Traveling to Chile
Travel documents:
You need a passport to enter Chile. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries do not need to secure a visa before they arrive. When you enter the country, you will be required to fill out a Tourist Card, which will give you access to the country for 90 days and will allow multiple entries. You will need to show your Tourist Card to Customs when leaving the country as well, so be sure not to lose it. The Chilean government charges a “reciprocity fee” from Canadian and Australian citizens in response to fees these countries impose on Chileans. As of July 2014, this fee is $160 USD and is valid for the life of the passport. US citizens are no longer charged a reciprocity fee. At immigration, you may go directly to the immigration line.
Currency and ATMs:
The currency in Chile is the Chilean peso. Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 680 Chilean pesos. You can find ATMs in the Santiago and all different regions of Chile
Health:You should not need any special vaccinations to visit Patagonia. Although certain seasons can be fairly buggy, malaria is not a risk. Tap water at the park, and in most places in Patagonia, is safe to drink.
Sunscreen and proper sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts) are crucial, as the sun is very strong in this area.
The nearest clinic to the park is located in Cochrane, thirty minutes away. Cochrane has a pharmacy as well, but with somewhat limited options.
Miscellaneous: • Chile’s country telephone code: +56
• Each city region has a code;
Santiago of Chile: +56 2
San Pedro de Atacama +56
Valparaiso +56 32
Easter Island
+56 32
Puerto Varas +56 65
Aysen +56 67
Punta Arenas +56 61
• To connect with a mobile phone from overseas, dial 56 + 9 + 8 digit number
• Electric current: 220 volts
• Electrical plugs: Two rounded plug jacks
• Time zone: One time zone throughout the country: GMT -5, with daylight-saving time in the opposite season from the Northern Hemisphere. From October-April, Chile is one hour later than Eastern Standard Time, and four hours later than Pacific Standard Time. |