About Chile

The first thing you will notice arriving in Chile will be the two natural barriers, the majestic Andes Mountains to the east and the grand Pacific Ocean to the west. This makes the country rather isolated, but very rich in its culture.
As it is a very long and thin country, you can find different types of climates from the desert in the north, passing through the jungle, to the arctic in the south. This provides a vast array of products, diverse types of cattle, and, as the floor is very rich in nutrients. All this have made Chile famous by its food, like seafood, wines and the exportation of different fruits.
The largest economic activity is copper exports, and both domestic and international companies have found in Chile a good place to invest. Its political and economic stability have provided a good base for business deals, and for constant immigration.

The national Currency
In Chile the national currency is the Peso. In the following webpage you will find the actualized price of the dollar in Chilean pesos.
http://www.valor-dolar.cl/
To exchange money it is better to use official money exchange institutions, such as banks and official currency exchange houses or just ATM machines.
It is unlikely that foreign currency will be accepted, except at some hotels, so it is important to have enough cash in Chilean currency. However, most places accept credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express.
Throughout the city you will find a lot of ATM machines, which dispense Chilean pesos the whole day to card holders of most major international networks (including Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro). This machines can be found not only in banks, but also may stores and shopping malls, gas stations, and pharmacies.
The Value-added TAX (VAT) in Chile is 19% and is normally included in the price of goods.
Tipping is customary in all restaurants and is usually about 10% of the whole amount of the check. Tips to taxi drivers is not mandatory.

About Santiago

Santiago is the Chilean capital, it was founded by the Spanish colonizers in 1541, and since then has been through major transformation but always maintaining its natural essence.
Now, it is emerging as one of the most recommended cities for tourism, conventions and business trips in South America. It is a city of syncopated cultural currents, with a vivid nightlife, expansive museums and top-flight restaurants.
The center of the city it’s proof of the history of the country. The history, artistic and civic tradition are spread throughout its museums, art galleries, and artisan centers. The multiple university campuses within the city confirm its leadership as a major seat of higher education in the country.
Santiago lies in the heart of the Central Valley, nestled between the Coastal Mountain Range and the high Andes mountains, home to the many fertile farms with agriculture crops and vineyards that are the base of internationally renowned Chilean wine production. In the Andes Mountains you will find various ski centers as Valle nevado, la Parva or El Colorado.
Santiago is also the capital of the Metropolitan Region, which extends over an area of 6 provinces ranging from the heart of the city to the mountains and valleys that are bathed by the rivers that give rise to pleasure and recreation for its visitors. A must- see experience in the outskirts of the city of Santiago is the famous wine tour that allows tourists to visit famous vineyards located in the outskirts of the city. Other popular tours include the Cajón Del Maipo and Pomaire.
The Cajon de Maipo is a beautiful Andean valley, ideal for spending a quiet and relaxing day or weekend out of the city , whereas Pomaire boasts some of the finest hand crafted pottery and other handicrafts , as well as being a center of traditional gastronomy, including local dishes such as “empanadas” or “pastel de choclo” (corn pie).
Weather in Santiago is hot during summer, up to 35 degrees Celsius (but dry) and cool and rainy during winter, down to -2 degrees Celsius.

Discover interesting places around Santiago City:
http://www.cajondelmaipo.com/
http://www.cajondelmaipo.com/restaurant.php

Visit Valparaíso Port, Great Pacific Oceans:
http://www.viajeros.com/destinos/valparaiso/3-que-hacer/

Come to know Central Valle of Chile, visit Pomaire Town or La Campana National Park:
http://chile.travel/donde-ir/santiago-y-alrededores/atractivos-del-valle-central/pomaire/

Others attractions like vineyard. Chilean Wine route in the Casablanca o Colchagua Valley
http://rutadelvinodecasablanca.cl/