106 CultureShock! Chile
embassy for all the relevant information. The most highly
respected hospitals are Clínica Las Condes, Clínica Alemana
and Clínica Vitacura.
In case of a medical emergency, most Chileans call the
police first (dial 133) because they respond immediately.
There is a direct number to request an ambulance listed on
the front page of the phone book, but the police can also have
one sent to you. Over the past few years private emergency
services have emerged. Members pay a monthly fee and are
registered with the service. Non-members may also call and
request help, although the fee will be higher. These services
began with heart patients, but have spread to include other
medical conditions and accidents. Some services also have
contracts with individual schools and corporations.
Pharmacies in Chile sell medicine and toiletries. Large
supermarkets normally have a pharmacy on site. Many
drugs can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
In fact, if you’re not feeling well you can discuss the symptoms
with the pharmacist, who will suggest appropriate medications.
Select pharmacies are open 24 hours for emergencies.DOCUMENTATION
Visas
If you plan on going to Chile as a tourist, a tourist visa
good for 90 days (note: not 3 months) will be required.
Residents of some countries, due to reciprocity, are limited
to shorter stays. Depending on your citizenship, this will
either be issued by a Chilean consulate or by immigration
upon arrival. Upon entering Chile you will need to show a
passport and sometimes a return travel ticket or ticket to a
third country. (Citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia,
Paraguay and Uruguay need only have an identity card.) You
will also need to fill out a tourist card. Hold on to your copy
as this needs to be returned when you leave the country. Not
having the tourist card will cause a huge hassle and delays
as you try to catch your plane. Citizens of certain countries
including Canada, Australia, Mexico and the United States
must pay a reciprocity fee either in cash or by credit card
when they arrive at the Santiago Airport. Because it is based