Practical information for attendees
Venue Hotel
Mandarin Oriental
The seminar will take place at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental, Santiago, located at Av. Presidente Kennedy 4601, Las Condes, Santiago. This luxury hotel features 310 rooms and suites with views of the city, the Andes, or its gardens, a lagoon-style pool with waterfall, spa, 24-hour gym, and two award-winning restaurants: Senso (Italian cuisine) and Matsuri (Japanese-Nikkei fusion).
To book with the event’s preferential rate, contact
Suppliers
Transportation
We recommend using only official transportation from Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez), located 25 km from the hotel (approximately 25-30 minutes by car). Trusted providers:
● Official Taxi: Book at taxioficial.cl or by phone (+56 2 2601 0100). Approximate cost: CLP 30,000-35,000 (USD 30-35).
● Transvip: Book at transvip.cl or by phone (+56 2 2677 3000). Offers private and shared transfers, with costs starting at CLP 10,000 per person for shared services.
● Avoid Uber at the airport due to local restrictions; official taxis are safer and more reliable. The hotel offers Mercedes E-Class transfers for approximately CLP 80,000 (USD 80), you can book it together with your hotel reservation
smart casual
Dress Code
Smart casual attire is recommended for all seminar sessions. Bring a light jacket for cooler spring evenings.
Visas
Check if you need a visa to enter Chile at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.minrel.gob.cl) or your local Chilean embassy. Citizens of many countries (e.g., USA, Canada, EU, Australia) do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days but must present a valid passport and, in some cases, proof of financial means or a return ticket.
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required to enter Chile. It’s advisable to be up to date with standard vaccinations (COVID, flu). There are no specific health alerts for Santiago in October.
Weather
October is spring in Santiago, with average temperatures of 10°C to 22°C. Days are sunny, but evenings can be cool. Bring comfortable clothing, light layers, and an umbrella for occasional showers.
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry some cash (CLP) for small purchases or taxis. Currency exchange is available at the airport and near the hotel (e.g., Parque Arauco Mall). Approximate exchange rate (May 2025): 1 USD ≈ 950 CLP.
Language
The official language is Spanish. At Mandarin Oriental, staff speak English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese, ensuring easy communication for international guests. The seminar will have simultaneous translation to English.
Emergencies
Dial 131 for ambulances, 132 for fire services, or 133 for police. The hotel’s concierge on the 16th floor is available for immediate assistance.
Some other tips:
● Prime Location: The hotel is in Las Condes, an upscale neighborhood with access to shopping malls (Parque Arauco, a 5-minute walk), boutiques on Alonso de Córdova, and top-tier restaurants. Visit Parque Araucano for a relaxing stroll.
● Electricity: Chile uses Type C and L plugs (220V, 50Hz). Bring a universal adapter if your devices are incompatible.
● Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if service is not included. For taxis, round up the fare as a courtesy.
● Safety: Santiago is generally safe, but take some basic precautions in crowded areas. Use official taxis and avoid displaying valuables.
● Cultural Activities: Enhance your visit by exploring the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art or Pablo Neruda’s home-museum in Bellavista (20 minutes by car). The hotel can arrange personalized tours to vineyards, Valle Nevado (skiing, 80 minutes away), or city bike tours.
