ABOUT THE CITY OF IQUIQUE

Iquique is one of the main port cities in the north of Chile. It is settled between the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Atacama Dessert. It is home to the saltpeter mines which boosted Chile’s economy for a century. Today, tourists appreciate its great weather and traditional architecture reflecting the British influence from the mining heyday. Iquique is only a few hours away from both the Peruvian and Bolivian borders, meaning it has many immigrants and much cultural influence from its neighbors.

Some must-see places in the city’s downtown are: Baquedano, the main pedestrian thoroughfare; Plaza de Armas square, with its Clock Tower; the food market Mercado Centenario; and the Museo Regional de Iquique, with exhibits on local indigenous populations and the old saltpeter mining industry.

Near Iquique there are some historic and natural wonders, such as the saltpeter old installations “Oficina Salitrera Humberstone”; the Pica oasis; the healing thermal baths of Mamiña; and the Isluga National Park.

WEATHER & TIME ZONE

The average weather in Iquique in November is dry season, with warm days and cooler nights and average temperatures from 15˚ to 22˚C (60˚ – 71˚F). Days may start out cloudy, but sun and warm weather usually prevails.

Iquique time in November is GMT-3.

 

MEETING DOCUMENTATION

Documents and presentations will be available on the website after the Conference.

DRESS CODE

The dress code for the event will be business casual.

ELECTRICAL POWER

In Chile the power plugs and sockets are of type C (European plug) and type L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Type C: This socket also works with plug E and F                                Type L: This socket also works with plug C

                                                                                                

CATERING

Coffee Break will be provided during the event. Most hotels offer breakfast, however, all participants are expected to cover their own meal expenses.

Note that there is a restaurant in the event hotel lobby, which provides a lunch menu for a reasonable price. There are many other lunch options at the Filomena Valenzuela Street, in front of the event hotel.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND TRANSPORT

Information about transportation from/to Iquique Airport and from/to the venue of the Conference and other hotels will be provided in further communications.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND TAXIS

It is highly recommended to use licensed taxis for transportation. Participants are encouraged to ask their hotel to arrange taxi services, especially if this is required at night.

BANKING

The local currency is the Chilean Peso. The currency exchange rate is approximately US$1= CLP $726 (as of September 2019). Currency exchanges are located in airports, hotels, commercial banks and shopping malls.

SIM CARDS

The main service providers of SIM cards are Movistar, Entel and Claro. Delegates can purchase SIM cards at the International Airport of Santiago (ground floor). The estimated prices range from CLP 5,000 to CLP 7,000.

TIPPING

Tipping etiquette in Chile dictates that one must leave a gratuity of 10% of the total bill. Most restaurants, bars, and coffee shops will give a suggested final price at the bottom of the bill with the gratuity incorporated. Customers have the option of paying the original amount or the suggested final price. If the bill does not include a suggested final price with an additional 10%, one is expected to include it when paying.

SMOKING POLICY

Smoking in public spaces, such as airports, shopping malls, or hotels is not allowed in Chile. Some restaurants may have special smoking areas.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Emergency services: 131

Firemen: 132

Police: 133 (“Carabineros”)