Local Customs

Customs in Chile

Chileans are friendly people and most speak and understand English, French, Italian or German. Chileans hate arrogance so be kind and everyone will help you. The family occupies a central role in Chilean life with family and business intertwined to the extent that nepotism is seen as a positive concept.

Chile remains fairly traditional with ladies wearing dresses or skirts of modest design and men wear long pants particularly in the cities. People tend to speak in conversational tones and the usual greeting is a hand shake between men and a pat on the right forearm or shoulder between the women. Dining etiquette is quite formal with men waiting for the women to sit and the hostess invites people to eat. If invited to a Chilean home take sweets or wine for the hostess.

In Chile 10% on top of your restaurant bill is considered an acceptable tip. As a general rule you tip porters, beauty parlours and the person who packs your supermarket shopping however you do not tip taxi drivers.

Most Chileans are Roman Catholics with religion playing a large role in defining social and political life. Religious instruction in public schools is nearly exclusively Roman Catholic and due to the Church’s influence abortion is illegal and divorce was illegal until 2004.

The Chilean police force is admired for its competence and honesty and bribing is not acceptable in the country and you will likely be arrested if you try.