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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 29 2008, 9:13 PM EST (current) | Soprrrano | 18 words added, 5 words deleted |
| Jan 29 2008, 9:10 PM EST | Soprrrano | 2 words added, 1 word deleted |
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Chile at a Glance:
Capital of Chile: SantiagoPopulation of Chile: 16,600,000
Currency: Peso, 550 to the dollar
Languages Spoken:
1. Spanish
2. Mapuche
3.
Largest Cities/Population:
1. Santiago 4,811,000
2. Concepsión
3. Valparaíso
Major National Holidays:
1.181. deLabor Day May 1st
2. June 29 St. Peter and St Paul
3. September Septiembre18 Fiestas Patrias (this is the Independence Day for Chile and days prior to and after the 18th can be pretty crazy but definitely a great opportunity to try some authentic, classic Chilean cuisine.
2.
3.
Know Before You Go
Tips for getting around:
The Colectivos (taxis) are probably the best bet to get around. Micros (city buses) can be crowded and a little more hectic than some may want when on vacation. For local travel, definitely stick with the colectivos. For the most part, the drivers are courteous and can get you anywhere real quick. For travel that takes you on longer distances, buses are the most economical and comfortable. No need to fly in Chile to get from one Chilean city to another. In sharp contrast to the micros, the long-distance buses have comfortable seats and are relatively inexpensive. A bargain for the traveler. Not to mention the fact that taking a bus really is the best way to see the extensive and breathtaking landscape that changes constantly while traveling.
Immunizations needed (if any): I was a missionary for the LDS church in Chile for two years and contracted Tuberculosis, so be sure to get that immunization, both before and after your trip. If you are a seafood lover, and seafood (marisco) is abundant and a delicacy down in Chile, be sure to get a Typhoid fever immunization. We had a missionary contract that disease by eating the marisco of a Chilean family. If you don't have a strong stomach, avoid the marisco because odds are that it isn't cooked to any standard that you are used to.
Travel documents needed (visas, etc):
Visa, passport.
Savvy traveler tips (safety, using the phones, local customs, etc):
Don't point with your finger, because it is rude. The way the Chilenos do it is by pointing with your lips. It may look ridiculous to you but it is the norm in Chile. Also, it is very difficult to catch on to Chilean Spanish, so be sure to have a guidebook on the language that is specific to Chile (Chilenos like to add a -po after every sentence they use. For example: Tengo que ir a mi casa-po. Can be very difficult when said at lightning speed!). The further south you go from Santiago, the colder and wetter it gets, which is during the Spring-Fall months of the United States, so pack accordingly. Try the Empanadas, they are to die for! Communications are very good for South America standards, so being able to use a phone and call long distance or international will not be a problem. Chile has definitely been Europeanized, so don't expect a whole lot of third world conditions (they are there, just not in abundance). Make sure to visit the Cordillera de los Andes (Andes mountains). There are a ton of volcanos, which is a must see for any traveler. Quality hotels are very affordable, so don't be shy and get something of a lesser quality.
