Others.

Climate.

Santiago enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate with four distinct seasons. The annual average temperature is 17?C (63?F). Climate in Santiago Today

Clothing.

Spring clothing are recommended.

Time zone.

Chilean Continental standard time corresponds to the time zone UTC-4:00 (Universal Time Coordinate; formerly, Greenwich Mean Time).
Chile uses a 24-hour military clock (e.g. 3:00 PM is 15:00 hours).
Chile uses the European format for noting dates (Day, Month, Year, e.g. 19 November 1997 is 19-11-1997).

Electricity.

Electrical voltage in Chile is 220 volts, 50 cycles (220V 50 Hz). All electronic devices designed for 110V require a transformer. All portable appliances, including portable computers, usually have transformers of high voltage (110V-240V) which are adaptable to the Chilean electrical system. Some hotels have 110V lines.

Water.

In general, Santiago's drinking water is completely safe for ingestion. For people who are generally more susceptible to changes in their environments, we suggest that you drink only bottled mineral water (you can choose between effervescent water, "natural" or water without bubbles, "sin gas") during your first days in Chile. This water is commonly found in supermarkets, corner stores and restaurants.

Raw Foods.

It is not adviseable to eat raw vegetables, especially those grown near the ground (e.g. lettuce, carrots, strawberries, etc.), unless they are bought at established supermarkets, which normally monitor the sources of their products. Thus, there is a great variety of vegetables in which you should feel free to partake, as they are guaranteed of having been watered with clean well water. Established restaurants also offer this guarantee.

City Schedules.

In general, commercial malls, restaurants, public performances and public transportation function within the following hours:

Personal Security.

Santiago is widely known as a safe city for foreign visitors, much more so than most other large cities in Latin America. Nevertheless, it is advisable that you take normal safety precautions against pickpockets For example, avoid interactions with unknown people and keep valuables out of sight, or leave these items at home altogether.