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  • 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

Transportation

Driving in Chile

Renting a car and driving in Chile is, generally speaking, easy and convenient. Santiago streets are well organized with street signs, but, like in any big city, driving during rush hours can be stressful. Drivers normally drive fast although the traffic rules are respected, especially the stop and yield signs, and for pedestrian crossings.

You should always carry your driver’s license and vehicle registration, since police check frequently. Most countries driver’s licenses are honored by car rentals and police controls, although strictly speaking an international license is required.

A seat belt is mandatory for the driver and companion. Smoking, using a cellular phone or a Walkman is prohibited for the driver. Chilean policemen (Carabineros de Chile) will schedule an appointment for you to speak with the local Judge in case of an infraction and the driver’s license is always taken away. Carabineros are always polite and comprehensive especially with foreigners.

Driving under the effects of alcohol is a severe offense. You could be fined or arrested depending on the level of alcohol intoxication. Speeding is also punished. Maximum speed, where otherwise stated, is 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways 70 km/h (45 mph) in urban areas.

There are many agencies that rent cars per hour, day, week or month. They generally require the driver to be over 21 years of age, have a valid national or foreign driving license, and a major credit card as guarantee. For further information, please click here.

Taxis

Many taxis are available, distinguishable by being completely yellow. All of them have their registration number visible and a taximeter. Taxi drivers are mostly kind and honest. Smoking is forbidden inside public vehicles.

Subway

For Further information of Valparaiso subway please click here.

The Santiago subway or Metro is a model of cleanliness and good service. It is fast, secure and inexpensive.

	Red line (Línea 1) West to East, crossing Downtown. (Along B. O’Higgins Ave., Providencia Ave.and Apoquindo Ave.)
	Yellow line (Línea 2) Downtown to Southwest. (Along Gran Avenida)
	Blue line (Línea 4) Under construction.
	Green line (Línea 5) Downtown to Southeast. (Along Vicuña Mackenna Ave.)

Service goes from 06:30 hrs. to 22:30 hrs. on weekdays and Saturday and from 08:00 hrs. to 22:30 hrs. on Sundays and Holidays.

The Metro has different ticket fares according to the following schedule:
Lower schedule: discounted rate from 06:30 - 07:15 hrs.; 09:00 - 18:00 hrs. and 19:30 - 22:30 hrs.
Higher schedule: higher rate between 07:15 – 09:00 hrs. and 18:00 – 19:30 hrs.

There are several kinds of Metro ticket as well as different rates:

* Multivía Card for $ 1.500 (initial loading of $1.000 as minimum)

The Metrobus ticket permits to pay an integrated rate for a one way trip in the subway and another in a bus, therefore you obtain a cheaper rate for the two services than paying them separately. This ticket has a metallic chip inserted that is useful to pay also the cost of the bus ticket.

The Multivía Card is the less expensive way to travel in the subway since you get a discount of $ 20 in every trip no matter the schedule you use it. You can buy the Multivía Card at any Metro Station, Automatic Spending Ticket Machines and Pueller’s stores.

For more information on the Subway, click here.

Interurban buses

There are several companies that service every city in Chile. Service is good and schedules mostly honored. Press here for more information.

Interurban bus stations in Santiago to go to Viña del Mar.