Chile

Chile constitutes a country unlike any other geographically speaking: it is a long sliver of land spanning 4000 Km long and no more than 180 Km wide, limited by natural borders such as the Andes mountain range acting as a great icy barrier to the east and the Pacific ocean to the west. This characteristics have created a country distinct from any other country in Southamerica: it's westernized, stable politically and with an orderly government and the safest and most relaxing country to travel in, while it's main capital Santiago it's one of the easiest and least intimidating cities to arrive in. People are warm and hospitable, and the police are uncorrupt, polite and helpful. Recognized as a trade pioneer in Latin America, Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

Due to the huge distance the country covers, Chile has a great variety of landscapes, from the immense deserts of the "Altiplano" in the north, to the giant icefileds and glaciers of "Patagonia" in the south. Chile's population of 16 million is predominantly concentrated in the Santiago and Vina del Mar regions, making it hardly noticeable throughout many parts of the country. This explains the country's many vast and untouched wilderness regions. Many of these regions have turned it into a paradise for outdoor activities and adventure tourism, however a large number of these areas still exist and are not difficult to find.

Useful Facts

Language: Spanish.

Currency: Chilean Peso. (US$ 1 = CLP$ 530 approx.)

Arrival to the country: Visas required for: New Zealand, Haiti, India, Lebanon, Egypt, Philippins, Russia. On arrival, visitors recieve a 90 day visa.

Taxes:VAT (locally known as IVA): 19%. Visitors paying for accomodation in US$, will have IVA automatically discounted.

Electricity: 220 volts

Communications Telephone Country code: 56, Santiago city code: (0) 2.