Fast Facts
Language: Spanish is the official language in Chile. Only minority indigenous groups maintain their original languages such as Mapudungºn (Mapuches) or Rapa Nui (Easter Islanders). In the hospitality and tourism industry, most personnel speak English.
Government: There has been a presidential democracy in Chile since 1990, with the State divided into autonomous executive, legislative and judicial powers. In administrative terms, the country is divided into 15 regions, each one with a Governor, locally representing the President of the Republic.
Population: Chile has just over 15 million inhabitants, with a density of 19.3 inhabitants per km2 and an average age of 26.5. Six million people live in Santiago.
Money: The currency is the Chilean peso ($). Current exchange rates are $510 pesos to $US1. Bills are available in 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000. Coins come in 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 pesos.
Time Zone: GMT 3 hours behind
Weather: Santiago, due to its position in the central region, has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Spring, between September and November is mild. Summer, between December and February, is dry and hot with temperatures that can reach over 30°C and cooling down at night. On the coast and in the mountains the difference in temperature is much more extreme. Autumn falls between March and May, and temperatures decrease gradually. In winter, mornings are cold, some as low as -2º C and although the temperature rises at midday it rarely exceeds 15°C.
Visa: Visitors to Chile need a valid passport, except those who are residents of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, who need only their national identity cards.
Visitors do not need a visa, except those from the following countries: India, Jamaica, Korea, Poland, Russia and Thailand. However, certain nationalities are subject to an entrance fee, which is good for the life of one's passport. The fee is a reciprocal fee, its amount corresponds with the fee charged to Chileans for a visa in the following countries: $100 for U.S. citizens, $55 for Canadians, $58 for Australians (subject to change without notice), and $15 for Mexicans.
Health: It is recommended you keep all standard vaccinations up to date and seek your own medical advice as soon as you know you are travelling in order to allow enough time for any necessary vaccinations.
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Government: There has been a presidential democracy in Chile since 1990, with the State divided into autonomous executive, legislative and judicial powers. In administrative terms, the country is divided into 15 regions, each one with a Governor, locally representing the President of the Republic.
Population: Chile has just over 15 million inhabitants, with a density of 19.3 inhabitants per km2 and an average age of 26.5. Six million people live in Santiago.
Money: The currency is the Chilean peso ($). Current exchange rates are $510 pesos to $US1. Bills are available in 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000. Coins come in 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 pesos.
Time Zone: GMT 3 hours behind
Weather: Santiago, due to its position in the central region, has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Spring, between September and November is mild. Summer, between December and February, is dry and hot with temperatures that can reach over 30°C and cooling down at night. On the coast and in the mountains the difference in temperature is much more extreme. Autumn falls between March and May, and temperatures decrease gradually. In winter, mornings are cold, some as low as -2º C and although the temperature rises at midday it rarely exceeds 15°C.
Visa: Visitors to Chile need a valid passport, except those who are residents of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, who need only their national identity cards.
Visitors do not need a visa, except those from the following countries: India, Jamaica, Korea, Poland, Russia and Thailand. However, certain nationalities are subject to an entrance fee, which is good for the life of one's passport. The fee is a reciprocal fee, its amount corresponds with the fee charged to Chileans for a visa in the following countries: $100 for U.S. citizens, $55 for Canadians, $58 for Australians (subject to change without notice), and $15 for Mexicans.
Health: It is recommended you keep all standard vaccinations up to date and seek your own medical advice as soon as you know you are travelling in order to allow enough time for any necessary vaccinations.