Resource Guide Chile

Home , Battle of Chacabuco, Chilean cuisine, Curanto, Deutsche Schule Santiago, Machas a la parmesana

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Welcome to Chile Chile History & Culture

4 Country Details Currency & Taxation Local I.D. Immigratiion Progress Obtaining your Driver’s License Purchasing a Car

10 Home Finding Associated Fees in Renting a Home Utilities Required Documentation

11 Education Bilingual Schools Academic Calendar Recommended Timeframes to Enroll

13 Banking Opening a Bank Account ATMS

14 Medical System Insurance Finding a Doctor Hospitals Emergency Contacts

16 Transportation Public Transport in Santiago and Major Cities Airports and Air Transport Traveling by Bus Train Journeys Traveling by car in Chile

18 Embassy & Consulates Embassy Consulates © Copyright LARM Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

20 National Holidays

21 The Local Flavor Chilean Cuisine Traditional Recipe Eating out in Santiago

22 Landmarks & Tourist Spots

25 Entertainment Sports & Activities in Country Shopping

26 Helpful Tips Safety Utilities & Technical Information Dialing In/Out of Country

27 Weights & Measurements Chart

28 Notes © Copyright LARM Group

As part of our Latin American Relocation Management (LARM) family, you can rest assured that we have your relocation needs covered. Our focus is making sure you experience a smooth transition, from start to finish. We have put together this guide with important information and resources that will help ease your relocation process as much as possible. We want to remind you that we stand by, ready to support and guide you whenever you might need it. If you have any questions or feed- back, please feel free to contact us directly.

LARM Chile LARM USA Headquarters Americo Vespucio 2050 1961 NW 150th Avenue, Suite 103 Quilicura, Santiago, Chile Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Phone: + (562) 2663-6700 Phone: + (954) 239-4081 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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Welcome to Chile

Chile is a developing country. With a democratic government and a stable economy, it stands out because of the growth it has had in the last decades, positioning itself between the most reliable and safe countries in South America for national and foreign investors. Chile has developed highways and transportation, and the newest technology in architecture, such as corporate buildings like Titanium and Costanera towers.

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History & Culture

Chile was born out of the same forces that many other Chile is culturally and artistically rich, with a unique iden- South American countries were. The Spanish conquistadors tity within Latin America. World known artists stand out settled the area and were met with indigenous resistance. like Pablo Neruda (Literature Nobel Price), Roberto Matta Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and a (painter), and Violeta Parra (musician and folklorist). The small band of Spanish conquistadors (look for the plaques culture and customs of Chileans are somewhat different illustrating the city’s growth in Plaza de Armas). By the among those who live in big cities and are part of a globali- 1600s, Santiago was taking shape, and the expansion was zed world, and those who live in rural areas or small towns, rapid. It was always clear that this would be a major city, who still hold on to traditional practices and a simpler life and in 1770 the governor commissioned the Metropolitan with a different rhythm. In spite of these differences, when Cathedral and La Moneda presidential palace to be built. faced with a national crisis, like an earthquake or the case The Battle of Chacabuco on 12 February 1817 was a key of the 33 miners, the spirit of Chilean people has always moment in Chilean history. José de San Martín and Ber- been of unity and solidarity. nardo O’Higgins led the resistance army to victory against Spanish royalists and on the same day Chilean independen- The Chilean person is characterized as kind and open with ce was proclaimed. However, in Chile the national celebra- foreign visitors. They are friendly people who usually get tion is a commemoration of the First Government Council together with family and friends to celebrate for many on September 18th 1810. different reasons, being house gatherings a common practice, such as dinner parties, barbeques, etc.

A handshake is the proper way to greet someone when meeting for the first time, but when meeting a friend or someone you know, male acquaintances greet each other with a big hug and women greet female and male acquaintances with a kiss on the right cheek

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Country Details

Full country name: Republic of Chile Main Regions and Cities: Chile is politically and admi- nistratively divided in 15 regions that, in turn are divided in Capital: Santiago de Chile provinces and then districts (or Comunas). These regions Area: 756,096 km / 291,930.4 sq. mi are, with their respective capital cities: Population: 16.341.929 (2012) In the Great North: Official Language: Spanish • Arica and Parinacota, capital city Arica Currency: Peso (CLP) • Tarapacá, capital city Iquique Government: Presidential democratic republic • Antofagasta, capital city Antofagasta Religion: Catholic 70%, Protestant 15% In places like Iquique and its surroundings we can find old Area Code: 56 Saltpeter Works, oasis in the Atacama Desert with wonder- Location: Chile is located in the southwest of South Ame- ful thermal waters, and excellent beaches ideal for surfing. rica, in between two great forces of nature: The Andes and In the Atacama Region, towards the desert, San Pedro de the Pacific Ocean. It is a long and thin country more than Atacama is one of the main attractions, where you can see 4.000 Km (2.485 mi) long, and has an average width of 177 unique wonders of nature such as the famous Tatio Geyser Km (110 mi). It borders with Peru to the north, and Bolivia Field, the Salar of Atacama and the Valle de la Luna (Valley and Argentina to the east. of the Moon).

