Upon arrival in Chile
Every passenger must follow the norms and instructions of immigration and customs authorities. It’s very important to read all instructions and the list of forbidden elements (custom form will be received in the aircraft before landing in Chile). It can be completed through an online formulary (recommended) and the airline will provide the link.
You must declare all vegetal and animal-origin products. In case of doubt it is always advised to declare it and ask the customs authorities once you give your custom form to them.
When check-in at hotels you must present your Passport/ID, the immigration document that you will receive at the airport from the authorities, and a credit card to guarantee possible extra expenses.
After passing by customs you will leave the restricted zone of the terminal and reach the arrival zone of the airport. Only take transportation with official companies in the Santiago Airport.
Transportation from/to airport
Source and more information click HERE
Taxis
The best way to get a taxi is to get your ticket BEFORE entering the airport arrival hall.
There will be some “official” taxi companies selling tickets. You pay there and then when coming into the arrival hall a representative will escort you to the taxi. This is by far the least stressful and more secure way to get a taxi.
However, there are several people constantly crowding around the arrival sector (where friends and family wait) touting for business. They often do not respect personal space and can be very irritating and, potentially, out to scam you, or worse, rob you, so be very careful if you opt for these guys.
Minibus (transfer)
Next to the taxi service BEFORE exiting into the arrival hall, so this is the space just after customs, there are also minibus transfer companies in the same area as the official taxi companies, selling tickets.
The minibus companies offer either a shared transfer with other passengers or a private transfer. The shared transfer means you need to be patient whilst the bus drops off other passengers before they drop you off, unless you are, of course, the first to be dropped off. They will visit many hotels or private homes, for example, dropping people off at each location. The private option means you pay a premium for the entire bus, but you get door-to-door service.
Buses
For those on a budget, there is large regular bus that shuttles regularly from the airport to the bus terminal in downtown Santiago. Tickets on sale at any of the regular bus counters in the terminal.
Rent a Car
You will need to go to the respective car rental desk in the arrival hall and sign the paperwork. You will likely have to walk a fair distance, unless you take the shuttle bus, to where the rent a car is waiting for you. Once you have familiarised yourself with the car and set off on the drive be careful of Santiago traffic. There will be a road toll to pay, but this is automatically charged to a device in the car called a Tag. See below.
If you rent a car, we suggest you download and use the APP “Waze” or “Google Map” both have an update GPS.
Tag
The airport is located about 30km from the centre and other suburbs of Santiago and the drive time takes about 30min via modern automatic-pay toll roads but can take a lot longer when there is lots of traffic on the roads.
All rental cars will have on the interior of the car windscreen a small device called a TAG that is automatically charged when passing under infrared beams at set intervals on the highway. You will hear a “beep” each time it is charged. To cover this cost the car rental company will add an extra charge for the Tag, unless we have included that for you.
During your stay in Chile
General
Presentation at airports: domestic flights 2 hours before departure and international flights 3 hours before departure.
Electricity: 220V Type C and L rounded legs.
Time in Chile: GMT–4 in winter.
Consulates: In case of loss of any documents or other issues, please contact the embassy or consulate of your country in Chile. In case you need help, call us on our emergency phone number +56961408910.
Commercial Services Times:
Banks open their doors from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00
Shops open around 10:00 until 19:00 (some of them close at lunchtime from 13:0 to 15:00).
Shopping centres opens usually at 10:00 and close at 21:00
Health: No vaccines are mandatory for entry to Chile.
Tap water is drinkable in Chile, but for foreigners, we recommend drinking bottled water. You can buy bottled water mostly everywhere.
In case of any health emergency, please call your travel insurance help phone number and go to the closest hospital or medical centre.
Safety
Santiago is still considered safer than other Latin American cities. Nevertheless, it is certainly a big city and therefore we recommend always bringing with you only what you need and safely in your forehand pockets, not showing always your camera or cell phone. We recommend not walking at night in dark streets, parks or places not well-illuminated.
When city touring, we recommend leaving your passport in the safety box at your hotel and bringing an alternative identification document, such as a driver’s license or local ID + a passport copy.
Never change money in the streets, always in the allowed currency exchange business. There are plenty almost everywhere.
Please keep your value objects in the safety box in hotels (money, documents, etc.). Don’t forget to take them out once you check out the hotel.
It is the entire responsibility of the passengers to consume alcohol, drugs or any substance that could put in danger the rest of the passengers. In case a passenger puts in danger the rest of the group, the company reserves the right to cancel the services and/or it is necessary to contact the Chilean Police.
Taxis in Chile have taximeters to give the rate of any ride. Please note always that the taxi driver turns on the taximeter. Ask your hotel for the estimated price of a ride before taking one. Please always take official taxis in Santiago (black with yellow roof) and at the airport (official desk).
Also we recommend download and use APP “Uber” and “Cabify”, both working in Santiago and you can pay with you credit card.
The official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Most businesses accept only the Chilean Peso, but some of them might accept US Dollars or Euros. You can check the current currency rates here.
You can easily find plenty of currency exchange offices in Santiago and some in smaller cities/towns. Ask your hotel regarding the closer one.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and also there are ATMs on almost every corner in cities and conveniently in smaller towns.
