TRANSFERS
1.- To get to Viña del Mar from the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport located in Santiago, you can choose the following transport: taxi or bus.
2.- If your option is a taxi, we recommend that you coordinate in advance on the website: www.transvip.cl. The price from the airport to Viña del Mar is CLP $100400, approximately USD$110 at the August 22, 2022 exchange rate. The trip takes about 70 minutes. Beware to only take an official taxi; the taxi booth can be found before you exit the luggage area or in the main lobby. Avoid drivers who may approach you as you exit the airport.
3.- Buses:
From the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, you need to go to the Pajaritos metro station. For this, you can take a bus or taxi.
– If you prefer the bus option, we recommend you opt for the Turbus line, which has connections from the airport to the Pajaritos subway station, from Monday to Sunday between 06:00 and 22:45 hrs., and has an approximate value of CLP $1600 (approximately US$2.00).
– If you prefer the taxi option, we recommend you coordinate in advance on the website: www.transvip.cl. You can opt for a shared option with other passengers and the price to the Pajaritos station ranges from approximately CLP $9000 to CLP $32000 ( US$10 to US$35 approx.).
4.- At the Pajaritos subway station, you should go to the bus terminal (located inside the station) and look for the interprovincial bus lines that go to Viña del Mar if that is where you are staying; we recommend Turbus or Pullman Bus. The price of the ticket depends on the day and time, but it starts at CLP $3000 one-way (US$4.00 approx.) If you are staying in Valparaíso, then you take the bus to that city.
5.- Once you arrive at the bus terminal in Viña del Mar or Valparaíso, you can walk to your hotel, take a taxi or an Uber, depending on the hotel’s location. Official terminal taxis are located in the basement of the terminal.
*Participants are responsible for arranging their own transfers.
MONEY AND CURRENCY
The Chilean currency is the Peso.
Chile has the following banknotes: 1.000 ; 2.000 ; 5.000 ; 10.000 and 20.000 pesos. The coins in circulation are: 10 ; 50 ; 100 ; 500 pesos.
Break big notes whenever possible.
Generally, outside of major hotels, you cannot pay with a foreign currency.
ATMS, BANKS AND CREDIT CARDS
Banks and cash machines are found throughout the city and are widely available. Credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
ATMs are the easiest way to access your money in Chile.
Your bank may charge you for withdrawing money from foreign cash machines; check before travelling. Banks in Chile may charge too. The amount of money you can withdraw from an ATM generally depends on the conditions attached to your card, the most machines will dispense no more than CLP $200.000 at a time (approximately USD 230).
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE
There are banks and currency exchange kiosks located at the airport, in the city and in main shopping malls. You will have to show your passport to exchange money.
Currency exchange rates (counter rate) as of August 2022:
1 USD = 945 pesos and 1 EUR = 939 pesos approximately.
The rate changes daily.
CASH
You’ll need to carry some cash with you if you decide to purchase from small vendors or retail stores. The endless supply of small coins may be annoying, but they’re handy, for example, for giving tips.
LANGUAGE
The official language in Chile is Spanish.
English will be the working language of the conference.
INTERNET SERVICES
Internet services are very reliable and widely available.
SAFETY
As in any other big city, you can be a victim of thieves. We recommend that you do not take unnecessary risks by carrying large amounts of cash and using expensive devices in popular, crowded places and that you take precautions. Make sure you always keep an eye on and hold onto your purse or bags, never leave them unattended.
In case of an emergency, call the police (carabineros) at telephone 133 or go to the nearest police station (carabineros barracks). Carabineros personnel wear olive green uniforms, unlike army personnel who wear gray uniforms. The carabineros are famous for their honesty and rectitude. We recommend going to them in case of any problematic situation.
VOLTAGE IN CHILE
The voltage in Chile is generally 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs and sockets are of type C and L.
TIPPING
Generally, in restaurants services are charged and a tip of 10% is added but you will be asked if you want to pay that amount or more or less.
DRESS
Viña del Mar is oceanside and in the mornings could be foggy, with the sun appearing mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Considering that January is the summer season, it can be hot during the day and the afternoons and nights are colder. You need to consider the use of protective lotion as the sun can be very bright. There are several beaches, and be aware that the Pacific Ocean’s water is cold.