Chile
Capital: Santiago
Location:
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru (slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana)
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Chile are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santiago and obtain updated information on travel and security in Chile. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Santiago; tel. (56-2) 335-6550 or 232-2600; after hours tel. (56-2) 330-3321. The Embassy's mailing address is Casilla 27-D, Santiago; the Consular fax number is (56-2) 330-3005; and the e-mail address is "SantiagoAmcit@state.gov". The Embassy home page is: http://www.usembassy.cl, where Americans may also register on-line.
Background:
A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, which ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, first implemented by the PINOCHET dictatorship, led to unprecedented growth in 1991-97 and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Growth slowed in 1998-99, but recovered strongly in 2000.
Ethnic Groups:
White and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%
Language:
Spanish
Currency:
CLP
Chilean peso (CLP)
Chilean pesos per US dollar - 536.95 (March 2007), 571.12 (January 2001), 535.47 (2000), 508.78 (1999), 460.29 (1998), 419.30 (1997), 412.27 (1996)
Climate:
Temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south
Population:
15,328,467 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish NEGL%
Medical:
Medical care, while generally good, may not meet U.S. standards, particularly in remote areas. Although emergency rooms in some major hospitals accept credit cards, many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate cash payment for health services.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety:
There are no known threats directed specifically against U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Chile. Traditionally, September 11-18 is an active period for public demonstrations. Violent political, labor, or student protests can occur at other times also, often near government buildings in Santiago and Valparaiso or in the vicinity of major universities. Regardless of when or where such assemblies occur, American citizens traveling or residing in Chile are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. Additional advice about demonstrations, particularly during the September period, may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers listed below.
There are credible reports that land mines may pose a danger to hikers in remote sections of several popular national reserves and parks near northern border areas, including Lauca and Llullaillaco National Parks, Salar de Surire National Monument, and Los Flamencos National Reserve. Visitors should check with park authorities before entering less-traveled areas and observe all warning signs. There are also demarcated land mine fields in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine National Park, and on Tierra del Fuego, which should be strictly avoided.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U. S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Chile is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Fair
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance:
Fair
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the United States. Although major roads in Chile are generally in good condition, secondary roads are sometimes poorly maintained and/or poorly lighted. At night, heavy fog conditions in rural areas have led to multiple-vehicle accidents with occasional deaths and injuries. Care should be exercised while driving in the mountains because the roads tend to have many tight switchbacks and rarely have guardrails. Many major highways in Chile are toll roads; drivers should carry a sufficient amount of local currency to cover the tolls.
In Santiago: Care should be exercised when changing lanes or merging because Chilean drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic. Buses are especially aggressive in moving from lane to lane. Traffic jams during peak hours in downtown Santiago and other areas are common. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Drivers should drive with car doors locked at all times, especially in the southern parts of the city and near the airport, as there have been reports of thieves entering cars stopped at traffic lights or moving in slow traffic.
Santiago anti-pollution measures call for certain major arteries to switch directions during morning and evening rush hours. Visitors to Santiago should obtain up-to-date information on these changes from their auto rental company or the Chilean Automobile Association (please see below).
Driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is severely penalized, and it can lead to incarceration if the driver is involved in an accident.
Visitors to Chile must have an international driver's permit in order to drive legally in Chile. Although car rental firms will rent to customers with only a U.S. driver's license, several persons have been detained by the police for lengthy periods for driving without a valid international permit.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Chile, driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Chilean Automobile Association, Avenida Vitacura 8620, Santiago, tel. (56-2) 431-1000, http://www.aclub.cl, or the National Tourist Bureau, SERNATUR, which is located at Avenida Providencia 1550, Santiago,tel. (56-2) 236-1420, http://www.sernatur.cl.
