any question you may have. Nevertheless, refrain from carrying scissors, knives, aerosols or sprays or clippers in your carry-on luggage. Currency rules Currency Import regulation, local currency (Chilean pesos) and foreign currencies: no restrictions up to US$ 10,000. However, amounts (or

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

coins/valuables of that value) exceeding US$ 10,000 must be declared. The same goes for Currency Export. Airport Name: “Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport” Location: the airport is situated 13 miles (21 km), North West of Santiago, about 30 minutes’ travel time from the city centre. Contact: (56-2) 6901752/3 Transfer to the city Several bus services leave regularly for the city centre. Official airport taxis are also available from outside international and domestic arrivals. Airport Shuttle: Safe and comfortable vans run from door to door taking several people to their requested address for USD 11.00 each. This service can also be requested by phone for pick-ups from your Santiago address when leaving by plane: phone 777 77 07. For two people, a taxi can be cheaper per person (negotiate the price beforehand). Airport buses run between the airport and Metro Los Héroes (about USD 1.50). Going to the Airport During rush hour (7.00am-10.00am, 5.00pm-8.00pm) you should allow for up to one hour in travel time. Parking is available 24 hours a day. Departure Taxes A domestic airport tax of US$ 8 is charged when flying within the country. A departure tax of US$ 26 is due upon leaving Chile for another county. Departure tax is usually included in the ticket price.

13. Ground Transport Taxis Taking a taxi is safe and relatively cheap. The black cars with their yellow roofs can be hailed anywhere. In Santiago, there is a base price of 200 pesos (USD 0.40) plus from 90 to 100 pesos for each 200 m driven (or per minute when waiting). The rates are posted on the windscreen; the metre has to be where you can see it. For longer hauls or cross-country, you can negotiate a price beforehand. You can request a radiotaxi by phone to pick you up from your place (Yellow Pages under "Taxis"). See also Colectivos, Airport Shuttle. Name

Telephone

Radiotaxi San Cristobal Radiotaxi Providencia

(56-2) 556 6241 (56-2) 2090445

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Radiotaxi Santa María Radiotaxi Nueva Bilbao Radiotaxi Barrio Oriente Radiotaxi La Capital Radiotaxi Monumental Radiotaxi Andes Pacífico

(56-2) 222 3232 (56-2) 278 9587 (56-2) 7446089 (56-2) 6291385 (56-2) 687 3752 (56-2) 2040530

*When calling at night be sure to do it in advance because teenagers usually use this kind of transportation to move from discos or parties. Notes: Tipping taxii drivers is not customary. You cannot rely on some driver's sense of orientation, often they barely know their their way around. The more you know about how to get to your destination, the better. Sometimes when they see you are from another country they try to take advantage and may charge you more. Map of Santiago

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Colectivos These reasonably-priced group taxis run their fixed routes indicated on the signs on their roofs. They usually wait at the metro stations in Santiago, or at other central locations and leave when there is a minimum of passengers. In other cities, they operate like buses. A colectivo can also be stopped anywhere along the way. At night, they will take you to specific addresses for an additional fee, and as long as it is close to their route (a domicilio). Driving in Santiago Santiago traffic is not easy to drive in and is not for inexperienced drivers, as there are many difficulties present due to aggressive Chilean drivers, highpaced traffic and complicated street layouts. It's important to plan any route you have to drive beforehand. Santiago's streets are confusing, poorly sign-posted, and often strewn with pot-holes. On some of the major thoroughfares, the driving direction will change depending on rush hour traffic and on days with smog warning levels of Pre-emergencia or Emergencia, even vehicles with catalytic converters can be banned from driving depending on their license plate numbers (announced in the media). In cities, the speed limit is 60 km/h, and on the highway it is 120 km/h. Speeds are checked often, especially on highways and freeways, as speeding is a major traffic infraction. Gas (93, 95 or 97 octane) is about USD 1.00 per litre, and it gets more expensive the further you are from the capital. On the major roads leading out of Santiago as well as on some parts of the Panamericana highway, you have to pay toll at a station (approx. USD 3.00, double that on weekends). The Panamericana is currently being expanded North and South of Santiago to turn it into a modern two-to-three-lane freeway with the addition of more toll stations. Before you drive off into the unknown, it's a good idea to inquire about road conditions. Most secondary roads are not paved, and gravel roads of widely varying quality can deteriorate, especially after long rains. Less experienced drivers should be particularly cautious on such roads. It is a good idea to carry a spare tyre for longer tours on gravel. When parking the vehicle, make sure that nothing left is visible from the outside, especially in cities. The informal and semi-formal parking lot attendants cannot always be trusted. Find secure parking for your car at night. Important: always carry car documents, passport and driver's license with you! If you have questions or run into problems, contact one of the numerous police stations. Subway / Metro Santiago's fast, clean and safe Metro has no reason to hide compared to the undergrounds of the world, but so far, there are only five lines. The main line (1) runs modern French trains along the central East-West axis, Alameda Providencia - Apoquindo serving the Centre as well as the newer business districts of Providencia and Las Condes. At Los HĂŠroes, Baquedano, and Tobalaba stops, you can change to one of the other lines connecting the MonseĂąor EscrivĂĄ de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Southern parts of the city to the Centre. A single ticket is between 450 and 580 pesos (USD 0.85 - 0.95) depending on time of day; there are single and double tickets (boleto valor, USD 5.00) all of which include transfers.

Transantiago Transantiago is the public transport system that serves Santiago. The system combines local (feeder) bus lines, main bus lines and the Metro (subway) network. It includes an integrated fare system, which allows passangers to make bus to bus or bus to metro transfer for the price of one ticket, using a single contactless smartcard (tarjeta bip). This card is used in buses and metro as a prepaid card. Without this card with pre-paid credit available, it is not possible to get on buses. You can obtain this card at any MonseĂąor EscrivĂĄ de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Metro station or at stands called “PuntoBIP!”, which you can find around the city (you can find all of them at http://www.tarjetabip.cl/donde-cargar-ptocarga.php#comunas).

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

14. Health In Chile there is no need to fear any specific health hazards. No special vaccines are necessary; there is no malaria or cholera. It is, however, advisable to update one's standard protection against typhoid, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, and tetanus. Naturally, beware of tap water, raw vegetables and fish or other seafood, raw eggs, and food offered in the streets. Wash and/or peel all fruit and vegetables carefully. Besides the hazards of certain high risk sports there are two dangers to your health that lurk in a comparatively tiny format: catching hantavirus, and insect bites. In Chile, there are two poisonous spiders, and North of Talca, there is the vinchuca bug that can transmit the Chagas disease. There are no dangerous animals of prey or snakes. You should also be aware of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes.

15. Hotels / Apart hotels Hotels Name

Address

Ritz

El Alcalde (56-2) 15, Las 4708500 Cones

http://www.ritz carlton.com/e n/Properties/S antiago/Defaul t.htm

Hyatt

Av. (56-2) Kennedy 9501234 4601, Las Condes

http://santiago 245 .grand.hyatt.cl /hyatt/hotels/in dex.jsp

(56-2) 4262000

www.santiago marriott.com

185

(56-2) 2335000

www.sheraton .cl

180

(56-2) 2036000

www.radisson. 175 cl

Marriott

Sheraton Cristóbal

Radisson

Av. Kennedy 5741, Las Condes San Santa María 1742, Providenci a Av. Vitacura 2610, Las

Phone

Web page

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Rate double (US$) 285

Class ificati on 5

Crowne Plaza

Condes Alameda 136

(56-2) 6855000

www.crownepl 165 aza.cl

Park Av. Ricardo Lyon 207, Providenci a Intercontinental Vitacura 2885, Vitacura

(56-2) 3724000

www.santiago parkplaza.cl

160

(56-2) 3942000

www.interconti 158 nentalsantiago .cl

Kennedy

Av. Kennedy 4570, Las Condes Plaza San Alameda Francisco 816

(56-2) 2908100

www.hotelken nedy.cl

145

(56-2) 6393832

www.plazasan 135 francisco.cl

Regal Pacific

Av. Apoquindo 5680, Las Condes Condell 40, Providenci a

(56-2) 3776000

www.regalpacific.com

135

(56-2) 3417575

http://www.nh hotelesdirecto rio.com/

125

Av. Vitacura 2929, Las Condes Four Points Magdalena 111, Providenci a Atton El Roger de Bosque Flor 2770, Las Condes Atton Las Alonso de Condes Cordova 5199, Las Condes Eurotel Guardia

(56-41) 2484851

http://www.holi 140 dayinnexpress .cl/

(56-2) 7500300

http://www.sta rwoodhotels.c om/fourpoints/

135

(56-2) 9473600

www.atton.cl

125

(56-2) 4227900

www.atton.cl

125

(56-2)

www.eurotel.cl 98

Santiago Plaza

Holiday Inn

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Vieja 285, Providenci a Director Vitacura 3600, Vitacura Best Western Santo Majestic Domingo 1526

4115800

(56-2) 3891900

www.director. cl

(56-2) 6909400

www.hotelmak 65 estic.cl

Apart hotels Name

Address

La Sebastiana Sebastian Apart Hotel 2727, Las Condes Tempo Rent Santa Apart Magdalena 116, Providencia Time Suites Callao 2988, Las Condes Roomapart

Centro Apartment Director Suites

Luis Rodríguez Velasco 4717, Las Condes Moneda 1541, Santiago Carmencita 45, Las Condes

Phone

Web page

Rate pax (US$) 89

2 Classif ication

(56-2) 658722 0 (56-2) 231160 8

www.lasebasti ana.cl www.tempore nt.cl

(56-2) 757100 0 (56-2) 246488 6

www.time.cl

www.roomapa rt.cl

(56-2) 698040 4 (56-2) 334984 9

www.rq.cl

www.director. cl

Note: Reservations & Taxes Room reservations are mainly necessary during high season and in tourist areas. Starting from the middle category upwards, you can use credit cards to pay. International tourists need not pay the 19% value-added sales tax when paying in USD (cash or traveller’s cheques), but this discount is not always automatically applied.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

16. Local Airlines Name

Call center

Web page

Lan*

600 526 2000 www.lan.cl (56-2) 6872400 Australia 1 800 558 129 Sky Airlines 600 600 2828 www.sky.cl (56-2) 3533169 *Early cheque in is available via the website. Qantas in Chile Name Address

Representacio nes Dateline

Telephon Fax e

Avda. (56-2) Isidora 2329562 Goyenechea 2934, of. 301, Las Condes

(56-2) 2323953

Web page

Contact

www.qan María Luisa tas.com.a Labarca u gerencia@dat eline.cl

17. Medical Information / Private and Public Hospitals Medical treatment in private hospitals in Santiago and other major cities is comparable to top international levels. Before leaving for Chile, check with your existing health insurance on their coverage of international travel, or get additional insurance. All medication is available, and some doctors speak English. Appropriate medical care can be more difficult to get in rural hospitals or at First Aid posts. Name Clinica Condes

Address

Las Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes Clinica Alemana Av. Vitacura 5951, Vitacura Clinica La Lira 85, 6 Católica floor,

Telephone Web page (56-2) 6108000

www.clc.cl

(56-2) 2101111

www.alemana.cl

(56-2) 3543000

www.med.puc.cl

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Emergency Number 800 211 800

(56-2) 5861753

Santiago Clinica UC San Camino El Carlos Alba 12451, Las Condes Clinica Santa Avda. María Santa Maria 05500, Providencia Clinica Indisa Avda. Santa María 1810, Providencia Integramedica*

(56-2) 7548700

www.clinicaucsancarlos.cl (56-2) 7548740

(56-2) 4612000

www.csm.cl

(56-2) 4612000

(56-2) 3625555

www.indisa.cl

(56-2) 3625333 (56-2) 7955692

600 636 www.integramedica.cl 6666 *Medical consultations, Services and Laboratory only. Integramedica is located in almost every shopping mall.

18. Museums / Art Galleries Below is a short list of the more popular museums and art galleries of Santiago. Museo Arquelógico de Santiago, José Victorino Lastarria 307 Plaza Mulato Gil, 6383975 Open Wednesday to Monday 10:30am – 6:30pm, free entry on Sundays Founded in 1981, features specimens of life, art and culture, present upon Chilean territory dating back to before the arrival of the Spanish and includes textiles, ceramics, basketry, stone etchings, jewelry, and wooden carvings. Museo de Santiago (Colonial - Casa Colorada), Merced 860, Santiago Centro. 6336700 Open from Tuesday to Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 2pm This museum is dedicated to four centuries’ worth of history of the city of Santiago. Also founded in 1981, it features 3D life-size representations of settings at various stages of the city’s history, as well as models, interactive panels, and various collected objects aside from the permanent collections. The museum consists of five rooms where visitors can access information from before the arrival of the Spanish, the highlights of the city’s establishment throughout the 16th century, various aspects of Santiago life during the colonial period of the 17th and 18th centuries, fights for independence during the 19th century and the changes made towards modernity during the 20th.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Museo Colonial de San Francisco, Londres 4, downtown Santiago. Metro Stop: Universidad de Chile. Phone / Fax : 56 - 2- 639 87 37 Open Tuesday through Sunday,10AM – 1PM and 3PM – 6PM. The construction of this monastery was carried out over the centuries battling against fire and earthquake. In 1628 the two-storey cloisters beside the church were finished but were badly damaged by the earthquake of 1647. In the middle of the 18th century there were four cloisters and a refectory. At the beginning of the 20th century the Franciscan brothers sold the interior cloisters and the monastery was reduced to only one cloister with its adjacent buildings, which they still own and use. The San Francisco Museum of Art is housed in part of the monastery and shares some of its area with the congregation. Its valuable collection has belonged to the Franciscans for centuries and testifies to the profoundly religious sentiments of the colonial period. The collection has been open to the public since 1969, thanks to the San Francisco Restoration Committee who maintain this museum. Closed: January 1; May 1; Good Friday; September 11, 18 y 19; Xmas Day. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Parque Forestal s/n, 6395486 MAC Parque Forestal is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – 7pm, Sunday from 11 am – 6pm MAC Quinta Normal is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 7pm, Sunday 11 am – 6pm

The work of this museum, specialized in modern and contemporary art, is focused on generation, development, study, integration, and communication of arts through exhibitions and extension activities, and the protection of cultural legacy corresponding to its collection, which is made up by over 2 thousand pieces and files. Museo de Arte Precolombino, Bandera 361, Santiago Centro 6972779 Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm. The Precolombian Art Museum features three storeys of extensive samples of Precolumbian Culture spanning from Mesoamerica, Intermediate, Caribbean, Amazonian, down to the Central Andes and Southern Andes. Museo de Artes Visuales MAVI, José Victorino Lastarria 307, Plaza de Mulato Gil, 6383502 Open from Wednesday to Monday 10:30am – 6:30pm This museum’s collection, inaugurated in 2001, boasts more tan 1400 pieces of Chilean artwork from the 60’s onwards including paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawing and photography from more than 400 different artists. Museo de Bellas Artes, Parque Forestal s/n, 6334472 Open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6:50pm. Closed Mondays

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

The Fine Arts Museum contributes to the knowledge and difusion of artistic practices within Visual Arts, organised according to the codes, time period and contexts in which they are developed. Museo de la Moda, Avda. Vitacura 4562, Vitacura. 2193623 Open from Tuesday to Friday 10am – 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm The Museum of Fashion is a showcase of fashion collections of various types from clothes to cars, the founder’s idea being to leave a legacy which transcends and stand as an example of the importance in preserving cultural heritage. Museo Histórico y Militar de Chile, Blanco Encalada 1550, 6962222 Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm This museum gives a chronological overview of Chile’s Military history, parting from the Pre-Hispanic period in 1460 up until 1960, addressing important points in time such as the Conquest, Independence, War of the Pacific and others. Museo Interactivo Mirador MIM, Punta Arenas 6711, La Granja, 2807800 Monday from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 9:30am to 18:30pm. The MIM is an educational museum where children can learn and enjoy trying out various science experiments and art and technology activities. Museo La Chascona (Casa de Pablo Neruda), Fernando Márquez de la Plata 0192, 7778741 - Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm In February 1955 Pablo Neruda is separated from Delia del Carril, and comes to live in La Chascona, where Matilda was already installed about one year prior. Formalized relationship expansion began, and the purchase of adjacent land. Then, around 1958, the house is as we know it: three separate volumes, sloping into outer space together by stairs and terraces, especially in irregular shapes, different height and material, with vegetation acting as a unifying element. Difficult to speak of logic, a preoccupation with daily life, if we, for example, that the room is a lot of stairs and terraces of the room. Museo La Merced, Mac-Iver 341, 6649189 Open from Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm, 3pm – 6pm The order of Mercy arrived in Chile with the expedition of Diego de Almagro in 1535, leaving planted the cross of Christ. Later in 1548, F. Antonio Correa arrived and founded the first community in 1549, in a place donated by Juan Fernandez de Alderete 450 years ago. Since then the presence of these religious childbearings has been a social and cultural contribution to the history of Chile. Museo Palacio Cousiño, Palacio Cousiño, Calle Dieciocho Nº 438. 6985063 Open from Tuesday to Friday 9:30am – 1:30pm, 2:30pm – 5pm. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9:30 – 1:30pm. Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

The Cousiño Palace was built between 1870 and 1878 by the french architect Paul Lathoud by request of Mr. Luis Cousiño’s widow; Isidora Goyenechea. The Cousiño-Goyenechea family was a very wealthy one, owners of Lota Coal Mines, Chañarcillo Silver Mines and also the Cousiño - Macul Vineyard which still belongs to the family. In 1940 the Palace was put up for auction by the family with all its possessions. After the first auction offer the Mayor of Santiago, Mr. Pacheco Sty, made an agreement with the family to buy the property which in other words was given to the city for three million pesos in municipal grants, to be used as guest quarters to famous visitors whom had come to Santiago under the purpose to celebrate the 4th Centenary of the city. From 1940 until 1982 it served as the residence of important visitors but the list was stopped because of a fire in 1968 which destroyed the residence’s second floor. The fire impeded the Queen Elizabeth of England from staying in the house during her official visit to Chile. In 1977 the Mayor of Santiago, Mr. Patricio Mekis, opened the building as a museum. It was declared a National Monument in 1981.

19. Public Holidays January 1 - New Year's Day May 1 – Labour Day May 7 - Corpus Christi May 21 – Iquique Naval Combat June 28 – Saint Paul and Saint Peter July 16 – Day of our Lady of Carmen August 15 - Sunday Assumption September 18 - Independence Day September 19 - Armed Forces Day October 11 – Race Day October 31 – Evangelical Churches Day November 1 - All Saint's Day December 8 - Immaculate Conception December 25 - Christmas Day Also, there are two main holiday periods in Chile, which are winter holidays (usually two weeks in July) and summer holidays (for students, from the middle of December until the first weeks of March). Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

20. Pubs / Clubs There are various suburbs where clusters of pubs, bars and clubs can be found in Santiago. Avenida Vitacura displays a long strip of the above, which provides for good nightlife at similar prices to those in Australia (read: capital cities). To get there either take the micro (public bus) 405 or a taxi. Bellavista boasts a more authentic or ‘popular’ atmosphere in this Bohemian/alternative style area; places to head to here include Patio Bellavista (with underground parking, access Calle Bellavista, or pedestrian entrances from Pio Nono/Bellavista), or Antonia López Bello between Pio Nono and Mallinkrodt. To get here take the metro to Baquedano and cross the bridge over the Mapocho River to Pio Nono. Between these two suburbs lies Providencia which also hides various good drinking hubs and dancing hotspots. Head to Orrego Luco which runs south off Avenida Providencia, between metro stations Pedro de Valdivia and Los Leones. Flannery’s is a reliable Irish Pub a little further along near Metro Station Tobalaba and to get your fix of Sport a good spot to head is the California Cantina, over the road from Orrego Luco in Providencia. AFL can be requested!

21. Real Estate Agencies Name

Address

Horacio Litvack

Phone s (56-2) 325782 2

DUB Tabancura (56-2) Corredora de N°1515 453742 Propiedades OF 209, 3 Vitacura

Contact Horacio Litvack (56-99) 2361294 Daniel Ugarte (56-99) 8373495

horaciolitvakmoreno@yaho o.com

dubpropiedades@vtr.net

22. Rent a Car To rent a car, you must be at least 21, present an international driver's license, and leave a blank payment slip with your credit card number as a guarantee. In addition to the major international agencies, there are often also local companies at the airports. Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

The rates are relatively high; but lower in Santiago than in the provinces. With smaller companies, you can try haggling or negotiating to get a better price; expect a discount for a long-term rental. A simple small car costs between USD 25.00 and USD 40.00 per day. The price should include free mileage (kilometraje libre), insurance (seguro), usually with deductibles, and valueadded tax (IVA). Also inquire about roadside assistance, parts service and liability in case of an accident. It usually costs more to take a rental car across national borders, and it requires additional paperwork and insurance; not all rental companies offer this service. It is easy to find a rent a car company at any airport throughout Chile. Name

Telephone

Fax

Web page

Hertz

(56-2) 3608600

(56-2) 3608620

www.autorentas.cl

Budget

(56-2) 2909700

(56-2) 2120515

www.budget.cl

United

(56-2) 2361483

(56-2) 2361476

www.unitedchile.com

Econorent

(56-2) 2997100

(56-2) 2997106

www.econorent.cl

23. Restaurants We recommend two places that are very interesting for foreigners. Borde Río (Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6,400, Vitacura Phone: (56-2) 2180100) where you can find all kinds of restaurants (total 10), and Isidora Goyenechea Street, where there are a lot of alternatives you can try. Most hotels include a restaurant, eg. Hotel Ritz Carlton. You can also visit Patio Bellavista, in Bellavista (with underground parking, access Calle Bellavista, or pedestrian entrances from Pio Nono/Bellavista) and Parque Arauco Mall, whose Boulevard has a variety of restaurants from around the world and several stores with great options. Apart from these areas, the following restaurants are worth mentioning for an elegant evening out: Boulevard Lavaud / Peluquería Francesa, Compañia de Jesús 2789 esquina Libertad, Barrio Patrimonial Yungay Ph. (56-2) 682 5243 De Conejo A Cangrejo, Av. Italia 805, Providencia. Phone: (56-2) 634 4041 Confitería Torres, Alameda 1570, Santiago Centro. Phone: (56-2) 688 0751 El Yagan, Av. Italia 830, Providencia. Phone: (56-2) 635 6710 Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

La Mar, Nueva Costanera 3922, Vitacura. Phone: (56-2) 206 7839 Bar Liguria Manuel Montt, Av. Providencia 1373, Providencia. (56-2) 235 7914 Zully, Calle Concha Y Toro 34, Santiago Centro. Phone: (56-2) 696 1378 Osadía, Av Tobalaba 477, Providencia. Mestizzo, Av del Bicentenario 4050, Vitacura. Phone: (56-9)7 4776093 Note: Tipping in Chile is usually 10 per cent of the bill. However, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers.

24. Schools Nido de Aguila Avenida El Rodeo 14200, Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile Phone: (562) 339-8100 Admissions Registrar, Lilian Jaques ljaques@nido.cl www.nido.cl Grange Príncipe de Gales 6154, La Reina, 687067, Santiago Phone: (56) 2- 5981500   Fax (56) 2- 277 0946 . www.grange.cl Lincoln International Academy Av. Las Condes 13150 Lo Barnechea - Santiago de Chile Phone: (56-2) 4967600 Fax: (56-2) 4967623 e-mail: admisiones-lb@lintac.cl Santiago College Campus Los Leones Av. Lota #2465 - Providencia Santiago - (56-2)751 38 00 webmaster@scollege.cl www.scollege.cl

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Craighouse El Rodeo 12525 Lo Barnechea Santiago – Chile Phone (56-2) 7560200 www.craighouse.cl

25. Shopping Stores usually open between 9 AM and 10 AM and close around 8 PM. Department stores and supermarkets stay open longer in the evenings (until 9, 10 or 11 PM), and they are also open on the weekend. Over the past few years, numerous shopping malls have sprouted up all over the place. For the atmosphere alone it is worth a visit to one of the typical fruit, vegetable and fish and seafood markets (i.e. Mercado Central in Santiago, Mercado de Chillán). In smaller stores, at market stalls and in the streets it's OK to try and haggle a bit. Shopping Malls Instead of spending the time outdoors on Sundays, many Santiaguinos stay in the air-conditioned shopping malls, where they shop at designer stores, eat at the Food Garden or go to the movies: Name Portal Dehesa

Address

La Av. La Dehesa 1445 Alto Las Av. Condes Kennedy 9001 Parque Av. Arauco Kennedy 5413 Apumanque Av. Apoquind o, corner Manqueh ue Mall Av. 11 de Panorámico Septiembr e 2155 Mall del Puente Centro 689

