CHEESEMANS’ ECOLOGY SAFARIS 555 North Santa Cruz Avenue Los Gatos, CA 95030-4336 USA (800)527-5330 (408)741-5330 [email protected] cheesemans.com

Falkland Islands Extension February 7 to 18, 2018 Trip Essentials*

The following is additional information to the Trip Essentials for your Antarctic Peninsula expedition.

Entry and Departure Requirements We provide this information for your convenience, but travel requirements may change and ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you have everything required for travel to all locations along your route and verify this information before you travel.

Required Documents: For US passport holders, a current passport is required and there are no visa requirements for Chile or the Falkland Islands. Please check for other requirements based on your route of travel at the US Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html). For passport holders of other countries, we ask you to check with your nearest consulate/embassy for Chile and the Falkland Islands (a British Overseas Territory) depending on your route of travel and if going through customs. Contact the British Embassy in your country if you need additional materials.

Passports: For citizens of any country, if you already have a passport, check your expiration date and make sure you have enough blank pages left for visa stamps. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your travel. You must also have enough empty pages in your passport for visa stamps. We recommend making a photocopy of your passport data page to keep separate from your passport.

For US citizens, passport processing can take a couple of months and processing times vary, so take care of this early if you need to renew! Passports can be renewed by mail (forms are available at the webpage below), but new passport applications must be presented in person and may take longer to process. If time is an issue, you may be able to expedite your applications for an extra fee plus postage. If you don’t have enough empty pages, you will have to renew your passport; the US State Department no longer adds pages. For more information, including current estimated processing times, please visit the US Department of State passport webpage (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html).

Departure Tax: There is a £22 departure tax from Stanley that is not included in your LATAM Airlines ticket price. This can be paid at the airport with US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds.

Customs: The rules for bringing foods into Chile are very strict. Declare any and all foodstuffs in your luggage/carry-on on the customs declaration form, including snack bars and other packaged foods. Packaged nuts and dried fruits are sometimes confiscated, but the customs agents may be more favorable towards you if you declare them.

*All price quotes are per person in USD unless otherwise specified. Travel Information and Emergency Contacts Around May/June, we will email you the Travel Information document for this trip and Antarctica, which will include information about: - Flight routes - Transfers - Lodging - Day trip options in Punta Arenas before the Antarctica portion of the trip

Flight Details: International airfare is not included in trip costs. Once you’ve made your flight reservations, please forward to us your flight confirmation/e-ticket. The confirmation email or e-ticket should include your record locator/reservation number, which may be required by our airport transfer agent to reconfirm arrival/departure information for transfers.

Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Santiago, Chile (SCL) by February 8 for an overnight (included). Continue to Stanley, Falkland Islands (MPN) via Punta Arenas, Chile on February 9 on a once-weekly LATAM Airlines flight. Depart Stanley, Falkland Islands (MPN) on the once-weekly LATAM flight on February 17. You will need to be in Punta Arenas by 4:00pm on February 19 before departure to Antarctica on February 20 (refer to the separate Travel Information document we will send that includes information about flights, transfers, lodging, and February 18 and 19 day-trip options).

Flights we book for you: The flights within the Falklands are included in the trip costs. The Falkland Islands Air Service (FIGAS) domestic flight times are scheduled the day prior to flying. The timing is based on the number of passengers, weather, freight, etc. You will be notified of the time of your flight at each accommodation the day prior to your flight. Early or late domestic flights will be requested to ensure the best itinerary possible, however, this is always not possible. See Luggage section on page 4 for weight limits and requirements on these domestic flights.

Transfers: Upon arrival in Santiago, you can walk across the street from the airport to the Holiday Inn Hotel. No transfer is needed.

All transfers are included in the Falklands. Our local representative from International Tours and Travel will meet you on arrival at the Mount Pleasant Airport (look for a Cheesemans’ sign) and will escort you to your domestic flight. She will also take your extra luggage – see Luggage Restrictions section on page 4 – to their office for safekeeping. Due to the limited time between your arrival in the Falklands and your onward domestic flight, all excess baggage must already be pre-packed in separate bag(s) from the luggage you wish to keep with you in the Falklands.

Mount Pleasant Airport is a British military facility, so photography of any nature is prohibited.

Location-specific Information Currency and Methods of Payment: The Falkland Pound is the currency used (1FKP = 1GBP), however British Pounds (GBP) are the easiest payment option outside Stanley. There are no ATMs in the Falkland Islands and no foreign cash exchange facilities at the Mount Pleasant Airport, so exchange money in Santiago or at home. (Stanley has one bank, but it is closed on weekends and you will not be in Stanley until the end of your trip.) Some places may accept US Dollars and Euros at the prevailing exchange rate. Plan to have cash to pay for drinks (not included) or other extras at the lodges; most of the lodges outside of Stanley

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Page 2 of 5 Trip Essentials Updated: May 2017 do not accept credit cards, but Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Stanley. No South American currencies are accepted or exchanged in the Falkland Islands.

In Chile, the currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Cash (in pesos) and credit cards are most convenient. If you will be spending time in Chile before or after your Falklands safari, we do not recommend buying Chilean pesos before departing from home, as they are readily available either at the airports or at an ATM once you are there.

Gratuities: Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we recommend budgeting $10 per participant per day (total of $60 per participant) for guides and hotel staff. At each lodge, Scott will collect money and distribute it amongst the hosts and hotel staff. It is best to have small bills in USD or GBP.

