USE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY
Foreign currency is generally not accepted, except in some hotels that offer tax discounts to foreigners paying with US dollars.

CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are widely accepted, including VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE AGENCIES
Because some stores and businesses do not accept foreign currency, we recommend that you exchange currency at a bank or foreign-exchange agencies. You will find these agencies at the airport in Santiago, around your hotel or near the venue where the Forum will be held in Ahumada and Huérfanos streets. We also recommend something very important: Do not exchange currency with individuals in the street or during late hours, except if doing so through a Foreign Exchange Agency located in a shopping center such as Parque Arauco Mall or Alto Las Condes Mall. 
Currently, the exchange rate is USD 1.00 = $ CLP 551.87 (septiembre 9, 2009).

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES
It is easy to find automatic teller machines that provide Chilean pesos. They are located in shopping areas and at most gas stations.

These teller machines operate 24 hours a day, and they accept cards from local banks and bank cards from financial networks such as Cirrus, Plus and Master Card.

TAXES AND TIPS
The VAT (Value Added Tax) is 19% and is usually included in the price. Usually, a tip for a cafeteria or a restaurant consists of 10% of the total charge. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver.