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Useful Information

Time zone

GMT minus 3 hours (Oct. to March) GMT minus 4 (April to Sep.)

Business hours

Monday to Friday 09.00hrs to 18.00hrs

Banking hours

Monday to Friday 09.00hrs to 14.00 hrs

Commerce

In Santiago most larger stores open dily from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm, with Sunday shopping the norm.  Elsewhere business may close from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm.

Currency

Travellers may exchange cash or travellers' cheques at banks, currency exchanges and most hotels.  Exchange rates vary.  Most major credit cards are honoured throughout Chile and most foreign bank cards can be used for ATM withdrawals.  Red Bank ATM facilities are readily available in main centres.

US Dollar Travellers cheques are recommended, as you will find it almost impossible to change Stirling cheques.

Chilean currency: The Peso

Approximate exchange rate £1 = 1.011.8 Chilean Pesos (September 2006)

Public Holidays

Statutory holidays for 2006:

1 January              New Year's

14-15 April            Easter

1 May                   Labour Day

21 May                 Navy Day

12 June                Corpus Cristi

26 June                St Peter & St Paul

15 August            Assumption of May

18 September       Independence Day

19 September       Army Day

9 October             Columbus Day

1 November          All Saints

8 December          Immaculate Conception

25 December        Christmas

 

Visas

Enter as business visitors or as tourists. Communicate with the Embassy if you are taking samples with you that you are concerned about.

Vaccinations

None are stipulated for Chile. Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis A are always advisable however. Take advice from your travel agent if you are intending to travel elsewhere in South America.

Food

Generally, there are no problems. Excellent meat and fish. Some visitors do get 'chilenitis' (the local version of Montezuma's revenge) from the water. Use bottled water for drinking, teeth cleaning etc.

Chileans

Considered to be the 'Europeans of Latin America' in terms of the business sector. They are quite formal at first and will expect the same. Very punctual for business meetings.

Language

First language is Spanish. Excellent English is widely spoken at middle management level and above, in Santiago.

Climate

Chile possesses a variety of climates. North, in the desert, daytime highs of over 30° C can plunge below 0° C at night. The Mediterranean-like centre is temperate and has four distinct seasons. Average temperatures in the rainy south range from 0° C to 10° C. Usual daytime temperatures in Santiago in May: 17-22 C. Always much cooler in the evenings, so a jacket or sweater is advised.

Clothes

Dark coloured suits are worn for business, or at the very least blazers.  Social occasions are normally "smart casual" - trainers - never.  Always check with your host.

Personal Security

All visitors can be considered 'fair game' by thieves. If you act or dress like one you may be setting yourself up. Be vigilant if withdrawing money from an Exchange Kiosk in Santiago as this is a 'favourite' with petty thieves. Don't wander downtown 'like a tourist'. Be careful with cameras and sunglasses. Act normally, be alert and there should be no problem.

British Embassy

Avenida El Bosque Norte 0125, Piso 3
Santiago

Tel: + 56 2 370 4100
Fax: + 56 2 370 4180
E-mail: commercial@santiago.mail.fco.gov.uk

HM Ambassador: Mr Howard Drake
First Secretary Commercial: Mr. Duncan Hill
 Commercial Officers: Mr. Arthur Brierley, Mrs Maria Pia Gazzella, Mrs Jolanta Polk, Ms Monica Eggars

Telephone area codes

The country code for Chile is 56.

Area codes for major cities are:

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