• 
• 
  • Organizing Committee
  • Scientific Committee
  • Field Trips Committee
  • President Invitation
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• 
  • SCHEDULE
  • PROGRAM AND PRESENTATION
  • SESSIONS
  • Pre-Congress Field Trip
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• 
• 
  • Hotels
  • Pre and Post Tours
  • Excursions
  • Accompanying Person Program
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Useful Facts

Local Currency

The unit of currency is the Peso ($ or CLP), which exists in banknotes of $1000, $2000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 and coins of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $500.

Foreign cash is not generally in use, except for hotels that may waive the value-added tax (IVA) if you are a foreigner, when you pay in US dollars or credit card.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely used and accepted. There is no surcharge for their use. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. In medium to large businesses American Express is also honored. Exchange rates for credit cards are pretty good. Some small, rural towns mostly have cash economies, so have cash handy when going off the beaten track.

Teller Machines

In commercial and banking areas, it is easy to find Automatic Teller Machines (Redbanc network) honoring cards of all local banks as well as Cirrus cards, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Exchange rates are very good.

Money Exchange Offices

The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile. You can exchange money at any established Money Exchange Office (Casa de Cambio) at market driven exchange rates. They are common in commercial areas (Downtown and Providencia) as well as in Shopping Malls. For furher information, click here.

For information on exchange rates check The Universal Currency Converter (TM).

Buying in Chile

It is very easy to buy a great variety of products in different sort of establishments. In big cities, there are shopping malls mainly but it is possible to find specialized stores as well.

Along the country is possible to appreciate an array of artistic and cultural expressions. Handicraft change from zone to zone, and the designs depend and are developed according to the characteristics of each place; products can be bought in small shops or stores in each town.

Because of the great interest for open door activities many specialized stores are offering camping and outdoor products for entertainment, products that can be found in the city as well as in the sites where the activities are done.