Hotel Villa Virginia

Traveler Tips

Chile
Official Name: Republic of Chile
Current President: Michelle Bachelet Jeria
Government: Representative democracy, presidential system in which the branches of government are separate and independent from one another.
Capital: Santiago
Area: 756,950 Km,
Official Language: The official language is Spanish.

The currency is the peso (money) = 100 cents. When traveling, it is important to always have change and small bills for tipping

Money: There are 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500 pesos.

Currencies: of 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 peso.

Currency Exchange It is recommended  to exchange the currency only in banks, exchange houses, or ‘change’ at authorized stores and restaurants, hotels and clubs.  

Checks : It is recommended to  exchange the checks before 12:00,  to avoid additional fees .

Exchange rate: Approximately: Check for current ex-change rates

Restrictions: No restrictions on import and export of currency or currencies.

Credit cards: We accept Diners Club, Visa and American Express.
Airport tax:
* International: USD 22
* National: Varies according to destination. Approximately: $ 7,000 (U $ D 10).

Climate: The climate in Chile is varied and depends on your geography. It has a desert climate in the northern area ,temperate in the Central Valley, and rainy in the far south. Temperatures in summer range between 13 ° C and 32 ° C in winter and from 2 ° C to 15 ° C.

Vaccines: There are currently no vaccines or required medical examinations for entry to Chile, however it is advisable to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Health formalities: Chile implemented a comprehensive health care legislation, there are some restrictions, it is recomended to check the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG)

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The sockets are three pin and light bulbs screw.

International Phone Code: * Country Code: 56. International Direct Connect available

Time Reference: The continent and the Juan Fernandez Islands: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March). Easter Island: GMT - 6 (GMT -5 from the second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March).

Working Hours:
* Business hours: from 10.00 to 20.00 Monday to Friday and from 10.00 to 1400 on Saturdays. The main shopping centers operate continuously from 10.00 to 21.00 throughout the week and weekends.
* Hours Banks: 09.00 to 14.00 Monday to Friday.
* Money ex-changes: Mon-Fri 9:00 to 14:00 h and 15:00 to 17:00 h.
* Metro Hours: 6:30 to 22:30 pm, Sun and holidays from 8:00 to 22:30 h

How to get to Santiago:
A is 20 miles International Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez - (Tel 6019709)

Buses - Airport
Express Tour - (Tel 6019573)
Centropuerto - (Tel 6019883)

Minibuses (Transfer) - Airport
Delphi - (Tel 2266020)
Transfer - (Tel 7777707)

Bus Station
Terminal Santiago - (Av. Libertador Bernardo O Higgins 3848)
Terminal Heroes - (21 Tucapel Jiménez / Tel 6969080)
Terminal Alameda - (Av. Libertador Bernardo O Higgins 3750)

Public Transportation:

* Metro: The subway network of Santiago is renowned for its quality and efficiency, and is a safe means of transport. The opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 6:00
Saturdays and Sundays

 It is recomended to check the page

Taxi:

In Santiago there are plenty of taxis, almost one for every 100 inhabitants. They colored black and yellow and can be taken directly from the street. In Chile it is not requerided to tip taxi drivers, the cost of the taxis varies in different cities, Viña del Mar; for example, charge twice as much in Santiago.

Radio Taxi

: There is a taxi service that can be obtained by telephoning any of the specialized companies. It is a safe and comfortable, though slightly more expensive option  than taxis driven on the street , there is also has a minimum rate.

Rent a car:

You can rent a car from the airport or any of the main cities. The price is the sum of the base rate per day, plus mileage and another 20% tax. Often companies ask for a Rent a Car warranty. Documentation: You need a driving license or international driving license.

Urban transport:

Santiago operates several bus lines that cross the city from side to side. The bus service is called Transantiago, it is required that you use a magnetic card called BIP , however no cash is accepted.You must have a charged or buy “BIP” card which can be aguired at any metro satation.  It is recomended to check the