USEFUL INFORMATION

Chile’s population
17.5million people, 6, 5 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

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).

Banking hours
Banks in all of Chile have the same opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm.

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.

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

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 provincia, 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 11am stay open until 9pm. All prices indicated in stores include tax.

Voltage
220 W, 50 cycles, AC

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

Reciprocity Tax
The reciprocity tax is levied citizens from Australia, and Mexico upon entering Chile; it is to be paid in U. S. Dollars, cash and credit card only and it is valid for the life of the passport.
Australia US$ 61.00
Mexico US$ 23.00

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

JEWISH TOURS

We are a Jewish travel organization, with more than 30 years of experience.
Our main goal is to show the life of our community. Learn about Jewish history in Chile and traditions, share the joy of visiting our Synagogues, Community Center, Hebrew Institute, Company Fire Jewish volunteers (only in South America), and more.

SUBIR