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Chile’s
population
15 million, 6 million of which live in the greater Santiago
area. |
Chile’s
major resources
Although a significant part of the Chilean economy revolves
around the export of seafood, fruit and wine, its primary
resource is copper. World copper prices directly influence
the value of the Chilean Peso and have a huge impact
on the Chilean economy. |
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Chile’s
languages
Spanish is the universal language. There are also several
native languages, including Aymara (The Far North &
the Altiplano), Mapudungun (of the Mapuches in the 9th
Region near Temuco) and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
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Banking
hours
Banks in all of Chile have the same opening hours: Monday
to Friday, 9am to 2pm. |
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Bank
machines
Bank machines are found on many high streets, inside banks
and shopping centres. The most common and globally integrated
are the Redbank machines, appropriately identified by
a red "R" sign. |
Prices
in Chile
Chile is a relatively inexpensive country, but it certainly
isn’t cheap. Most prices are approximately three-quarters
of their North Americans and Europeans equivalents.
Electronic equipment and imported goods like brand name
clothes are more expensive. Easter Island is the most
expensive part of the country. The higher prices are
due to the fact that everything has to be shipped to
the island from the mainland. |
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Exchange
money
All major towns and cities have exchange houses (Casas
de Cambio). These places will change traveller’s
checks and foreign cash. They also offer slightly better
rates than airport, hotels and banks. |
Credit
cards accepted
All 4 -and 5-star hotels, and the vast majority of large
stores, hotels and restaurants accept VISA, MasterCard,
DINER’S, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. There is, however,
often a surcharge placed on credit card transactions,
so sometimes cash purchases will work out cheaper. |
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Shopping
Shop opening times in Chile vary according from region
to region. In Santiago, stores are open from 10am until
8pm, Monday to Friday, closing at around 2pm on Saturdays.
Only large supermarkets and malls are open on Sundays.
In provincial Chile, stores will open in the morning,
close around midday, and open their doors again at around
2pm. Malls throughout the country normally open at around
9m and stay open until 10pm. All prices indicated in stores
include tax. |
Voltag
220 W, 50 cycles, AC. |
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Tip
10% is the average restaurant tip. Cab drivers do not
expect to be tipped, but they appreciate the fare being
rounded off. |
Time
The whole Country is on the same time zone, with the
exception of Easter Island, which is always 2 hours
behind the mainland. |
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Reciprocity
Tax
The reciprocity tax is levied citizens from the United
States of America, Australia, Canada and Mexico upon entering
Chile; it is to be paid in U. S. Dollars, cash only and
it is valid for the life of the passport. |
|
United
States |
US$
100.00 |
|
Canada
|
US$
55.00 |
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Australia
|
US$
34.00 |
|
Mexico
|
US$
15.00 |
Useful
Words and Phrases
| Thank
You = |
Gracias
|
| No
thank you = |
No
Gracias |
| Please
= |
Por
Favor |
| Hello
= |
Hola
|
| Goodbye
= |
Chao
|
| How
much does this cost? = |
Cuanto
cuesta esto? |
| Mr
/ Mrs / Ms = |
Señor
/ Señora / Señorita |
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