In the Small North: • Atacama, capital city Copiapo

• Coquimbo, capital city La Serena

This is the home of marvelous beaches close by La Serena, and the beautiful Valle del Elqui (Valley of the Elqui river), a place filled with mysticism and hidden villages in between canyon creeks, where the famous Chilean Pisco in fabricated.

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In the Center: In the Extreme South: • Valparaíso, capital city Valparaíso • Aysén, capital city Coyhaique

• Metropolitana de Santiago, capital city Santiago • Magallanes, capital city Punta Arenas.

• O’Higgins, capital city Rancagua This region gives us geographical wonders like Torres Del Paine, which attracts tourists from all over the world all • Maule, capital city Talca year long. This land is a mixture of hundreds of islands • Biobío, capital city Concepción with a continental terrain trimmed by fjords, waterways and great glaciers. The region has important inter-oceanic It is here where we find the vineyards that produced the passages, as is the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel acclaimed Chilean wine, and it is also the place where and the Drake Passage. exportation fruit is grown. Here we have attractions from The Andes, with many ski centers like Valle Nevado; to the coast, that has many beaches that are some of the favorite Climate: Chile enjoys of a climatic and geographic variety. vacation destination of many Chileans and foreigners; like In the north we find the Atacama Desert, the driest in the Viña del Mar, host of the great February festival and only world. It is a perfect location to practice astronomy, and is 100Km (62 miles) from Santiago; or smaller towns with also where we fin the major copper mines in Chile. In the beaches like Con Con, Maitencillo, Marbella, Cachagua, centre, the central valley has a Mediterranean climate with and many others. Also, the city of Valparaiso is one of the 4 distinct seasons, where it rains mainly during winter, most famous ports and touristy destinations in Chile. being an ideal place for agriculture. The south characterizes for its rich nature with volcanoes that peep between lakes, In the South: forests and perfect fields for agronomy. It is a humid place with many precipitations and a cold winter. And in the ex- • La Araucanía, capital city Temuco treme south, the end of the world, one step from Antarcti- • Los Ríos, capital city Valdivia ca, we find the Patagonia, which posses’ a cold continental plain steppe climate, precipitations are moderate, and there • Los Lagos, capital city Puerto Montt is constant wind, stronger in spring and summer.

During summer mainly, this is a great place for eco-tourism. Spots to visit are everywhere, such as Lago Llanquihue (Llanquihue Lake), just a few kilometers from Puerto Montt. Towns like Puerto Varas, Frutillar and Puerto Octay, stand out for their beauty and many attractions. In this region we can also find the Chiloe Islands, which will charm you with its marvelous landscapes, mysterious legends and famous curanto.

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Currency & Taxation

• Official Name: Chilean Peso (CLP $, its ISO 4217 Taxes: In Chile we find fundamentally two types of taxes: number is 152). Direct Taxes and Indirect Taxes.

In addition, in Chile there is a Unit of account, called UF Indirect Taxes are imposed over determined goods, and (Unidad de Fomento) constantly adjusted to inflation so comprehend taxes over sales (IVA – Impuesto al Valor that the value of the Unidad de Fomento remains constant Agregado) and taxes over property, alcohol, cigarettes, on a daily basis during low inflation. It has become the imported goods and gasoline. The value-added tax or sales preferred and predominant measure for determining the tax (IVA) is the most important one and is currently 19%, cost of Real Estate, values of housing, and any secured which is already included in most final prices of goods and loan either private or of the Chilean government. Individual services in the market, unless otherwise indicated. payments are made in Chilean pesos according to the daily value of the UF. The Direct Taxes are those imposed directly to individuals or companies, such as income taxes, among others. The • Exchange Rate: USD $1, 00 = CLP $557 ** First Category income tax is proportional, and taxes a 1 UF = CLP $23.704 = USD $42, 52 ** 17% of the earnings arising from the equity obtained by ** Reference from exchange rates, April 19 2014. Confirm companies, be it commercial, industrial, miner, etc. The current rates before making any transactions due to cons- Second Category is a progressive monthly tax and is the tant changes in the exchange rates. one you will have to pay if you are a dependant employee. The Global Complementary Tax, is a personal tax that every independent employee or person with more than one income must pay once a year, as long as their annual income exceeds CLP $4.909.896, 01.

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Local I.D.

