Socialising 79
Smoking
Chileans can be heavy smokers, especially the women.
Yet, like many other countries, Chile is gradually changing
its smoking laws. Restaurants and other establishments
must have separate sections for smokers and non-smokers
if they serve minors. Places that do not allow minors, like
bars, do not need a separate non-smoking section. Certain
office buildings prohibit smoking indoors, while others may
not. Most Chileans would ask before lighting up a cigarette
in someone’s home and usually honor requests to smoke
out on the terrace. Attitudes and behaviors are slowly
changing, which is good news for those used to smoke-free
environments.
Eating Out
Chileans are becoming more sophisticated and more adventurous
when it comes to food. New interesting and exotic restaurants
have sprung up all over the country, especially in Santiago.
Areas of the city that have a good selection of restaurants
are Plaza Peru in El Bosque Norte, Avenida Las Condes and
Borderío in Vitacura.
Invitations to Dine Out
It is not entirely uncommon to be invited out to dinner at
a restaurant instead of someone’s home. The issue of who
pays the bill should be clear by the nature of the invitation.
If the invitation is very casual, most likely everyone will
pay for themselves. Chileans will not squabble over exact
amounts, so bills are split evenly. If you order only a soup
to try and save money, your plan may backfire. A foreigner
being invited out for the first time will often be treated to
dinner. Also, a single woman will not be expected to pay.
If you invite someone out to dinner, you should pick up
the check.
If you invite Chilean friends or colleagues over for dinner
or out to a restaurant and they decline, you might find their
excuse somewhat questionable. Do not worry that they
don’t like you or were trying to find a way out of spending
