Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I get paid for my internship in Chile?
2. Which season is the best to visit Santiago?
3. Will my electrical devices work in Chile?
4. Can I withdraw money in Chile?
5. What driving license do I need?
6. What special vaccinations are recommended for Chile?
7. Can I use my mobile phone in Chile?
8. How much are the average costs of living?
9. Can I take the bus to work?
10. What kind of leisure activities are there in Santiago?

1.   Are internships paid in Chile?

In general the offered internships are not paid. Only in very rare cases you are paid a small pocket money or receive money for transport or some lunch money. Therefore you should not count on it and consider it when planning your stay abroad.

2.   When should I visit Santiago?

Santiago is worth a visit all year round. In winter, from the middle of May to August, there is a lot of rain and nights can be rather cold. But even in this season you can visit a manifold of museums, buildings, go to the theater or have great nights out in the many clubs.

3.   Do my electrical devices work in Chile?

Chilean plugs have also 220 V, but the connectors are different. When it comes to shockproof sockets, you will definitely need an adaptor.

4.   Can I withdraw money?

You can withdraw money with your debit card (Eurocard, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro) without any problem at ATMs.  You will have to ask your bank for international withdrawal fees. For a German account they are between 0 and 5 € per transaction. You can also pay with your credit card in restaurants, bigger shops or supermarkets.  Currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso.

5.   National or international driving license?

Rental car agencies and the police usually accept national as well as international driving licenses. In case of a claim you might encounter problems with the insurance companies though. It is therefore advisable to have both licenses with you.

6.   What vaccinations are recommended?

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Chile. However, it is recommended to check your Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria immunizations before you leave for Chile.  The Easter Island has a different climate.  Make sure to inform yourself about the different recommendations if you are planning a trip there.

7.   Will my mobile phone work?

You can only use your German phone if it is equipped accordingly. It is possible to build in a SIM chip, but your mobile phone should not have a SIM Lock.  However, you can rent mobile phones at the airport and in some hotels. In some of the rural areas and the national park reception is, unfortunately and despite the widespread mobile phone system, rather bad sometimes.

8.   What about the cost of living?

Naturally the cost of living depends a lot on your lifestyle. Although Chile is considered expensive in comparison to its neighboring countries, groceries, services, travels by bus and restaurants are cheap compared to Europe. Fruits and vegetables are particularly cheap on the street markets.   

9.   Can I take the bus to work?

There are buses, shared taxis (so called colectivos) and 5 Metro lines, which operate daily from 6.00 am to approx. 10.30 pm.  Traffic in Santiago is rather chaotic, so driving yourself is not necessarily the best idea. Next to public transport, you can also catch one of the taxis that drive everywhere and that are relatively cheap.  

10. What kind of leisure activities are there in Santiago?

Santiago is a lively city with a variety of leisure activities. The cultural scene in particular has been thriving since the end of the dictatorship. There are not many theaters with fixed ensembles, but you will find a lot of creative theater groups and interesting productions.  The Teatro Municipal has a Opera season. But the interesting events in clubs, small bars and in the parks on warm summer nights are particularly noteworthy. Soccer lovers will easily find Chilean recreational athletes to join and play.  Apart from that swimming and running is very common. Naturally, there are also some skiing regions in the Andes and trekking and hiking are popular leisure activities.