The Identity card in Chile is called CI-Cédula de Identidad de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Relations). (comonly named Carné de Identidad as well). Once this is done, it is possible to enter the Professionals It is the official legal document that determines the identity Register, and then, every time this document is renewed, of a citizen in Chile. The person is identified by a photogra- the profession will automatically appear in the CI. phy, digital print, signature, and RUN (Rol Único Nacional) The CI for the foreign national has the same validity period a unique number given to every Chilean and foreign person as the visa, in exception of the permanent resident, in that resides in Chile. In many cases this number is the which case the validity is 5 years. The cost of the CI card is same as the RUT (Rol Único Tributario), which is given by CLP $4.050.* the Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Interno - SII). The CI is required for legal, commercial and * Reference value at April 2014. civil actions, such as banking procedures. Driver’s License for legal identity purposes cannot replace the CI. Immigration Process You can obtain the CI at the Civil Registry offices Registro( Civil). The necessary documents for the first time applicants are: After all documentation has been received and submitted, it takes approximately 50 days to receive a Visa. • Current Passport with resident visa The following information is necessary to obtain any • Certification of inscription from the Foreign Registry type of permit in Chile: of the International Police. • Full name If the applicant exceeds the 30 days time frame he/she has • Passport number to apply for the CI, then it is necessary to obtain a special authorization from the Departamento de Extranjería y Mi- • Nationality gración (department of foreign affairs and migration) from • Profession the Ministerio del Interior (Ministry of Internal Affairs), or the Intendencia Regional (regional administrative division). • Position If you have a professional diploma from another country and • Brief role description wish the profession to appear in the CI, you must previously validate the degree at Universidad de Chile, or you may be • Curriculum vitae eligible for the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifica- • Full name of spouse and/or children tions that Chile maintains with some countries. The information about requirements can be found at the Ministerio • Passport No. of spouse and/or children

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Obtaining your Driver’s License

In Chile you can drive with an international or foreign Some important things you need to know: driver’s license only while you have a tourist visa. Once you obtain the permanent residency you MUST have • The minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license is 18. a Chilean driver’s license, otherwise, you would be • In Chile people drive on the right side. driving illegally, which means that the insurance would not be valid and this would lead to very serious pro- • Smoking and the use of cell phones while driving blems if an accident or something else occurs. are forbidden.

• Seatbelts are mandatory. To obtain the Chilean Driver’s License the following documents are required: • The alcohol legal limit is 0, 3 (grams per liter of blood). There is a strict Cero Tolerance Law. • Valid Chilean ID (photocopy of both sides) • Car documents: registration certificate (also called • Residence Certificate padrón), circulation permit and technical checking certificate, plus the mandatory insurance, driver’s • Studies Certificate or Diploma, legalized (it also license and ID, will be required by police in case of a needs to be legally translated to Spanish) check-up or any kind of accident. • Vehicle in which the driving exam will be taken, • The maximum speed allowed in highways is 120 with all its valid documentation Km/h (74, 56 mph), except when otherwise indicated. In the city, it is usually 60 Km/h (37, 28 mph) All the exams must be taken in Spanish. in avenues and 40 Km/h (24, 85 mph) in residential Interpreters are not allowed. These exams are: areas.

• Children younger than 8 years must ride in the back • Physical (sensometric) seat of the car, and those younger than 4 years must • Psychometric do it in a special chair.

• Medical Interview • At the gas station, it is accustomed for an employee to pump the gas. Tips are common • Written/ Theoric

• Driving test

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Purchasing a Car

Here are a few steps that will help you in the Car Paperwork Required process of buying a car: When buying your car, you need to ensure that the seller Obtain your Rol Único Tributario Number (RUT) can provide the following paperwork:

The RUT is a Tax Identification Number within the Chilean • Registro Nacional de Vehículos Motorizados (regis- system. If you don’t already have it in you ID, you need to tration certificate) – Known as the “Padrón”. obtain it at Servicio de Impuestos Internos- SII (Internal Reve- • Certificado de Anotaciones para Vehiculos Motoriza- nue Service) office with your passport and any relevant visa. dos. This certificate will show if there are any open charges on the vehicle. If you buy the car without Find your car this and there are outstanding violations/restric- tions on the car, it becomes your problem. For new cars it is recommended to go to a dealership. Used cars can be bought from a dealer or a private person. A • Permiso de Circulación (circulación permit). This dealer will accept a bank transfer and different kinds of document shows that the Chilean street taxes for payments, while a private seller might insist on cash. The the vehicles have been paid. dealer will also make the transfer and inscription pa- • Revision Técnica (technical checking certificate). perwork easier, but the most important thing is that you are Every Chilean car must complete a yearly technical happy with the car, and that you have a mechanic check it roadworthiness revision. out for you before you decide to buy. Car prices are in CLP. • Seguro Obligatorio (mandatory insurance). Compul- You can find used cars in www.chileautos.cl and Santia- sory Third Party Insurance for your vehicle, valid for go’s newspaper “El Mercurio”. one year.

