Practical Information

If you are using public transport, we recommend taking the Santiago Metro. You can find a map of the metro by clicking here.

To use the Metro or bus, you need to purchase a BIP card, which is sold at all Metro stations and costs CLP$1,550 (approx. USD$1.65). This card must be topped up with credit before it can be used. The price of a Metro ticket ranges from CLP$710 to $870 (approx. USD$0.8 to 0.9), depending on the time of day. For full details of timetables and fares click here.

To get to the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences by Underground, the nearest stations are:

– Toesca (Line 2, a 12-minute walk away).

– Parque O'Higgins (Line 2, a 13-minute walk away).

– Los Héroes (Line 1, a 20-minute walk away).

From Monday to Friday, from 6 am to 9 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm, Metro Line 2 operates an Express Service, which means that trains only stop at certain stations, depending on the colour of their route (red or green), so you need to check which route the train you are taking is on. In this case, Parque O’Higgins station is on the red route and Toesca station is on the green route. Meanwhile, Los Héroes station is a common station, meaning that both red and green trains stop there.

Private transport service

 In Santiago, you can also use Uber and Cabify, and this form of private transport is recommended over taxis, which sometimes charge higher fares to foreign visitors.

Getting to and from the airport safely

 Upon arrival at the airport, we recommend that you book an official transport service before passing through customs, leaving the arrivals hall, or even before landing in Santiago de Chile. This transport may be an official transfer or taxi.

You can find further information on the Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) website via this link.

 For your return journey to the airport, please use official transport.

For your stay, we recommend the following hotels in the districts of Providencia and Santiago, located close to underground stations and other transport links.

Although these areas are considered safe, we ask that you take the usual precautions that apply in any capital city. In the surrounding area, you will also find a wide variety of places to eat, stock up on supplies, go shopping and enjoy leisure activities.

Alternatively, staying in an Airbnb in Chile can be a safe and often more affordable option, sometimes offering accommodation even closer to the event venue. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as checking guest reviews and verifying the host’s reputation before booking.

Providencia:

 – Mr. Hotel: Avenida Pedro de Valdivia 164, Providencia

https://www.mrhoteles.cl/hoteles/mrhotel/

– Novotel Providencia Hotel: Avenida Holanda 222, Providencia

https://all.accor.com/hotel/A092/index.en.shtml

–   Hotel Solace: Monseñor Nuncio Sótero Sanz de Villalba 115, Providencia

https://solacehotel.cl/santiago/

Santiago Centro

–   Hotel Cumbres Lastarria: José Victorino Lastarria 299, Santiago

https://www.cumbreslastarria.com/

–   Hotel Boutique Casa Conde (near the event venue) Concha y Toro 13, Santiago

https://www.booking.com/Share-E4ZAkhD

In Chile, the standard voltage is 220V, and the plug types used are C and L (with rounded pins).

If you decide to purchase an adapter, we recommend choosing one that has been certified by the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC), which guarantees that the product complies with current regulations in Chile and poses no safety risks. You can identify it by the seal shown below.

If you would like to find out more about the certification, click here, and for further information on electrical standards, click here.

Santiago is known for its Mediterranean climate, and in October, average maximum temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C.

We recommend checking the weather forecast on AccuWeather bringing a jacket and appropriate clothing, and using sun cream regularly, as UV radiation levels can be high.

The official currency of Chile is the Chilean peso. At the time of writing this guide, the exchange rate against the US dollar is 1 USD = 943.40 CLP.

Banks in Chile are open from 9 am to 2 pm, whilst cash machines are available 24 hours a day.

As for currency exchange bureaux, it is recommended that you only use those located at the airport, in shopping centres or in reputable establishments within the city. There are no currency exchange bureaux operating inside residential or office buildings; therefore, it is advisable to decline any offer that involves entering a building, as these are usually scams.

For your information, there are currency exchange bureaux at the following locations in the city:

• Santiago City Centre: Calle Agustinas between Bandera and Paseo Ahumada.
• Providencia: Avenida Providencia at the corner of Avenida Pedro de Valdivia.

Santiago is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers a rich cultural experience and a wide range of entertainment options. However, it is important to take certain precautions.

• Look after your belongings: keep your personal belongings, such as mobile phones, wallets and handbags, within sight at all times. Take care not to leave valuables in plain sight.
• Precautions when using public transport: although public transport in Santiago is efficient, please bear in mind that stations and buses can be very crowded at certain times of the day. It is advisable to avoid displaying valuables and to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• Safety on public roads: in unfamiliar or less busy areas, it is best not to walk alone at night. Ask local people or hotel staff about areas of the city that may be less safe. Use reliable transport services such as registered taxis, private transport or the public transport system.
• Be careful with personal information: avoid sharing personal information or details of your travel plans with strangers. Keep a low profile and avoid discussing sensitive matters in public.

Enjoy the local cuisine: Santiago offers a wide range of dining options. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Chilean dishes, such as empanadas, pastel de choclo, and fresh fish and seafood. The city also boasts a wide variety of international cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

• Tips: In any bar or restaurant, the recommended tip when the bill is presented is 10% of the total bill.
• Explore the city’s attractions: We recommend visiting the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Cerro San Cristóbal, the Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods, Sky Costanera, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
• Connectivity and Communication: Make sure you have a reliable way of staying in touch during your stay. Most tourist attractions and hotels offer Wi-Fi access, and it’s useful to have a data plan or a local or international SIM card for emergencies.