Chile flights and travel guide

Language

The official language is Spanish.

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Communications

The international access code for Chile is +56. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Santiago is (0)2. Internet cafes are available in the main towns. A number of telephone companies offer different rates for national and international calls,depending on the time of day. Public phones are widely available and international call centres are available in most shopping malls. Cell phone companies have roaming agreements with most international cell phone companies; otherwise cell phones can easily be rented. A GSM network is in operation. Internet cafes arewidespread, particularly in the big cities.

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Tipping

10 per cent is expected in restaurants. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers but it is usual to round up the fare if they help with luggage. In general tipping small amounts is customary for all services.

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Safety

Chile is a politically stable country with very few threats to the traveller. Incidences of pick-pocketing and mugging are on the increase and travellers should take care of their belongings, especially around tourist areas and bus stations, and avoid walking alone late at night.

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Health

There are no vaccination requirements for entry to Chile, but Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended. All water should be treated as if contaminated; bottled water is available. Santiago is severely polluted and this could cause respiratory problems or eye irritations. Travellers visiting the Andes Mountains should be aware of altitude sickness, and if possible ascend slowly to allowthe body to adjust. Health care in urban areas is adequate, but hospitals and clinics are extremely expensive and usually require payment in cash. Health insurance is strongly recommended.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

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