Chile Presentation

Chile :

Chile f or the business minded… By: The Untouchables

Geography:

Geography 2653miles North-South 110miles East-West Countries Bordered: (N)Peru, (NE) Bolivia, (E) Argentina

Demographics:

Demographics Population: 15 million 5 million in Chile’s capital of Santiago. About half of the total population is considered Middle Class .

Demographics (cont.):

Demographics (cont.) 0.98:1 men to women ratio Age structure: 0-14yrs : 23.2% 15-64yrs : 67.8% 65-over : 9.1%

Formality:

Formality Proper greetings: Men: Hand-shake Women: Pat each other on the arm Greet by status such as: Señor , Señora , Señorita and Doctor. Include time of day such as: “Buenos días ” (Good morning) “Buenos tardes ” (Good evening) Direct e ye contact a necessity!

Formality (cont.):

Formality (cont.) A dress code of sorts has emerged whereby the formal business class dresses very well in order to distinguish itself as high society . Body language and hand gestures are very important and should be observed very carefully for clues as to when the topic or tone of the conversation should shift. Confrontation and open criticism is frowned upon in Chilean custom but when difficulties arise, Chileans can be assertive and animated.

Clothing:

Clothing Business attire includes: Men: Dark color suits with tie. Women: Blue or Grey suit with shoes (NO HEELS). Dress to match those around you to feel more comfortable. Many Chileans are against individual dress and flashy clothing and jewelry. If you decide to where jewelry, make sure they are conservative in nature.

Politics:

Politics Republic Government “A form of government in which the people or some significant portion of them, retain supreme control over the government.” Chilean Constitution Written: 9/11/1980 Effective: 3/11/1981 Political Structure: Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

Slide 9:

Executive Branch: Chief of State/Head of Government (President) 4 year term (may NOT serve 2 consecutive terms) Cabinet Appointed by The President Legislative Branch: Bicamerial National Congress: Senate has 38 seats 8 year terms (half elected every 4 years) Chamber of Deputies has 120 seats 4 year terms (all elected every 4 years) Judicial Branch: Supreme Court Judges are appointed by President then ratified by Senate. Constitutional Tribunal 8 Members total who review the constitutionality of the laws. 2 members from each of the following: Senate, Chamber of Deputies, Supreme Court, National Security Council President Sebastián Peñera (Appointed 3/11/10)

Business Language:

Business Language Official language is Spanish When speaking to a Chilean business person, it is respectful to address them by their particular title (as discussed earlier). Spanish learned in the US is perfectly acceptable to use in Chile. Many business persons also know English.

Some useful Spanish translations...:

Some useful S panish translations... English Spanish Hello……………………………….……...… Hóla Goodbye…………………………………… Adíos Yes…………………………………..….….…. Sí No………………………………..………….…No See you tomorrow…………….…….… Hásta mañana Thank you………………….………….…… Gracías You’re welcome……………..…………..De nada I don’t understand………………………No entiendo I’m sorry………………………………………Lo siento Excuse me…………………..………………. Compermiso How are you?................................ ¿ Cómo estás ? Fine, thank you and yourself?..….. Bien Gracías y tú ?

Cultural Norms:

Cultural Norms Church G reat influence over cultural norms of Chile due to the history of religious prestige to most of South America. Divorce was ILLEGAL up until May 7, 2004. Acknowledgement of social rank a high priority. Businesses are conduced formally; however, communications are often indirect. There often will be NO business decisions made during a business meeting. Meetings are used to exchange information and “sleep on it”. Good non-formal relations are essential for maintaining a respectable and professional business. Divorce

Etiquette:

Etiquette Proper greeting, conduction of conversing, dress, gesturing etc. will go along way in business. Trust Built through personal interest sharing. Showing interest in personal life is gratifying and will allow you to build that essential trust. Many business transactions are initiated through non-business related conversations. Chileans do not like to be pushed or pressured into transactions. Bribes of any sort are illegal and are not appreciated by Chileans.

Etiquette (cont.):

Etiquette (cont.) Any appointments should be made a few weeks in advanced prior to arrival in Chile. January and February (summer) should be avoided . Be on-time to appointments. Chileans are VERY big on punctuality and find it disrespectful if one is late or doesn’t show up. This takes away all trust in the business transactions.

Travel:

Travel Get familiar with travel logistics… Airports Bus/Metro Driving Conditions Time zones and hours Currency To enter Chile: Valid Passport Valid Tourist Visa (if staying longer than 90 days) One-time reciprocity fee of $140 USD Tourist Card once you land in Chile

Airports:

Airports There are many different airports in Chile; however, most long distance flights into Chile arrive in Santiago. Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez There are four Chilean airlines: LAN Sky Airline Aerolineas Del Sur Principal Airlines (PAL)

Bus/Metro System:

Bus/Metro System Long distance busing companies: Turbas Pullman Metropolitan Transportation System Transantiago Paying Bip ! Card Cost $2.50 USD for the card can be purchased at the station and most supermarkets. Cost about $1 USD for bus ride up to 4 bus transfers in a 2hr period. Metro has 5 lines Red (West to East), Yellow (North to South), Purple (Northeast to Southeast), Light Blue (Southeast to Southwest) Green (West to Southeast) Weekdays 6am-11pm Saturdays 6:30am-11pm Sundays and Holidays 8am-10:30pm

Driving Conditions:

Driving Conditions International Drivers Permit (obtained prior to departure to Chile) and a US Driver’s License Driving Under the Influence is frowned upon in Chile as well. Bribe are never acceptable and you will get in a lot of problems if you are caught. Fuel prices are about 1.5 times higher then US average. All traffic signs are in Spanish and their shapes and colors can be different then Americans are used to. Right hand turns are prohibited on red lights unless indicated. Some inner-city roads are tolled and do not accept credit cards so it would be wise to have cash on you. Drivers are very aggressive so be a careful driver and drive with due regard to other motorists.

Time Zones and Hours:

Time Zones and Hours There is only one time zone of Chile CLST (Chile Summer Time) and CLT (Chile Time) 4 hours later in the day than PST. Businesses typically open at 8am. Shops typical hours: 8am-noon, 3pm-9pm

Currency:

Currency Chile’s form of currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). The current exchange rate is about 470 CLP per $1 USD. Chilean banks normally cash travelers checks until about noon. Official change kiosks are open until late evenings and frequently offer better rates than banks.

Slide 21:

Chile is a beautiful and business friendly place! The great relationships Chileans have with each other in the business sector is what drives the Chilean culture.