If you are traveling in Chile before or after our tour, tipping is customary. Plan to tip roughly 10-15% in restaurants. Usually there is no tipping for taxi or transfers unless extra services such as baggage handling has been provided. (See https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294291- s606/Chile:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html)

Shopping/Souvenirs: Sheep farming is a common way of life (although slowly diminishing) in the Falkland Islands and a variety of woolen and felted items are sold in Stanley, including sweaters, scarves, jewelry, and pictures. Postal stationary of the Falkland Islands is much sought after and the Philatelic Bureau (located on Ross Road next to the Post Office) issues stamps for the Falkland Islands, Falkland Islands Dependencies, and the British Antarctic Survey. Other items to look out for are books about the Islands, prints, watercolors, jewelry made with Falklands pebbles, and jars of diddle-dee jam. Many animal products (such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs; or articles manufactured from wildlife or fish products) and food items are prohibited or restricted from bringing into the US, see the US Customs and Border Protection website for complete information (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and- restricted-items).

Climate: In the Falklands, daytime temperatures are generally 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C). Wet, penetrating cold is not usually a problem, but you will need to protect against wind and splash when riding in the Zodiacs from Carcass Island to Steeple Jason Island. Mittens, warm cap, layers of light, loose, warm clothing, jacket, and waterproof outer garments are necessary.

In Santiago, average temperatures range from 55°F (13°C) at night to 85°F during the day (29°C).

Time Zones: Chile and the Falkland Islands are at UTC/GMT -3:00, so four hours ahead of the Pacific Standard Time (US/Canada) or 2 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Electricity Converters and Adaptors (general information): There are two concerns when considering electricity in other countries – the voltage provided and the shape of the outlets. Residential electrical outlets in the United States and Canada use 110–120 volt electricity and have twin parallel prong shaped outlets (Type A/B), whereas many other countries use 220–240 volts and different shaped outlets. Many of today’s electronics can run on both 110–120 and

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Page 3 of 5 Trip Essentials Updated: May 2017 220–240 volts (for example, laptops, electric razors, and battery chargers), in this case you only need an outlet adapter to physically fit your plug into the foreign outlet. If your electronics cannot work at 220–240 volts, then you also need a voltage converter that will convert the 220–240 volts coming from the outlet into 110–120 volts for your electronics. The label on your electronic gear should list the acceptable voltage. If you plan to travel to many countries, we recommend getting a plug adapter and voltage converter kit. They cost between $12 and $30 dollars and can be found in many hardware stores, travel shops, and online retailers.

Electricity: On the Falklands, 240v UK-style plug and socket Type G is used. Chile uses 220v European-style twin round prong outlets (Type C). See www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ for more information.

Communication: There is Internet access available at some of the lodges, but it may be slow and unreliable. We encourage you to “unplug” as much as possible and enjoy being disconnected from the rest of the world while on safari. Most islands you will visit do not have telephone access.

Laundry: Laundry is limited in the Falklands. We recommend handwashing small items that dry quickly.

Meals: We will receive a packed lunch upon arrival in Stanley early in the afternoon. If you need something before then, eat a large breakfast or grab a snack in the Punta Arenas airport. A wide variety of food and drink is offered at the lodges, usually British in character, with much use made of organic meat (mutton, lamb, beef, pork), local fish and squid, and vegetables. For any dietary requirements, diet preferences, or food allergies, please contact us if you have not already noted this on your Reservation/Release Form.

Drinking Water: Tap water is potable, so bring a water bottle to refill.

Bushstops: While on safari, it is very important to stay hydrated and maintain your normal intake of liquids. However, a flush toilet cannot be produced on demand, but a good bushstop can normally be found quickly, which you can ask any guide to do for you. Don’t be shy, as others may also need to stop and be thankful that you asked! We suggest carrying a bushstop kit, including at least two Ziploc bags (one for paper waste, one for clean supplies) and moist wipes or toilet paper. For females who have difficulty squatting, you might consider getting a Female Urination Device.

Luggage and Suggested Packing List Luggage Restrictions for Internal Flights: Our small internal flights are on strict weight-monitored flights. We will need your weight to give to the crew before arriving in the Falklands. You can provide us with this information now or we will ask again leading up to your departure. Luggage (including carry-ons) is limited to 44 lbs (20 kg). Hand luggage is restricted to one small handbag that can sit your lap comfortably, so large photo backpacks are not permitted as hand luggage for safety reasons. FIGAS (Falkland Islands Air Service) staff are extremely experienced at handling fragile photo equipment, so advise them about your equipment when you check in. Excess luggage is charged at 1.40 GBP per kg per flight and payable in cash with British Pounds or by credit card via MasterCard or Visa. If you’d like to leave excess luggage with our transfer agent before departing on your flight within the Falklands, please pack it separately before you arrive in the Falklands. Your luggage will be kept safe at the International Tours and Travel’s office and transferred to the Malvina House Hotel when you return to Stanley.

Packing List: See your Antarctic Peninsula voyage packing list for complete packing recommendations for your expedition. In addition to the Antarctic list, bring a pair of hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes for

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Page 4 of 5 Trip Essentials Updated: May 2017 uneven terrain. Rubber boots are not necessary. You will need to separate your Falklands-only luggage prior to arrival, so consider this as you are packing. Here is a list of a few essentials to include in your Falklands luggage, however, you should customize to your needs: o Jacket that is wind-proof and waterproof o Hat with tie to secure in wind o Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes o Indoor shoes or slippers for the lodges (it is customary to remove outdoor footwear upon entry) o One week’s clothing (to lighten your luggage, plan to bring clothing you can wear multiple times) o Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen o Sunglasses with UV protection o Medication (pack important medication in your carry-on luggage) o Toiletries (lodges do not usually provide toiletries such as shampoo, so best to bring your own) o Camera gear and plenty of memory cards or digital storage o Binoculars

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Page 5 of 5 Trip Essentials Updated: May 2017