About the city of Santiago:
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/chile/santiago
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294305-Santiago_Santiago_Metropolitan_Region-Vacations.html
Weather
Using the Subway
The Santiago Metro might be the best public transport option if the place you want to reach is located near to one of its stations. Even if not, it might be convenient to move first to the nearest station to your destination first and then take a taxi. Currently, there are six lines (numbered 1, 2, 4a, 4b, 5 and 6; there is no line 3 yet). In most cases, you will use only lines 1 and 2, since most of the interesting spots in Santiago and the conference venue are located near the stations of these two lines.
In order to pay for the Metro, you need to buy a “BIP” card, which can be recharged with money and used for several trips. In order to use the BIP card, you have to buy it first for 1000 pesos (US$ 2.2) and then top it up with the money for traveling. The BIP card is required if you plan to use the buses since it is the only way to pay for them. Moreover, with the BIP card, you do not pay again to continue your trip started with the Metro and changing to a bus or vice-versa within 90 minutes.
Trip fares do not depend on the length of the trip, but fares are different depending on the hour of the day. Peak hours are from 7:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00; the fare is 770 pesos (about US$ 1.2); the fare is 630 pesos during the rest of the day.
The conference venue is located from walking distance from either Universidad Católica station on Line 1 (red line) or Baquedano station on Line 5 (green line).
Taking a Taxi
Taxis are relatively cheap in Santiago compared with most North American and European countries. There is a fixed rate of 200 pesos and then a fare of 90 or 100 pesos (depending on the taxi) for every 200 hundred meters. The same amount is charged for every minute the vehicle is not moving during the trip (for example, waiting for a green traffic light).
Other useful tips
The official language in Chile is Spanish. Most people in the street do not speak English.
The electricity is 220V 50 Hz. The time zone is Greenwich -4. Other information is in Accommodations.
General Touristic Information: https://www.visitchile.com/en/
Safety advice
The importance Chile has given to safety as the main foundation for development has meant that the country is known worldwide as one of the nations with the lowest crime rates in the region.
Nonetheless, when visiting the country, and just like in every other major city in the world you must look after your bags and suitcases to avoid theft and have a safe experience in Chile.
- Carry copies of all your important documents including your passport.
- Avoid walking alone at night on the outskirts of towns.
- Don’t carry flashy valuables while walking on the street.
- Always carry a map with you and the address of the place you’re staying at.
- If you travel to places away from cities, carry a first-aid kit with you and the names of the medication you may need, in Spanish.