Transfer Process

This process takes place at a Notary, where you need to pay a tax (generally 1, 5% of the market value of the vehicle). The Notary will issue the selling contract that you then must take to a Registro Civil office (Motor Registra- tion Office) along with your Passport, RUT certificate and “Padrón” of previous owner. Here your new registration (Padrón) will be issued.

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Home Finding

There are a variety of houses and apartments in different de Precio al Consumidor - Consumer Price Index) every 3 to 6 residential areas of Santiago. The quality of the properties months. might vary, however most of the new apartments and houses have central heating, swimming pool, garage, etc. The sizes Utilities of apartments you can find in Santiago go from small one-be- droom apartments, to big 4 or more bedrooms apartments. You They are usually not included in the rent. Utilities such as can also find houses in different sizes and bedrooms number, water, electricity and gas are always under the landlord’s and also big or small back yards. In Santiago there are some name, and they will remain under the landlord’s name. The gated communities with houses and/or apartment buildings. tenant can hire other services like phone, cable TV and In- These are more common in some areas of the city. The rental ternet. All the bills are paid once a month. This can be done cost will depend on the location, size of property and luxury in person or through the Internet, in most cases. required, being US $900 a usual price for a small apartment, and US $5,000 for a modern house in the suburbs. Furnished Required Documentation houses are difficult to find, furnished properties are usually small apartments and in good supply. • Work contract Associated Fees in Renting a Home • Last 6 salary payment statements • Credit history record Most properties are found through real estate agents and pay- Rent cannot be higher than 20-25% of the net salary. It is ment of their commission equals 50% of 1 month’s rent + tax. common that the landlord requires a co-signer, who must A reservation check must be paid to the landlord to take the present the same documentation described above. If a property off the market, if the tenant decides not to rent the co-signer is not required additional money could be reques- property the reservation check will be lost and cashed by the ted instead (rent in advance or security deposit). Lease start landlord. 1-3 month’s security deposit is required, plus 1 month date will be set when letter of offer is submitted; this can rent in advance. Lease contracts are usually for 1 year and are be prior to the signature of the lease and occupancy of the typically written in an account unit called UF, if that is not the property. The landlord won’t hand over the property without case; the price has to be readjusted according to the IPC (Índice having a signed lease and initial payments.

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Education

In Chile you can find private and public education, however, Chilean Curriculum Schools (require the validation of public schools are not recommended. Most private schools previous studies): have a wider curriculum in terms of language, sports, and extracurricular activities, and are usually superior to public • Lincoln International Academy ones in many aspects. These schools have fees that vary • The Southern Cross School according to the institution and grade level and in all cases involve the payment of an entry fee. • Santiago College

• Craighouse School (British) Uniforms are mandatory in almost all schools (private and public) and they carry distinguishing emblems sewn onto them. • The Grange School (British)

• The Mayflower School (Catholic)

Bilingual Schools • Newland (Catholic)

There are many bilingual or language based schools in • Lycée Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (French) Chile, some are religious based, and a couple of them are • Deutsche Schule Santiago (German) based in an American Curriculum and calendar year. • Instituto Hebrero (Hebrew) International Curriculum Schools:

• Nido de Aguilas International School (American)

• The International Preparatory School (British)

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Academic Calendar

Most schools follow the Chilean schedule, from March to What do you need to Enroll? mid-December; however, there is one International School, Nido de Aguilas, which follows an International/American The following documents need to be legalized at the Edu- calendar. cation Ministry and Human Resources from the proceeding country.

Recommended Timeframes • Birth Certificate to Enroll • Vaccination certificates • Personality and behavioral report from previous It is very hard to find a spot in a private school; there are no school exceptions in the admission process, which starts one year in advanced, April or October the previous year. • Studies certificate, with specification of approved courses and grades

• Grades certificate

For Catholic Schools there are additional documents required:

• Baptism certificate

• Religious marriage certificate

• Family record book

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Banking

Opening a Bank Account ATMS

You will need to present the following: ATMs of different banks are pretty much everywhere, from gas stations, to drug stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, etc. • Local work contract You can use your international credit or debit card to with- • Chilean ID draw money from an ATM, as long you have activated this You will also need to fill out bank forms. service with your international bank. Additional fees may be charged. Banks may request additional information at its discretion. If your credit or debit card is lost or stolen, contact your Banks open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. bank as soon as possible. All banks have a 24 hr. phone service for theft notification.