Web page

Schedule

www.cencosudshoppi ng.cl

10-22 h

www.altolascondes.cl

10-22 h

www.parquearauco.cl

www.apumanque.cl

www.panoramico.cl

www.malldelcentro.cl

Food Garden

Movies

10-21 h

Mon-Sat 1021, Sun 1121 h

Mon-Sat 21, Sun 21 h Mon-Sat 21, Sun 21 h

10111011- X

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Florida Center

Plaza Tobalaba

Plaza Vespucio

Arauco Maipú

Plaza Oeste

Av. Vicuña Mackenna 6100, La Florida Camilo Henriquez 3296, La Florida Av Vicuña Mackenna 7110, La Florida Americo Vespucio 399, Maipú Avda. Americo Vespucio 1501, Maipú

www.cencosudshoppi ng.cl/floridacenter/

10-22 h

www.mallplaza.cl/toba 10-21:30 h laba/

www.mallplaza.cl/ves pucio/

10-21:30 h

www.araucomaipu.cl

10-22 h

www.mallplaza.cl/oest e/

10-21:30 h

Supermarkets The chains Líder, Jumbo and Unimarc are dominant on the market. They are open late at night until 22:00 or 23:00; and on weekends they are open all day. Book Shops You can find an excellent selection of Chilean literature at the Feria del Libro (several branches), e.g. in the Galería Drugstore, Av. Providencia, corner Andrés de Fuenzalida. Look for antiquarian trophies in the street San Diego (Metro Univ. de Chile). Some bookshops carry limited second-hand English language novels and books. Flea Markets The largest flea market in Chile is the Persa Bio-Bio, set up all around the street Bio-Bio (Metro station Franklin, Line 2), partly roofed, partly on the street (open only Sat/Sun). Here you have everything you need: precious antiques, furniture, private copies of music and software, etc. A large variety of low-priced used books and all kinds of antiques can be found every Sunday on the Feria de Domingo, Paseo Estado, between Alameda and Plaza de Armas in downtown Santiago.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Crafts Local craft markets (Ferias de Artesanía), offer regional products made of wool, leather, clay, wood, baskets, silver or copper. A Chilean specialty is products made from or with lapis lázuli, a blue semi-precious stone found only in Afghanistan and Chile which is worked into artistic creations with silver and other metals (workshops/stores in Santiago's Bellavista sector - sold in most craft markets). Markets in Santiago • Santa Lucía: On Alameda and Carmen, right in the Centre of Santiago. And across from it, in a cave of the Santa Lucía hill, a little hidden from view, is the worthwhile Mapuche art market. • Bellavista: On Pío Nono and Santa María/Bellavista, standard goods, good prices. Pío Nono and Antonia López de Bello streets are filled with small stalls on Friday and Saturday night, and all day on Sunday. • Los Domínicos: Av. Nueva Apoquindo 9085, Las Condes, former Dominican monastery, good for a Sunday outing. Tasteful products, higher prices, good quality. Closed on Mondays. Artisans' Villages • Pomaire: Lively potters' village halfway between the capital and the coast on Autopista del Sol (approx. 80 km from Santiago). Dark earthenware galore: rustic dishes, round jugs, cheerful figures at modest prices. Another specialty of Pomaire are the monster empanadas each weighing over a kilo. Buses leave from the “Terminal San Borja”. • Doñihue: This village, about 20 km West of Rancagua, is the secret capital of the huasos. This is where their fancy capes (chamantos, mantas), cummerbunds and belts are woven and sold at steep prices. Buses leave from Rancagua. • Chimbarongo: Practically right on top of the Panamericana, the famous basket weavers of Chimbarongo sell their varied and cheap wares: containers of all kinds, dolls and decorations including living-room furniture. 18 km South of San Fernando. • Rari: Between the thermal spas of Quinamávida and Panimávida, East of Linares, the modest town of Rari has developed a rare tradition: items crafted from dried horsehair, especially small witch dolls. • Chillán: While Chillán is no village but a medium-sized city (and as such, not a must-see), it does have what may well be Chile's prettiest market: fruit, vegetables, crafts, and huasos hats, etc. - lots to choose from. • Quinchimalí: Potter's village 35 km West of Chillán; a lot less busy than Pomaire, but with at least equally attractive brown and black clay products. Buses leave from Chillán.

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

26. Time UCT/GMT minus 4 hours. Daylight saving time in Chile starts on the second Sunday in October and ends on the second Sunday in March.

