IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL Business Customs U.S. business people will find that business practices in Chile and the United States are very similar. The business day usually begins at 9 a.m. and ends between 6 and 7 p.m. Lunch breaks usually begin at 1 p.m. and are an hour long, unless business is being conducted, in which case two- to three-hour lunches are common. Although social occasions rarely begin at the indicated time, business meetings always do. Many Chilean business people are well educated professionals who travel internationally and speak English. However, not all speak English, and foreign business people will find the ability to speak Spanish useful. Promotional literature should be in Spanish. Travel Advisory and Visas There are no current travel advisories issued regarding Chile. Business people who come to Chile usually travel on a regular tourist visa, which is issued by immigration officers at the airport upon arrival. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended by the Ministerio del Interior-Oficina de Extranjeria (Moneda 1342; Santiago, Chile), or the Gobernacion Provincial elsewhere. Individuals who intend to stay in Chile for more than 90 days but less than a year for business purposes can be granted a visa from a Chilean consulate. Holders of this visa should register at the Policia Internacional where they will be issued a Certificado de Registro. Those considering scientific, technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as border areas are required to obtain authorization from the Chilean government (Direccion de Fronteras y Limites). Requests for authorization must be presented to Chilean authorities at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition. For those business people who intend to make sizeable investments in a business, a temporary resident visa may be advisable. This visa is valid for one year, and can be extended for a second year. In addition to the above, business people may also be granted a Resident Under Contract visa. This visa is issued to people who have been contracted to carry out a specific job, requiring certain qualifications. This visa is valid for up to two years, and its holders are allowed to have their spouse and children in the country. A new visa is required if the holder changes companies. This visa is requested in Chile at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Relations), Departamento de Inmigracion (Bandera 46, oficina 11; Santiago, Chile). For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Chile, travelers can contact the Chilean Embassy in Washington, D.C. (see Appendix C "U.S. and Country Contacts") Terrorist Activities Terrorism in Chile has declined over the past several years, particularly against U.S. interests. The number of attacks against American targets decreased substantially following high levels of activity in 1990 and 1991. Virtually all of the attacks during the past five years have been low-level bombings directed against U.S. banks or fast-food restaurants. Most of these bombings were carried out during late night or early morning hours, with the primary intent of causing property damage rather than death or injury to American or Chilean citizens. In recent years, the strength of Chilean terrorist organizations has been diluted by the successes of Chilean law enforcement in arresting critical group members and uncovering key safehouses and weapons caches. Additionally, Chile's return to democracy and economic stability have also denied the radical groups any significant grass-roots popular support. Despite the improving security climate, several well-established domestic terrorist groups continue to operate in Chile, and they retain the capability to carry out bombing and other terrorist actions. While these groups primarily focus their actions on Chilean institutional targets and personnel, they continue to carry out sporadic terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in Chile. Large-scale anti-U.S. mob violence and anti-U.S. terrorist acts by international terrorist groups operating in Chile have not occurred. Crime Information In Santiago and other large cities, thieves thrive on rush hour crowding on the street and aboard public transportation. Persons wearing expensive looking jewelry or carrying luggage or cameras are particular targets. Walking in the downtown area after dark, or on weekends in the late afternoon even in the well-traveled areas, is considered risky. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Also available from the same address is the Department of State's publication, "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America." Drug Penalties U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Chile for possession and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Holidays The following are Chile's legal holidays: -- Jan. 1 New Year's Day -- Apr. 1 Good Friday -- Apr. 3 Easter Sunday -- May 1 Labor Day -- May 21 Commemoration of the Battle of Iquique -- June 2 Corpus Christi -- June 29 Saint Peter and Saint Paul -- Aug. 15 Assumption Day -- Sep. 11 Official Holiday -- Sep. 18 Independence Day -- Sep. 19 Day of the Army -- Oct. 12 Columbus Day -- Nov. 1 All Saints' Day -- Dec. 8 Immaculate Conception -- Dec. 25 Christmas Day Note: Holidays falling on weekends are not celebrated on a Monday or Friday. Business Infrastructure Transportation The only U.S. passenger airlines serving Chile are United and American Airlines. The Chilean carriers Ladeco and Lan Chile offer comparable routes, schedules, prices and service. Public transportation in Santiago is good, inexpensive, and varied. There is an excellent subway system (the Metro) which has two lines covering much of Santiago with connections to a bus system (Metrobus). In addition to the Metrobus, there are also city buses which cover the entire metropolitan area. Taxis are available and fares are metered. Average fare from the airport to the downtown area is approximately US$15. Use of taxis for business meetings is recommended and inexpensive. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers on short trips. For those who must travel between cities, there are several bus lines which travel throughout the regions. Prices are reasonable, service is good and the buses are fairly new (Mercedes and Volvos). Unfortunately, the train system has deteriorated, and offers limited passenger service. The airlines Lan Chile and Ladeco are available for longer trips within the country as well as international flights. Car rental is a final option, with several competing firms including Budget, Avis, and Hertz. Although there are several major road improvement projects now underway, most of the roads throughout the country are only in fair condition, and "routes" are not always apparent. Visitors would be well advised to exercise their most defensive driving practices, since Chilean drivers can be quite unpredictable and are often imprudent. Language Spanish is the official language in nearly all South American countries, with the most important exception being Brazil. Most business people, especially those involved in international business, speak some English. However, the benefits of bilingualism are great, and Spanish materials are appreciated by Chileans who are then saved the expense of translation. Communications/Information Systems Chile boasts the best telecommunication system in Latin America. Fax and phone service are widely available. There are public and private facilities for both, as well as long-distance telephone companies. Television and radio service is available throughout the country and operated by both the state and private sectors. Cable companies provide services such as CNN, ESPN, HBO, etc. Chile is a leader within Latin America in computer use and software design. It is the only country in Latin America whose banks are connected to a network of national cash dispensers. While the majority of private companies use computers, most public offices do not. Housing There is a full range of hotels in Santiago and the major cities. Santiago has around a half dozen five-star hotels including the Hyatt, the Sheraton, the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, and the Sonesta Hotel, which will open to the public during 1994. There is also a wide variety of less expensive, high-quality hotels available which offer kitchenettes, laundry service, and meeting rooms among other amenities. In addition to hotels, fully furnished apartments are available to business travelers. The location, quality and price of these units are comparable and quite contemporary. Some have swimming pools, gyms and secretarial services. Most have meeting rooms, faxes, and access to computer services. Outside of Santiago you can find good hotel accommodations at fairly good prices. Health The main threats in Chile are cholera, typhoid fever, and air pollution during the winter months. For cholera and typhoid prevention, high-risk foods such as raw seafood or fish, poorly washed or uncooked fruits and vegetables should be avoided. When dining out, choose items from the menu that are served piping hot and/or recently cooked. Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water, eat well-cooked foods and avoid goat cheese. Should medical care be needed, modern hospitals and highly qualified doctors are readily available. Medical care is good but may not meet U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance which includes specific overseas coverage is highly recommended. In-country medical evacuation from outlying areas to Santiago costs US$2,000 or more. Cost for international evacuations begin at about US$10,000. For additional health information travelers can contact the centers for disease control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Food Chile has a wide selection of good restaurants featuring national and international cuisine. Typically Chilean dishes are not spicy, and despite the long coastline, seafood is not the most readily available dish. Breakfast is a light meal consisting of tea and/or coffee (with or without milk), and toast. All hotels serve an "American" breakfast. Lunches are generally served between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and dinner after 8 p.m. Chileans like late dinners, so there is usually not much competition for tables before 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. Prices are reasonable, the wines very good, service is generally good, and tips are usually 10-15 percent of the bill.