Revised: January 1, 2007
General Students are responsible for meals and incidental expenses, including the Chilean Reciprocity Tax (see below). Some meals are included in the lodging, provided by SEG, but not all breakfasts or lunches are covered, so students should plan expenses to include some meals. Students are responsible for all miscellaneous room charges such as phone calls (use a calling card). You will need a passport to enter Chile. Please e-mail the leaders with your passport number as soon as possible. In general your passport must be valid for 6 months after your expected return date. IMPORTANT: If this is your first time traveling to Chile on your current passport, you may be charged an entrance fee (Chilean Reciprocity Tax) when you enter the country. In 2007 this will be $100 for Americans in CASH. The fee is different for each home country. Be sure to check the requirements for your country. Most major credit cards are accepted most everywhere. Travelers checks are accepted for a fee at banks but are a major hassle (DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY). ATM's should be ubiquitous and give an excellent exchange rate. You will need a card with a PIN number. In a large city you may find a "money exchanger" and these also give a good rate. Because banks charge a fee for changing money, the exchange rate can be quite poor for exchanging small amounts. The exchange rate in Chile is 527 Chilean pesos per US dollar (October 20, 2007). Exchange Calculator Electrical appliances run on 220 V, 50 Hz. Electrical sockets accept two round pins-- converters from US to flat pins to Chilean round pins can be found at the airport or hardware stores.
Medical Bring with you all medicines that you think you might need including all prescriptions. Assume that you cannot obtain any medicines abroad (i.e. not available or not available when you need it). Be sure to check with your medical insurance for coverage in the destination country. Be sure to check with your life insurance company for coverage in the destination country. Check with your doctor regarding any shots that you may require. You might want to check the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov). IMPORTANT: Every participant must hava a note from a medical doctor stating that the participant is in good health and can safely travel at an elevation greater than 4000 m above sealevel.
Transportation and Lodging We are planning to travel by bus and a support vehicle. We will use the least expensive and safe lodgings. To economize we will ask participants to share rooms (doubles, tripples, quadruples). The leaders will make the rooming assignments based on the number and types of rooms available. If there are issues with your room assignment, see below. You will receive your room assignment at the front desk. If any changes are needed, they must be made through Dr. Chavez or Petersen. Bus Services (Santiago airport to downtown, Santiago to Antofagasta) Local Transport (Antofagasta Airport to downtown Antofagasta) International / National Terminal in Santiago MAPS (Google)
Internet, Phone Calls & Laundry Internet access is available in all cities and towns. The best way for making phone calls back to your home country is by buying and using a phone card. Be sure to obtain an international calling card. MCI and other carriers with local access numbers also work. Skype is commonly used by Chileans. Laundry facilities are limited. Send out service in a hotel, if it exists, may take more than one day.
Other Important Information When delcaring rock samples at customs be sure to state the rocks are from "underground"-- Never say "soil". Wash your boots and samples if you are stopping in the USA on your way back home. No alcohol is permitted at the mine sites-- Do not transport any alcohol in to a mine; leave it at the hotel. Mines have a "long sleves" policy even in hot weather. Photos: Do not take any pictures of the mine presentations without first asking mine personel or trip leaders. Copies of powerpoint presentations: Do not ask mine personel for copies of presentations as this can be a sensitive subject. The trip leaders may be able to request presentation materials informally and/or obtain permission to access and distribute any public information.
Climate Travel guides for Chile indicate daytime highs of 25oC and night-time lows of 15 oC degrees in Antofagasta in January. Photo1: Near Antofagasta (January 2005); Photo2: Near El Salvador (January 2005, 3000 masl)
What if problems arise? If you have significant questions please talk to the leaders at any time. If there are rooming or incompatability issues with anyone or anything, please speak with Dr. Chavez or Dr. Petersen. Do not make any changes in the rooming assignments on your own; we will make whatever adjustments that can be made or are warranted.
Contact information In case of emergency we need to know whom we should contact. Please fill out the field trip "Travel-related Information Form" and return it to the field trip leader(s).
Useful URL's
How to Take Notes-- A Primer It is a good idea to take notes or keep a log of all your activities. These notes can serve you in a personal and professional sense. Commonly you will need to make a report of your activities to your boss, so it would be a good idea to have an accurate record. Some things (if relevant) you might want to record are:
Disclaimer You will be traveling as a student tourist everywhere you go. Bring a student I.D., as commonly this can save you money. Your are responsible for your own well being. Observe all safety instructions. You must be in top physical and mental condition. The trip will be rigorous on both counts. You will be expected to participate actively. Revised: 01/15/2007 |