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Medical System

Insurance Finding a Doctor

Healthcare protection in Chile is provided by the gover- Chile does not have a system of Primary Care, or have a nment (via FONASA) and by private insurers (via Isapre). local General Practitioner as the norm, as other countries The national health care system, FONASA, provides basic may have. General Practitioners can be relatively rare, as medical service and coverage to all levels of society. In the most Doctors specialize if they are able to. Many Chileans case of Isapres, you can select different insurance plans will go directly to the type of Doctor they need to see, as a from a handful of private companies. referral is not needed in order to see a specialist.

All workers and pensioners are mandated to pay (at least) For a visit you can call the Doctor/Hospital of your prefe- 7% of income for health insurance, unless it is specified in rence and request an appointment, sometimes they will your work contract that you will continue to be covered by give you the appointment for the same day or when they insurance from your country. This insurance has to cover have space in the doctor’s agenda. Isapre and FONASA accidents, disability, old age and death. patients generally have access to the same doctors.

You can also pay for additional medical insurance offered There are three ways one pays to see a doctor: you can go by private clinics. to the insurance company and pay your co-payment first; you can go to the doctor and they will read your thumbprint and match that up against your insurance company who will calculate your co-payment on the spot, or you can pay cash and then go to the insurance company for reimburse- ment. In case of accident or emergency go to a Hospital’s ER and they will attend you as soon as possible. The payment will depend of the medical procedure needed.

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Hospitals Emergency Contacts

Quality is better at private clinics and hospitals around • Police: 133 Chile, though even the most expensive private clinics are • Fire: 132 relatively affordable (at least by U.S. standards). • Ambulance:131 There are two clinics that offer English assistance for foreigners: You can access all emergency contacts for free from any phone or cell phone in the country. • Clínica Alemana

• Clínica Las Condes

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Transportation

Public Transport in Santiago and Major Cities

Taxis: Taxis are very clearly identified. They are usually Security problems are minor, but you always need to be black cars with yellow roofs, except for private radio-taxis, aware of your belongings. Rush hours can get very crowded. but they all have orange number plates. Taxis are not very expensive and are a perfectly safe way to get around. In You can find information about routes inwww.transantiago.cl Santiago there are even smart phones apps for calling taxis with no extra charge, like Safer Taxi and Easy Taxi, and you Metro: Santiago’s Metro system ranks as one of the most even have the privilege of viewing the whole trip through modern in the World. You can find over 2 Million people the app so you know exactly where you are going. These utilizing the services of the train network on a daily basis. apps work best near populated and busy areas, in the There are currently 5 lines, which are always growing with suburbs it is recommended to call a radio-taxi. the population’s demand. The Metro train runs from 6:30 AM to approximately 10:30 PM; you can buy a ticket at the Buses: In all major cities there is a good system of public station or use you Tarjeta Bip. As with buses, always be buses that will take you pretty much anywhere in the city. aware of your belongings, especially in the crowded rush Transantiago operates buses in Santiago. This company is hour. actually responsible for Santiago’s entire public transport system. This means that bus lines have been integrated with the metro, so coneccion between buses and transfers between bus and metro are easy to make on a single ticket. You need a special card called Tarjeta Bip to pay for Tran- santiago buses; you charge this card with money in various grocery stores, and also at the metro.

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Airports and Air Transport Train Journeys

Arturo Merino Benitez, Santiago’s International Airport, Although the Chilean railway experienced a boom in the is the main airport in Chile. There are airports in all major late 19th and early 20th century, many train tracks are by cities mostly for local flights, and few international flights now abandoned and neglected. However, there is a moder- within South America. For Airport Information you can call: nized train system, running from Santiago all the way south 56-2-690-1900. to Temuco. You can learn more about train connections, schedules and reservations by checking out the website of Empresa de Ferrocarriles Del Estado. Traveling from northern Chile to the south via plane is actually quite easy and it will save you a lot of time. In order to reach isolated regions in Chile’s south, it is often your only Traveling by Car in Chile option aside from taking a ferry after long and excruciating hours on a car or bus. However, flying is not inexpensive in Traveling by car can be liberating and often necessary to Chile. LAN and Sky offer the biggest networks of routes, get to remote national parks. This is especially true in areas with LAN even allowing you to travel to Easter Island. Be such as the Atacama Desert and the Carretera Austral. A sure to check the websites for special prices. Four-wheel drive car is recommended, although most roads are perfectly suitable for all types of cars. When traveling in remote areas, where fuel may not be readily available, Traveling by Bus carry extra fuel. Rental agencies often provide a spare bidón (fuel container) for this purpose. Long-distance buses are widely available in Chile and known for their comfort, efficiency, and punctuality. Many towns have big bus stations, where you can find information on schedules, destinations, and fares. Major highways are paved making for a comfortable journey.

