FAQS

Although drinking water in Easter Island is completely safe and can be directly drank, it is recommended for people more susceptible to changes that they ingest bottled water throughout the first days of their stay because of the high mineral content of drinking water, which could cause stomach disturbance.

The Chilean peso is issued in $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000 bills. There are also $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $500 coins.

Chilean electrical voltage is of 220 volts, 50 cycles (220V 50Hz). Therefore, artifacts designed for 110V must be transformed. Travel artifacts and portable computers usually come with a voltage auto-transformer (110V-240V), which adapts to Chilean electricity.

Winter: -6 hours GMT. Summer: -5 hours GMT. Chile uses the European date format (day-month-year). For example, November the 19th, 2005 is 19-11-2005.

It is not recommended to ingest raw vegetables, especially those that grow on the soil (lettuce, carrots, Cole crops, berries, etc), unless they have been obtained in an established supermarket that regularly monitors the source of its products. Established restaurants and hotels also offer this guarantee.

In most Chilean bars and restaurants, tips are not included in the check. The usual amount in these places varies from 10% to 15% of the total.

Chile does not require a special vaccine type. Nonetheless, it is recommended to be protected from typhoid fever, poliomyelitis, hepatitis and tetanus.

At this stage one must fill in a sworn statement declaring the elements carried. It is forbidden to enter fruit, seeds or grains, vegetables or unprocessed animal products, earth, fire arms, ammunition or explosives, illegal drugs, biologic products, veterinary medicine, animals or pets and live or dead species into the territory.

A foreigner can stay in Chile for 90 days with a tourist visa. No arrangements are necessary for this. Passengers from Canada, the USA, Mexico and Australia must pay a reciprocity tax, created by the Chilean government in reciprocity to the value that Chileans must pay when obtaining their visa to access these countries. The values are as follows: Australia US$56, Canada US$132, USA US$100, Mexico US$15.

In Hanga Roa there is primary emergency attention. It’s Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified and they have therefore, the skills necessary to give first aid in case of need.

Easter Island offers world class diving and is famous among divers for the diversity of marine life, warm clear waters, and uncrowded diving sites.

If you have at least a week, you may enroll in a full certification course, or you can dive with a companion for a one time experience. If you are already a member of PADI, NAUI, or SSI, your certification is recognized.

The climate and lifestyle on the island invite you to dress casually and comfortable. Sarongs and swimwear can be worn during the day from late spring to early autumn, (October/April) while casual shirts and shorts provide comfort during island explorations. During April/October season it is recommendable to bring warmer clothes, most of all windproof – rainproof clothing. The island’s climate is very changeable so it never hurts to wear a bathing suit and a windbreaker. Bring along a hat or jockey, the sun is very strong no matter the temperature.

Essentials are; Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, shoes, hiking shoes, insect repellent and a camera with lots of space.

Easter Island is the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. Popular activities include 4×4 excursions, trekking, diving, snorkeling, surfing, biking, horseback riding and archaeological excursions, plus music and dancing along with the local rhythms at night.

There is a wide choice for car and motorcycles rental, drivers must be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license.

Credit cards are accepted with no extra charge, the most commonly being; Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club. The exchange rates used by credit cards are very convenient. If you want to use credit cards to make purchases in Chile, you should verify that they have international coverage prior your departure. It is recommended to carry cash for small expenses and gifts.

Chile’s official language is Spanish and the native language of the island is Rapa Nui. In establishments and tourist areas English is widely accepted, French is also common due to the connection with the Polynesia.

The Island counts three ATMs (Banco Estado, Banco Santander and Puna Vai gas station). They accept local bank cards and Cirrus cards. The exchange rates are quite favorable. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn is $ 200,000 pesos per day which is roughly and equivalent of US$400.

The foreign exchange market in Chile is not regulated by the government, which means you can buy and sell currency in any “house exchange” or Bank, at the daily exchange rates as published daily by the exchange market.