Chile is a country located in South America with name that begins with letter C. The South American state stretches over 4,200 km between the 17th and 56th parallel degrees of southern latitude, making it the longest country on earth. If applied to Europe, Chile would extend from the North Cape to North Africa. The expansion in width is no more than 200 km. Chile is bordered by the Andes in the east and the Pacific in the west. Chile’s neighboring countries are Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
The Andean deer Huemul, together with the Andean condor, is the country’s heraldic animal. But the lama-like guanacos and vicuñas are also typical of the Chilean animal world.
Entry
No visa is required for Chile.
Climate
Central Chile has a Mediterranean climate, which offers ideal conditions for agriculture. The dust-dry desert climate of the north is extremely hostile to life. In the far south, the Humboldt Ocean Current is noticeable, with cold currents from the Antarctic that ensure fresh temperatures all year round.
Food and drink
European, Creole and indigenous influences have left their mark on Chile’s cuisine. Hearty roulades with pork (arrollado huaso) are served as well as the sea hall soup Caldillo de congrio – national poet Pablo Neruda even dedicated an ode to it. And then of course there are also several dishes in the original home of the potato that pay homage to this universal food. As for drinking, wine has been cultivated in Chile for many centuries. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the most popular varieties, followed by Sauvignon Blanc. The national drink Piscos, a brandy, is also made from grapes.
Cultural characteristics
Chileans are known to be friendly and accommodating, and they attach great importance to an elegant appearance. Formerly seen as very Catholic-conservative, society has become more open in recent years. Culturally, Chile is strongly oriented towards Europe. Writers like Pablo Neruda and Isabelle Allende are internationally known; the poet Nicanor Parra is a national icon.
Medical advice
Private clinics have international standards, public institutions often do not. In any case, you should be able to provide evidence that the costs are covered before treatment. For this reason, travel health insurance is recommended
safety instructions
Political unrest and increased poverty crime in metropolitan areas are the main sources of unsettling situations. It is best to avoid crowds and especially political gatherings. In tourist places you should avoid eye-catching jewelry and only carry small amounts of cash with you. Individual travelers who are traveling by car should take precautions against break-ins and keep the doors locked in traffic.
Climate and travel time
Chile
In the north it is hot and dry, often with no rainfall for years. Subtropical climate in the central zone of the country with mild winters and hot summers. Strong temperature fluctuations can occur during the day. Towards the south the climate becomes colder and more rainy.
Chile is located in a seismically active zone, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur.
All about money
Currency
Chile: The legal tender is the Chilean peso. 1 peso (CLP) is 100 centavos.
The most convenient way to get money is to withdraw it from an ATM. With the usual credit cards (don’t forget your PIN!) It is possible to get cash in larger cities. In most cases, it is also possible to use a debit card (EC card), but a credit card offers more security. Fees are to be expected for each correction, which is why it is advisable to choose a larger amount. In remote regions and on hikes lasting several days, it is not possible to get money, so make sure you have enough cash.
Euros and US dollars are accepted in exchange offices.
Other essential information
Time difference
Chile: time difference to CET -4h
Electrical current
Chile: 220 Volt / 50 Hertz alternating current, plug mostly American system