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Embassy & Consulates

The Chilean capital, Santiago, hosts 67 embassies, and in addition there are 122 consulates and 3 other representa- tions in Chile.

Embassy

Algeria El Salvador Kuwait Romania Argentina Finland Lebanon Russia Australia France Malaysia South Africa Austria Germany Mexico Spain Belgium Greece Morocco Sweden Brazil Guatemala Netherlands Switzerland Canada Haiti New Zealand Syria China Honduras Nicaragua Thailand Colombia India Norway Turkey Costa Rica Indonesia Pakistan United Arab Emirates Croatia Iran Palestine United Kingdom Cuba Iraq Panama United States Czech Republic Israel Paraguay Uruguay Denmark Italy Peru Vatican City Dominican Republic Japan Philippines Venezuela Ecuador Jordan Poland Vietnam Egypt Korea (Republic) Portugal

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Consulates

Argentina Finland Latvia Romania Austria France Lithuania Serbia Bahamas Germany Luxembourg Singapore Belgium Greece Mexico Spain Belize Guatemala Monaco Sri Lanka Bolivia Hungary Netherlands Sweden Canada Iceland Norway Ukraine Costa Rica Indonesia Paraguay United Kingdom Croatia Ireland Peru Uruguay Denmark Italy Philippines Ecuador Jamaica Poland

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National Holidays

• New year’s day: January 1st

• Holy Friday: first Friday in April

• Labor day: May 1st

• Navy day: May 21st

• Saint Peter and Saint Pablo: June 29th

• Carmen Virgin: July 16th

• Virgin’s Ascension: August 15th

• Independence day: September 18th

• Glorious armed force day: September 19th

• Columbus day: October 12th

• Evangelic church: October 31st

• All Saint’s day: November 1st

• Immaculate conception: December 8th

• Christmas day: December 25th

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The Local Flavor

Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine is both unique and rich. Chile possesses a • Machas a la Parmesana - Parmesan cheese raisor clams. variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used • Pastel de Jaiba - Chilean Crab Pie served in its own in native cooking. Some of the main specialties are: shell or a clay dish. • Ceviche - minced raw sea bass, salmon or other fish, in • Empanadas de Pino - typical turnover (pastry) filled with lemon juice, with onions and other spices. diced meat, onions, one olive and a piece of hard-boiled • Churrasco - Beef sandwich. You can get it with many egg. Usually baked, sometimes fried. different ingredients, like tomato, mayonnaise, melted • Empanadas de Mariscos - turnovers filled with chopped cheese, avocado, etc. seafood onions and seasoning, usually fried. • Completo - hot dog with all kinds of trimmings: mayon- • Empanadas de Queso - typical turnover filled with naise, tomatoes, onions, dilled pickles sauerkraut, etc. cheese, most usually fried. • Curanto en Hoyo - a typical dish from the south of Chile. • Asado (BBQ) - different kinds of meat, sausages and Traditionally prepared by heating fish, seafood, potato- sometimes entrails grilled over charcoal and served with es, some meat, milcaos and types of bread over red-hot potato salad or rice. rocks in a hole in the ground. The food is wrapped • Bistec a lo pobre - beefsteak, French fries, fried onions, in big leaves and then covered with dirt so that it slowly topped with a couple of fried eggs. cooks over a number of hours. • Pastel de Choclo - a typical Chilean summer dish. • Chumbeque - a traditional sweet from Iquique, in the Ground corn and meat, chopped onions, sometimes North of Chile. small pieces of chicken, pieces of hard-boiled egg, olive • Kuchen - a German fruit flan often found in the South of and raisins; baked in clay or regular oven. Similar to a Chile. shepherd pie. • Mote con Huesillo – sweet cooked dried peaches and • Porotos Granados - fresh bean dish with ground corn stewed corn served as a drink. and pieces of pumpkin served hot.

Traditional Recipe Cazuela

This is a very flexible homemade stew- you can use lamb, Preparation: chicken or pork in the recipe, but the classic version is made with beef. In each dish you can’t forget to put at least • First cut the meat into six portions. Then pre-heat one small piece of meat, a potato, a slice of pumpkin and a the vegetable oil in a large pot. Braise the meat portion of corn on the cob, if in season. for three minutes on each side, and add the onion, seasonings, salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for Ingredients (6 servings): five minutes. • When ready, place the potatoes, carrots, celery and • 1 lb. beef brisket pumpkin in the pot. Completely cover the contents • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil with boiling water (about five or six cups) and cook for ten minutes. Next incorporate the rice and corn; • 1 onion, cut into quarters let simmer for eight minutes. Finally, mix-in the • 1 bell pepper or other sweet pepper, cut into quar- green beans and cook for three more minutes. ters with the seeds removed • Sample the stew and adjust the seasoning as • 1 teaspoon oregano necessary. Serve hot with one piece of meat, one • 1 teaspoon ground cumin potato, one piece of pumpkin and a portion of corn in each dish of stew. • Salt and pepper • To garnish, sprinkle a little cilantro over each • One celery stalk serving. • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into thirds • 6 small red potatoes, peeled • 4 handfuls of rice • 6 small pieces of pumpkin • 1 handful of green beans, julienned • 5-6 cups boiling water

