Although Santiago is not mainly a turistic spot, commonly is a gateway to other destinations. Because it´s the capital, live here almost 40% of Chile´s population and you´ll find the contrast of two worlds,...for that and much more, well worth a visit. Nice trip!
Wheather > Dec, Jan, Feb is hot and dry, but is high season. Nov or Mar are ok. Jun, Jul and Aug is cold (not too cold) and rainy. Check the weather
Language > Most of chileans don´t speak english, but in Santiago your chance is higher. Although spanish is the official language is good learning some "chilean words" www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/6234/index.htm
Holidays > Sep 18 (National Day), Sep 19 (Army´s Day), Oct 12, Nov 1 (All Saints´ Day), Dic 8
Chilean products > Cooper, salmons, wines (cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, merlot and Chardonnay), pisco, fruit (apples, grapes, kiwis)
Safety > As any big city (40% chileans live in Stgo.) you have to be aware of pickpockets. Avoid downtown late night and lonely streets. Crowded places such as Metro or Micros are favorites for pickpockets. Watch out your valuables (wallet, sun glasses and bag). As a traveller, use your common sense.
Going Around > Touristic Cities : Viña del Mar/Valparaiso (2 hours by bus), La Serena (7 hours by bus), Iquique (24 hours by bus), Pucon (10 hours by bus). Out off the beaten track : Isla de Pascua (8 hours by air), San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine.
Chilean Food > Empanadas, Pastel de Choclo (Corn Pie), Humitas, Cazuela (Soup with meat and vegetables), Sea food: Caldillo de Congrio (Eel fish soup), Congrio frito (Fried Eel), bistec a lo pobre (Beef with fried eggs, french fries and onions), Dessert: Mote con Huesillo, Arroz con Leche (Rice with milk). Popular are Parrilladas (barbacue)
Telecom > Are excellent. Main telecom companies are based in Chile serving local/long distance telephony, mobile telephony, internet, etc.
Money > You need pesos chilenos to move on. Traveller Checks are a good way to carry money, but better is a ATM card, ATM are anywhere (in Chile known as RedBanc). Cirrus, Maestro (4 digits). Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, Diners. AMEX is not so popular but is in rising) are accepted in supermarkets, malls and big stores. In the downtown, many exchange money offices line Agustinas (between Ahumada and Bandera). For Western Union offices call 800-802727. Chile is not the cheapest place in SouthAmerica, but isn´ so expensive like Argentina. Some average prices are: A full lunch US$5-8, Internet US$2-3 per hour, 1 can of Coca-Cola at supermarket US$0,5 , Cinema US$4-5 (cheapest tickets on wednesday), films US$3-4, a good wine bottle US$5-6, A liter of wine (tetrapak) US$1,5, CD´ s US$14-16. Check if you pay the hotel in US$ you can avoid VAT (+18%, aka IVA).
Electricity > 220 Volt, 50 Hz. Electrical Outlet is Standard european (continental), 2 prong (or 3 prong for earthed apliances) plugs. (the thinner type as in France, not the thick as German).