Some things to know about Santiago
Basic Facts
Santiago has about 6.5 mil. inhabitants, about 40% of Chile´s population and more than 45% of it´s GDP. All major company-headquarters and government-institutions are here. Santiago is the one and only center of Chile.
Getting Around
In Santiago it´s comparably easy to get around by car. Almost all roads are single-way and the traffic is quite civilised, although you shouldn´t cross a street on the crosswalk expecting everyone is going to stop...
Public transport is well organized and safe. There are two main options: The buses ("Micro") and the Subway ("Metro"). Using the Metro costs about 1 USD, no matter how far you go and how often you change trains. Tickets are sold in Metro-Stations. To use buses, you have to buy a "BIP"-Card for about 2 USD. This card can be charged and used permanently. With the card, you pay only once and use buses for up to two hours, and the metro once.
Going Out
The best quarters to go out are certainly Bellavista and Providencia. There are also some good spots in Nunoa, Las Condes, Vitacura and in the center. You will find all kinds of music, but mostly European/American, and a lot of live-music bars with regional music. Prices are quite high for South America. A beer will cost you typically about 3 USD, a cocktail anywhere from 4 USD in the happy hour, admission fees depending on the club are mostly a lot cheaper than in Europe/US.
Languages
There´s a very small percentage of people speaking English in Santiago. Many though speak some very basic words and are very happy to use them. Other foreign languages are almost never spoken, result of generally poor education standards. The Chilean Spanish can be difficult to understand, and there´s some special words. You will get to know them quickly...
City-Neighbourhoods
Read more about the most popular neighbourhoods for foreigners:
Santiago Center,
Providencia,
Las Condes and
Vitacura.
If you have any specific questions regarding life in Santiago, just ask us!