Eating out in Santiago

In Santiago you can find various neighborhoods with Vitacura many restaurants in different parts of the city, like • Zanzibar – Mediterranean, Moroccan Barrio Bellavista, Borde Río in Vitacura, Providencia, • Boragó – modern Chilean, molecular gastronomy Las Condes, and many more. The usual service tip in restaurants is 10% of the total. • Mestizo – Chilean and Peruvian

Here is a list with some of the top choices: • Ibis de Puerto Varas – seafood, Chilean • Europeo – European, Swiss Barrio Bellavista • Como Agua Para Chocolate – ethnic Las Condes • Azul Profundo – seafood, Latin • Osadía – fusion

• Etniko – Japanese • Café Melba – cafe

• Fuente Alemana – Chilean sandwiches • Akarana – seafood

• Patio Bellavista – this is a boulevard filled with pubs • Boulevard Parque Arauco – boulevard with all kind and restaurants of pubs and restaurants

Providencia Santiago Centro • Aquí Está Coco – seafood, Latin • Joya del Pacífico in Mercado Central – seafood

• El Huerto – vegetarian • Patagonia – Chilean

• Liguria - Chilean • Las Vacas Gordas – Barbeque • El Cid – Chilean

• Astrid y Gastón – Peruvian, modern Chilean Pomaire This is a small town of traditional craftsmen very close to Santiago. • La Greda – Chilean

• Los Naranjos – Chilean

• San Antonio – Chilean

Landmarks & Tourist Spots

Cerro Santa Lucía: Rising out of the eastern side of San- Iglesia de San Francisco: It is one of Santiago’s oldest tiago Centro is Cerro Santa Lucía. It was a rocky hill until buildings, originally built in the late 16th century by Chile’s 19th-century city mayor Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna had it conquistador, Pedro de Valdivia. The Museo Colonial San transformed into a beautifully landscaped park. A web of Francisco (Colonial Museum of St Francis) contains a co- trails and steep stone stairs leads you up through terraces llection of ecclesiastical art dating from the colonial era. to the Torre Mirador at the top. Museo Casa La Chascona: Nobel-Prize-winning poet Palacio de la Moneda: Chile’s presidential offices are Pablo Neruda’s Santiago pied-à-terre is situated in the here. Visitors can stroll along the courtyard that runs throu- lively Bellavista neighborhood. He built the house himself gh the middle of the building, and can arrange to visit the for a lover and also hosted his distinguished friends. A interior with an advance booking. On the south side, under series of small buildings, rather than a single house, La Plaza de la Ciudadanía, is the modern Centro Cultural Pala- Chascona houses a collection of Neruda’s possessions. cio de la Moneda, which has a series of exhibition spaces Visitors are taken on a guided tour (Spanish, English or and some first-rate exhibitions. There is also an excellent French). shop selling traditional Chilean handcrafts. Cerro San Cristóbal: This park is Santiago’s largest Plaza de Armas: Surrounded by grand colonial public green space. A funicular carries you between different buildings, most notably the Metropolitan Cathedral and the landscaped sections. The park lies north of Bellavista and ornate Correo Central (central post office), this is Santiago’s Providencia and has entrances in both neighborhoods. main square.

Palacio de Bellas Artes: Fine arts museum, housed in a turn-of-the-century copy of Paris’ Petit Palais. It occupies an entire block in the Parque Forestal and has Chile’s best collection of painting and sculpture. It regularly hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists from Chile and abroad.

