NEED TO KNOW

Currency Exchange

The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile. The exchange rate does fluctuate, so please check the exchange rate before your depart for your trip. Don’t change USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, at most hotels, at banks (ATMs available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchanges houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.

Cash And Credit Cards

You will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals around Santiago and other cities and towns as foreign currency is not accepted in many of these places. It’s always good to have 50 to 100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Depending on your credit card, this is the way to get the best exchange rate. It is best to use MasterCard or Visa. AMEX is less widely accepted.

Entry Requirements

U.S. and British citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. There is no reciprocity fee. U.S. and British citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. Citizens from other countries, please inquire. Upon arrival in Chile, customs will give you a small piece of paper that says PDI. Make sure to save that document for the duration of your stay, as you will be asked to hand it back to customs upon departure. We recommend that all travelers make copies of their passports and keep them separately.

Entry requirements are constantly evolving due to COVID regulations. Your Experience Team will be able to provide the most up-to-date information.

Local Language

Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in resort areas and in Santiago at international chain hotels. All Eleven hosts and guides in Santiago and Puerto Varas speak English. At the lodge, all hospitality staff and guides speak English.

Local Timezone

Santiago, Chile is on Chile Standard Time which is U.S. Eastern Time +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.

Communication Services

If you have cell service in the U.S. with Verizon or AT&T you can sign up for a plan specifically for Chile for about 40 USD per month. This should cover your trip for cell and internet/email service wherever there is coverage. Santiago and most cities and towns have good coverage. At the lodge, there is cell service and internet available, but weather conditions can interfere with both at times. When the internet is working there is Wi-Fi in the lodge. The lodge has a telephone for use in emergencies. The nearby town of Palena has cell and internet service.

Electrical Current

Throughout Chile the power sockets are of type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Electrical sockets have two or three holes and accept round (European) plugs. You will need an adapter for your U.S. plugs. We have adapters at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, so for those you only need the adapter.

Gratuities And Tipping

Tipping the Eleven staff, guides, and representatives is always optional, but if you decide you would like to, here are a few standard courtesies. Tips for all members of the guide and hospitality team can be paid on your final invoice during checkout. Please ask your Experience Manager or Lodge Manager if you have any questions.

Tips to drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt should be paid directly to the driver.

General Tipping Guidelines: Taxis in Santiago: No tip or small change. Airport transfer drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt: 10–20 USD per way. Porters: 1 USD per bag. Restaurants: 10% of bill. For lodge staff: We suggest 275-375 USD per guest, per week to be left with the lodge manager. Guides: We suggest 100 USD per guide/per day split with your fishing partner, paid directly to your guide.

Special Requests

Please be sure to fill out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email, and other correspondence. Most importantly we need to know if you have any food allergies, physical limitations, or medical needs that the lodge manager and staff should know about ahead of your arrival. Please share any special requests such as: favorite food, wine, or alcohol; if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary; any requests related to the type of fishing you prefer, or anything else that could make your trip more enjoyable. We do everything possible to meet all special requests.

Deposit And Cancellation Policy

Please refer to our website for updated information regarding our deposit and cancellation policy: https://elevenexperience.com/cancellation-policies

Trip Insurance

The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is required. The Eleven Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please ask your sales representative for more information.