Travel Information
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance can be very helpful when traveling abroad and can cover for such things as medical expenses, emergency evacuations, personal liability, theft, lost baggage, and of course - cancellation of the trip. Class Adventure Travel does not offer travel insurance within the price of our packages – but we do recommend www.travelguard.com. Travel Guard International is quite possibly the leading provider of travel insurance plans in the world. Travel guard covers over 6 million travelers a year and has great records. |
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Vaccinations
The WHO (World Health Organization) advise that the only vaccination requirement for Chile is a Yellow fever certificate for travelers coming from endemic areas and traveling to Easter Island. Immunizations against typhoid and polio are sometimes advised – though this is not compulsory at present. |
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Health
Generally, in Chile you will find high standards of hygiene, though it is recommended to eat well-cooked meat and fish. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk and sticking to cooked vegetables and peeled fruit could avoid a potential upset stomach. If you are going to traveling high up in the Andes, it may be wise to consider taking an altitude sickness medicine.
It’s vitally important to take sunglasses with you on a trip to the salt flats. The glare from the salar can blind and it’s wise to stay in the shade if possible.
It’s recommended to ease your way into an area of high altitude. If you are feeling the effects, you might be offered coca leaves to chew. The taste may be unpleasant, but people in the alitplano have used it for centuries to combat the altitude, hunger and thirst. You may be offered a maté of coca as a breakfast beverage. This is used to boost the formation of red corpuscles in the blood, which aids in keeping oxygen supplied to the brain, an important part of living in the altitude, and avoiding soroche, altitude sickness. |
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Visa
Nationals of many western countries including the UK, Germany, Australia and the U.S.A. do not require a visa to enter Chile and are granted a 90-day travel visa on arrival. Some nationalities will be required to obtain a visa before traveling and this can be done at the nearest Chilean Embassy or Consulate. 90 day tourist visas can be extended through Chilean immigration, though the easiest method is to cross a neighboring border, then return to Chile the same day and get another 90 days. |
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Money / Currency – ATM, Credit Cards
1 Chilean Peso (CH$) =100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CH$20000, 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 & 1.
Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, certain shops, hotels and restaurants.
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard and sometimes American express) are widely accepted in towns, cities where Redbanc ATM’s are also largely available.
The current exchange rate is roughly CH$540 = US$1
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Tipping
There are no rigid rules in Chile regarding tipping. In general, you tip 10% in restaurants, depending on the attention received. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but you may round up the fare for convenience, or when the taxi driver has helped you with the luggage. |
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Airport Taxes
For flights leaving Chile, there is an airport tax of USD$18 or equivalent in Chilean Pesos. On domestic flights airport tax in normally included in the cost of the ticket. US citizens pay a reciprocity tax of USD$100 in cash upon entry to the country. The receipt is valid for the life of your passport. This tax is charged to countries that charge Chilean citizens a fee to process visas. |
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Customs
Foreign travelers must pass through customs inspection when entering the country. If you are carrying personal items you shouldn’t have any problems, as long as you don’t possess the following: Fruits, seeds, vegetables or non-processed animal products, Firearms, ammunition or explosives, illegal drugs. |
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Safety
Safety is fundamental to the success of any trip and staying alert, not taking unnecessary risks, and simply using your head are the best ways to prevent an unwanted situation. That said there are still some things to keep in mind while traveling. Avoid petty theft and pickpockets by not interacting with strangers who seem suspiciously friendly or pushy, as well as anyone trying to get your attention while you are carrying bags or equipment.
Santiago suffers from a high rate of pickpocketing and muggings. Do not travel around with expensive looking items on show and stay alert in crowded areas.
The easiest way to avoid any tricks by street moneychangers is to use a bank or Casa de Cambio. If in direct need of changing money on the street, only change the minimum amount that you will need for immediate use. |
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