Entertainment

Sports & Activities in Country Skiing: Santiago is a perfect place to be based for skiing. The Cerro San Ramon mountain range has some great skiing and ski touring. Standing at 3.200m (10.498ft), there Hiking: You can see the snow-peaked mountains from is usually excellent powder (and great views). It appeals to downtown and around them an infinite variety of hiking those who like breaking their own trails and it’s what you’d possibilities. Parque Mahuida and the mountain range of expect from Alpine ski resorts. The nearest resort is El Co- Cerro San Ramon is one of the most popular destinations lorado and the nearby Farellones with 18 lifts and 22 runs. and it’s right on the edge of the city. A little farther away are Parque Río Olivares and the mountains of Cajón Del Maipo. The possibilities are endless. Shopping Mountain biking: Adventurous mountain bikers can head In Shopping Malls you can find everything you need, from up into the mountains in Cerro San Ramon; however for supermarkets and department stores to restaurants and a quick fix there are some spectacular trails up onCerro pubs as well as bookstores, pharmacies, and name brand San Cristobal. With such a wealth of trails right on the clothing stores. They are open every day of the week from doorstep, it’s understandably a hugely popular sport in the 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some of the most recommended malls are: city. Cajon Del Maipo an hour or two from the city is also superb. • Alto Las Condes

Horse trekking: Horse riding goes deep into the Chilean • Parque Arauco culture – this was a country of cowboys and farmers, and • Costanera Center horse skills are still highly regarded today. With the Andes on your doorstep, it’s an unmissable experience: imagine deep valleys, clear lakes and condors circling high over- Big supermarkets like, JUMBO in Alto Las Condes, or TO- head. You can fin day trips and there are many reasonably TTUS, next to to Parque Arauco, offer a variety of interna- priced multi-day trips. tional products. There is also the very well known chain of supermarkets LIDER.

Helpful Tips

Safety Dialing In/Out of Country

• Always be aware of your surroundings. In Chile it is possible to choose the carrier for long distance calls every time and therefore to obtain the best rate for any destination. • Keep your belongings close to you. Long distance carriers have a prefix that must be dialed when calling • Do not provide personal information to strangers. long distance. You first have to dial the carrier number to make a long distant call, national or international: • Do not take public transportation during night time, except radio-taxis. • National destination (outside your current area): carrier + area + phone

• International destination: carrier + 0 + country Utilities & Technical Information: code + area + phone

• Voltage: 220v-ac, 50 cycles Some of the most used carrier codes are:

• Plugs: Standard European Plugs • 110 Claro Chile • Television Systems: VHF and UHF, local television • 111 VTR Chile stations and cable television. Satellite television is also available. • 122 Gtd Manquehue

• 123 Entel Larga Distancia

• 181 Movistar

• 188 Telefónica CTC

Cell phone numbers have eight digits. To call from a landline to a cell phone you should only be putting the number 9 (area code) + eight digits.

Weights & Measurements Chart

Length Volume Temperature

1 US tablespoon = 3 US teaspoons o o 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm) 130 55 1 US fluid ounce = 29.57 milliliters (ml) F C 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cm) 1 US cup = 16 US tablespoons 120 50 1 foot = 0.305 meters (m) 1 US cup = 8 US fluid ounces 1 foot = 12 inches 45 1 US pint = 2 US cups 110 1 yard = 3 feet 1 US pint = 16 US fluid ounces 40 1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm) 100 1 liter (l) ≅ = 33.81 US fluid ounces 1 meter (m) = 3.281 feet 35 1 liter (l) = 1000 milliliters (ml) 90 1 furlong = 660 feet 1 US quart = 2 US pints 30 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m) 1 US gallon = 4 US quarts 80 1 kilometer (km) = 0.62137119 miles 25 1 US gallon = 3.785 liters 1 mile = 5280 ft 70 20 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers (km) 60 1 nautical mile = 1.85 kilometers (km) 15 Weight 50 10 40 5 1 milligram (mg) = 0.001 grams (g) 30 0 Area 1 gram (g) = 0.001 kilograms (kg) -5 1 gram (g) ≅ = 0.035 ounces 20 1 square foot = 144 square inches 1 ounce = 28.3 grams (g) -10 1 square foot = 929.03 square centimeters 1 ounce = 0.0625 pounds 10 1 square yard = 9 square feet 1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces -15 0 1 square meter = 10.76104 square feet 1 pound (lb) = 0.45 kilograms (kg) -20 1 acre = 43,560 square feet 1 kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams -10 -25 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters 1 kilogram (kg) = 35.27 ounces 1 hectare ≅ = 2.47 acres 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb) -20 -30 1 square kilometer = 100 hectares 1 stone = 14 pounds -30 -35 1 square mile = 2.59 square kilometers 1 short ton = 2000 pounds 1 square mile = 640 acres 1 metric ton = 1000 kilograms (kg)

Speed

1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.467 feet per second (fps) Scan for a free Conversion app 1 mile per hour (mph) = 1.61 kilometers per hour 1 knot ≅ = 1.15 miles per hour iPhone only 1 foot per second = 0.68 miles per hour (mph) 1 kilometer per hour = 0.62 miles per hour (mph)

Notes

CHILE

Address Americo Vespucio 2050 Quilicura, Santiago, Chile

Contact Phone: + (562) 2663-6700 Email: [email protected]