Useful Tips

Language
Spanish is the official and administrative language of Chile.

Time
Chile is four hours behind of GMT and 6 hours behind of CET.

Electricity
In Chile the power plugs and sockets are of type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz

Currency and Exchange
The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP or CL$). Chile's currency has been relatively stable in recent years. You can sometimes pay for a bill with US dollars cash, especially at tour agencies or hotels. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and 'Casas de Cambio'.
Amex, Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards. Traveller's cheques are not very convenient as it is difficult to find places to change them.

Transportation
Santiago's subway is fast, but during the peak period crowded. Beside the subway, in 2007 a new integrated system of urban transportation was inaugurated in the city called Transantiago. The urban buses are called “micros”. Taking a taxi in Chile is safe and relatively cheap. The black cars with their yellow roofs can be hailed anywhere. “Colectivos” that are the reasonably-priced group taxis run their fixed routes indicated on the signs on their roofs.

Climate
Santiago experiences a very pleasant Mediterranean climate. Summer lasts from December to February and the temperature rises to an average of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. During winter months (June, July and August) the average daytime temperature is around thirteen degrees Celsius. Spring is upon Santiago in September with warming days and continuously cold nights. Santiago's average monthly temperature in September is 12°C. Daytime averages are 18°C for the month of September.

Visa Procedure
The visa policy of Chile currently identifies around 90 countries whose citizens can enter the country without the need to obtain a consular or electronic visa, for a visa- free stay of up to 90 days with each entry. Unless you are a visa-exempt national, you will need a Chile visa to travel to Chile. The Chilean government has made the process of obtaining a visa for Chile easy and smooth, allowing you to apply online from your own home. The list of countries that require a Chilean Visa will be published in the congress web site.

Liability and Insurance
Registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness and cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects. Congress organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage of property belonging to meeting participants, either during, or as a result of the meeting.

Covid-19 / Travel Restrictions
Through the Ministry of Health, the Chilean government eliminated all health requirements associated with COVID-19 during entry to Chile.
This means that the request for a PCR test and random testing on entry into Chile is not applied any more.