CHILE
ALTITUDE
Only in the North part the altitude is important: the Atacama Desert at more than 2000 meters and the Tatio geysers at 4300 meters of altitude.
EMBASSIES
BEVERAGES
The “Chilean Pisco saueur”, delicious and sophisticated cocktail has become the national pre-dinner drink. And of course the wine which quality is recognized worldwide. “Causino Macul”, “Santa Helena” are among some of the brands but, it is better to choose the wine in the vintage caves that you can visit especially in the Maipo Valley.
CREDITS CARDS
To withdraw money, some ATMs are available for Visa or MasterCard but there not as many as you can find in Europe. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and bars.
WEATHER
The layout of the country, this “long corridor” leant to the Andes, influences a large variety of climates. To visit Atacama Desert, the best period is from April to November; for Patagonia is from November to March. The Atacama Desert is cold from June to September, mountain climate. For Patagonia, even during the best period, the temperature fluctuates between 10 to 15 Celsius degrees. For Easter Island, tropical climate.
GASTRONOMY
Tasting grilled meats and Chilean empanadas perfumed with dried grapes.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2023
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 6 to 9 April: Easter
- 1 May: Labour Day
- 26 June: St. Peter and Paul
- 16 July: Virgin Carmen
- 15 August: Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- 18 September: National Day
- 9 October: Discovery of America
- 1 November: All Saints’ Day
- 8 December: Immaculate Conception
- 25 December: Christmas
CUSTOMS
For French citizens, a valid passport is required.
CURRENT TIME
–4 h on French winter time and -7 h on summer time. When it is 12h00 PM in Paris, it is 8h00 AM in Santiago in winter and 5h00 in summer.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts outlets, most of the plugs are hybrid. Recommended to use a plug adapter.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
Euro is well accepted everywhere and should be exchanged in Peso, local currency. There are many Foreign Exchange Counters.
HEALTH
Water is not drinkable. Take with you all medication you need if you are following a specific treatment.
SAFETY
In cities and visiting markets, be careful with your personal belongings. Chile is one of the safest Latin American countries.
TELECOMS
Calling from Chile to France: dial 00+33+ the number you wish to reach without zero. When calling from Europe to Chile: 00+56+city code +number to reach.
Most of hotels have WIFI connections. Everywhere you can use call centers, “locutorios”, with very low costs for calls.
HOW TO DRESS?
Bring very warm clothing for travel between June and September. Comfortable shoes with thick soles. Important: the central heating is not very common in places as it can be in Europe therefore, plan warm night clothes.
