Practical Information

Arriving to Chile

International flights arrive at the international airport Arturo Merino Benítez (IATA code: SCL) in Santiago. Connecting flights to Concepción depart from the same terminal building. Please note that passengers arriving from abroad are requested to pick up their baggage upon arrival at Santiago, pass through the customs and SAG inspection, and need to check in again their baggage for the connecting flight in the check-in area (located in the third floor). Under no circumstance can baggage be checked through directly to Concecpion from abroad. The airport in Concepción, Carriel Sur (IATA code: CCP), is located 5 kilometers to the Northwest of the city.

From the airport to downtown Concepción

Fares must be paid in cash to the agents located at the baggage claim area.

Electricity

In Chile the electrical current used is 220 volts, 50 Hertz.

Weather

January is in the middle of summer with sunny days and warm weather.

Average maximum temperature : 25 ºC
Average minimum temperature : 10 ºC

Time

http://www.horaoficial.cl/index_ing.html

Commerce

Shopping areas in downtown Concepción are open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The most accepted credit cards are Visa and Master Card. Some stores accept also Diners and American Express.

Exchange Rate

Chile's official currency is Peso ($). 1 US$ (dollar) is roughly equivalent to $600 (the exchange rate fluctuates). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or currency exchange houses, most of them located in downtown Concepción.

It might be a good idea to get some Chilean pesos (to pay taxi fare) at the Arturo Merino Benítez airport in Santiago since there are not exchange places at the Carriel Sur airport in Concepción.

Banks

There are several banks in downtown area. On the University campus campus there is a branch of Corpbanca bank located below the "Campanil". Here you can find an ATM. There is also an ATM inside of Salcobrand Pharmacy located at Plaza Perú (just outside campus)

Currency Exchange Houses

Car Rental

All of them also have offices at Concepción Airport.

Map of Concepción

Here you can find a Concepción Map.