Things to know about Chile

[Fragbait]

Hail fellow lurkers,

My luv is going to Chile in march. For 5 weeks *sniff*.
Well, as Chile's rather far away from Europe and I won't be able to contact her regularly, I can't help her if she gets in trouble of one sort or another.
So my question is: Is there someone around who has been to Chile once and again?
Any special precautions or tips and tricks she should know?
Is it safe down there?

=>Should I even let her go? :o

Thanks in advance.

Greetings, Fragbait

[ShadowHM]

=>Should I even let her go?  :o

Are you her guardian?

Or were you thinking more along the lines of "Should I try to dissuade her from going?"

[kandrathe]

I don't know the current political climate, but I've not heard it to be any worse that the rest of central or South America. It's not Bolivia, Paraguay, or Columbia, so there is less fear of being kidnapped or killed by some revolutionary group. Whenever I travel south of the US I am more cautious about where I go, and in whom I place my trust. I've heard so many stories of visitors being taken for a ride, so to speak, and then robbed. I think in this day and age, no matter where you might go, you need to be better aware of your surroundings.

If we cringe in our houses from the greater world and allow fear rule us, then evil wins. Be brave. But, be smart and brave.

[Drasca]

PM, email me, or ask me to pass some questions by for you. Maybe another lurker here is from the South americas too.

[Fragbait]

Hail fellow lurkers,

Thanks for your pieces of advice, they were appreciated.
Everything's going to turn out well, I hope.
@ Shadow: Maybe I'm a little macho :P , but she actually found my post 'so cute' when she read it yesterday, so... B)

Thanks again.

(life tap)

Greetings, Fragbait

[south]

Hi
Never been to chile myself but at the moment I live in south america.
Chile however should be one of the safer countries(if not the safest). So she should be ok. I have travelled to Colombia, Venezuela (living there now). And gotten to talk to people from other South American countries.
But there is danger in all countries, several parts of the U.S. could be dangerous to a foreigner :) .
Normal precautions should be taken, and a few extras not knowing local customs. Like knowing theres places and times that you should respect, like dont overdrink at midnight in downtown being by yourself in a a country other than your own <_< .
There was a little fat travel guide to south america, I have found while travelling in north america which was very knowledgeable, if u find it and it is a recent edition get it. Most travel guides are thin so this one should stand out also i am not quite sure I think it was printed in europe uk?.
Now if you like danger (like thoughless danger) try cross country hiking in colombia :unsure:

[Occhidiangela]

It's a country, not a side dish for Fajitas. :) Sorry, could not help myself.

European influence that extends beyond the typical corrupt Spanish Colonial model in much of Latin America, manifested itself in significant German and Italian, and IIRC Scottish, immigrations in the 19 and 20th century.

Echo an above comment about being relatively safe, and again, it will look a bit like COntinental Europe in that regard. Think Spain, with a somewhat different flavor. Which means that an analogous organization to the Guardia Civile will be around.

1. My info is a bit dated, but, there is a considerable strain of Fascism present in the upper and middle class, which means that the cops can't be expected to act as cops in England or US might. You screw up, you could be in for a very rough day. Pinochet may be gone, but the undercurrents are still there.

2. Officers in the various services are required to carry side arms, or were up until I last checked in 1995, even when in Civilian Dress. This means, some people in nice suits are packing.

3. The hunting, fishing, and backpacking are, from all reports I have received from friends who do that sort of stuff, superb . . . but like anywhere else, for a price.

4. Night life is very much on the Continental European model, in terms of when and how.

The wine and fresh produce is of high quality. Not sure about meat, but Argentina is right next door, and those folks know how to raise beef, so I suspect that you can eat good beef in Chile if you are there on travel.

That's all I know.

Check the "Eyewitness Tours" series of travel guids, they beat Fodor's arse, on Chile for a good rundown of what to do there for "fun" as a tourist. And bring your fishing pole. :D

[Fragbait]

Hail Occhi,

Yeah, many German politicians immigrated to Chile I think (i.e. F.J.Strauß).
I read something about subliminal Fascism, too, in a book about Chile's political situation that she loaned out from the library.
She is studying geography, you know, and therefore she isn't that much interested in the typical tourist traps, but rather in
the cultural and political as well as the scenic aspects of Chile.
I don't expect her to go over the top, but I'll tell her to be careful with the police.
Night life's European? Perfect.
Thank you - and yeah, I suspected it to be a country B) .

Greetings, Fragbait

EDIT: typo.

[Drasca]

From her internet name of Miyuki_Mina:


1.) Is it advisable to get yourself a credit card or will traveller-cheques and ready cash be sufficient?

Credit card reccomended. Most of them are usable here.

2.) Is it necessary to speak spanish, or can you make ends meet with english?

Few people speak other language than spanish, so yep, there'll be the need to speak spanish

3.) What does she have to consider when you rent a car, so that the guys don't pull a fast one on her?

I honestly don't know about that, since I can't even drive. Sorry about that one.

4.) Do you really have to fear getting robbed / kidnapped if you get into someone's car, i.e. does that happen often? Are the Chileans tourist friendly, do they have antipathies?

Be careful mostly in the center of the cities. There are people who can try to mug you there. Specially in Santiago.

Chileans are rather friendly people. There's some antipathy going towards some of our neighbors, tho, due to not so smooth relationship - but we're generally nice.

5.) Can you say something about the cost/performance ratio in youth hotels, hotels and guesthouses?

There should be some info here: http://www.chile-hotels.com/ and http://www.visitchile.com/index2.asp?idioma=ing

6.) Which travel destinations can you recommend? (speaking of insider's tips, no tourist traps... )

North:
* Arica
* Iquique
* Antofagasta
* La Serena
* The Valley of Elqui
* The Valley of San Pedro de Atacama

Center:
* Santiago itself
* Viña del Mar
* Valparaíso
* Concepción
* (Maybe) Talca and Rancagua

South:
* Puerto Montt
* Puerto Varas
* Island of Chiloé
* Pucón
* Villarrica
* Valdivia
* Torres del Paine and its Glaciers

7.) Any other things she ought to consider? Tips and tricks?

Nothing really. I'm mostly a Santiago person, so I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. ^^


Hope it helps!




Double note, for emphasis. These are my friend's words. No credit for me except as messenger boy asking favors in proxy nanner nanner nanner! Just don't kill the messenger. Unless he's a really annoying harbinger of doom with a whiny voice and a whistling nose

[Fragbait]

Thanks a lot Drasca, and thanks to your friend in Chile.
Your help was greatly appreciated.

Greetings, Fragbait