27. Tour Agencies Name Kangaroo Tours

Cocha

Address

Telephon e Avenida (56-2) Bosque Norte 2326212 0107, of. 72, Las Condes

Fax

Web page

(56-2) 3397180

El Bosque (56-2) 464 (56-2) Norte 0430, 1170 1174 Las Condes

Contact

www.kangarootou Custodio rs.cl Junior

464 www.cocha.cl

custodio@ka ngarootours. cl Maria Isabel Swett mswett@coc ha.com

28. Useful local Telephone numbers Chile's country code is 56. Santiago’s city code is 02. Australia’s country code is 61. Sydney’s area code is 2. For calls to Chile from Australia dial: 0011 + 56 + city code + telephone number. For calls from Chile from homes or offices, to Australia dial: Multicarrier code + 0 + 61 + city code + telephone number. Public phone calls to Australia: 00 + 11 +61 +city code + telephone number. Information (local numbers) Repair of phone/line Information (International) Time and Temperature Information on condition road Drugs Hot Line Police Investigation Air Search and Rescue Rape and Intrafamily Poison Control Redcross

103 107 183 141 130 135 134 138 689- 3070 635-3800 697-1670

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Help (private ambulance) Emergency (Clínica Las Condes) Emergency (Clínica Alemana) Emergency (Clínica Santa María) Police Fire Ambulance

631-0310 800 211 800 210-1334 461-2000 133 132 131

The Chilean market for telephones has been vastly liberalised in recent years; several carriers compete with the still dominant, formerly state-owned company Telefónica Chile. Local Calls From a regular phone line, the rate is approx. 25 pesos (USD 0.04) per minute between 8 PM and 8 AM and about 25% of that on weekends. Coin-operated phones charge at least 100 pesos (USD 0.15) per call (3 minutes) and 200 pesos when calling a cell (mobile), phone. For local calls, simply dial the respective phone number (no prefix). In-country Calls The rates for long distance calls are becoming more like those for local calls all the time. Dial the three-digit carrier code before the local prefix and phone number: carrier code + local prefix + phone number; i.e. Valparaíso via Telefónica: 188+ 32+ phone number. International Calls These rates are confusing, change all the time and there is no one place to find them all. You have to dial a carrier code +0 +country code + prefix + phone number; i.e. Washington D.C. via Telefónica: 188 + 01 + 202 + phone number. The cheapest rates to Europe and North America are around USD 0.25 per minute and quite a bit higher from a Call Centre (Centro de llamados), although offers exist. Centro de Llamados – Call Centres Throughout almost all cities, various phone companies maintain places from which calls can be made from the privacy of a booth, and faxes can be sent. Phone Cards A very handy item for travelers in Chile are prepaid phone cards named "Línea propia" from Telefónica and similar cards from Entel and Movistar which allow calls to be made from and to any phone (local, long distance and mobile), without getting charged to that line. After dialing a specific number, the connection is made and the call is debited to the card (or to your virtual account), automatically. The rates are a bit more than those for regular phone lines and the cards are available from kiosks, where you can also obtain cards or the public phones. Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl

Mobile Phones – (mobiles) Foreigners without permanent visas (i. e. most tourists), can only buy prepaid phones that are more expensive to use, and work for international calls, but at a steep price. There is hardly any difference between the three most important “Prepago” providers, Movistar, Entel and Claro. Watch for special offers with free minutes of airtime in exchange for some of the purchase price. If you bring a compatible (GMS only), mobile phone to Chile, it will only work if your provider offers roaming for the country (cheque before you leave). Mobile phone numbers start either with 06 or 6, 07 or 7, 08 or 8 and 09 or 9 when dialing these from another cell phone, omit the 0. From abroad, dial 00569 + phone number.

29. Veterinarians Geoff Scott Managing Director MEDIVET S.A. www.medivetsouthamerica.com Geoff@medivetsouthamerica.com

30. Visas / Australian Embassy in Chile Visitors from Australia do not need a Visa for Chile if their stay is for a period of up to 90 days. However, upon arrival at the airport, visitors must pay a ‘Reciprocity Fee’ of US$60 per person (see Airport). Enquiries about Visas should be directed to: Consulate General of Chile 44 Market St Level 18, National Mutual Centre, Suite 1803 Sydney NSW 2000 Tel +61 2 9299 2533 Australian Embassy Isidora Goyenechea 3621 13th Floor, Las Condes Santiago de Chile Telephone (56 2) 550 3500 Facsimile (56 2) 331 5960 E-mail consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au

Monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer 6327, Vitacura Fono/Fax: 893 4850 www.auscham.cl