Chile provides its tourists with great opportunities for any kind of recreation at any time of the year. In the summer you can go skiing, go to Easter Island or just sunbathe on the beach. Those who just want to relax on the beach should visit the north of the country, where there are quite good beach resorts. There is an opportunity to do mountain climbing and trekking. The country of great opportunities for tourists and unique nature is Chile. The only thing that can upset a Russian tourist who is going to visit this country is a rather long flight. The main arguments that guide tourists when choosing this beautiful country are the colorful local population, which is friendly to its guests, a variety of natural complexes and a developing economy.
Geography of Chile
According to calculatorinc, Chile is located in the southwestern part of the South American continent and has an elongated (from north to south) shape. The length of the territory of the state is more than 4000 km, while having a width of only 170 km. The northern part of the country borders on Peru and Bolivia, in the east it shares a common border with Argentina. The southern part is almost in close contact with Antarctica, the only obstacle is the Drake Passage. In addition to the continental part of the country, it includes many islands, one of which is Easter Island, as well as a large archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.
Capital
Santiago
Area
The area of Chile is 756,950 km2. sq., occupies the 38th place in the world by area.
Population
60th in the world, 17,224,200 people.
Currency
The national currency is the peso (CLP).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Chile
Since 2011, for Russian citizens who are going to visit Chile for tourism purposes, a visa is not required, however, in this case, the period of stay in the state should not exceed 90 days within 6 months. If a child under the age of 18 will enter the country, then when crossing the border, it is necessary to provide a power of attorney certified by a notary from one of the parents who remain in Russia. To extend the visa, you must contact the Department of Foreigners, which is located in the city of Santiago.
Weather in Chile
Due to the large extent of the country, the climate in it is very diverse. Northern Chile is characterized by a tropical desert climate. In winter, the average temperature is +12 C, and in summer + 22, although it can reach + 38 C. There is practically no precipitation in this part of Chile, on average 50 mm falls per year. A little to the south, the climate becomes subtropical, with its characteristic average temperature: + 23 C in summer, +15 C in winter. Precipitation mainly falls only in winter (1000 mm). The central part of the country is characterized by a temperate climate, which is influenced by the ocean. In winter, the temperature ranges from +3 to +12 C, and in summer +22 C. Most of the precipitation falls in winter and amounts to 100 – 800 mm per year. In mountainous areas, the amount of precipitation can reach 2500 mm. The center of the country is best visited in September and November, and the ski resorts in June-August.
Transport
Chile has a very extensive and developed transport network. You can move around the city by public transport (metro and buses). Metropolitan Santiago can be safely called a real standard of high service and cleanliness. In addition to being the cheapest way to get around, the subway is also much faster and safer. City buses have a specific color scheme (yellow and white). Traveling by bus is not always comfortable, especially during rush hour, and besides, it will take a long time to travel. Intercity buses are quite comfortable and have a regular schedule. The most convenient way to get around the city is a taxi. Taxis in Chile have yellow tops and black bottoms. Taxi drivers in Chile are very polite and helpful, each car has a meter.
Currency exchange in Chile
As of August 2011, the rate is 1 USD = 464.8 CLP. Banking hours: weekdays from 09.00 to 14.00, exchange offices from 09.00 to 19.00 seven days a week. In addition to the ability to exchange currency at banks and exchange offices, you can use the services of private money changers, but tourists are not recommended to do this, as there may be cases of fraud.
Electricity
220V/60Hz (American and European sockets).
Religion
Most of the population of Chile are Catholics, there are 80% of them in the country, 13% of Protestants. There are also people of other religions. Despite the fact that the church in the country is separated from the state, it is highly respected among the locals and has a great influence on political life.
Security
Chile is the country with the lowest crime rate in Latin America. You can get caught for petty theft or fraud in large cities, but in rural areas and the provinces this is simply unacceptable from the point of view of the morality of the local population. The low level of crime is associated primarily with the mentality of the people and, of course, with the rising standard of living. It is strongly discouraged to start talking about politics, especially about the Pinochet regime. This is due to the fact that the Chilean people are obsessed with politics and such a conversation can turn into an argument or drag on for several hours. Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited in many public places.
Health
The quality of medical services in the country is increasing every year, but in rural areas or in mountainous areas, the provision of first aid can be difficult. It is advisable to take out international medical insurance before the trip, this will greatly facilitate the receipt of medical services.
