The currency in Chile is Chilean Pesos. You can order these from your local bank before you leave. Also, be sure you bring an international credit card to get around.

I recommend exchanging money at your local bank before you leave. Make sure you do this at least 2 weeks in advance to give your bank time to get the money. I also recommend asking the bank for small bills because some places have problems giving change when you pay with bigger bills. You can also exchange in Chile, but the conversion rates will be higher.

Yes and no. Most debit cards will charge high fees for using your card abroad. I recommend only using a credit card. Most banks have international cards which do not charge fees (check with your bank on this)

For 1 week, I recommend 100-200 dollars worth of pesos. Most of your trip can be paid by credit card, such as hotels and most restaurants. Here are some things that you may need cash for: taxis (maybe an option for using card), collectivos (see below), souvenirs, street food (not in a restaurant), and bus

Chilean culture is not so much of a tipping culture as the USA. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, hotel workers, bar tenders, etc. In restaurants, the normal amount to tip is 10%. Check the bill because many restaurants will include it in the total amount. If the service was not good you can always ask to take the tip off. If they ask you if you want to leave a tip and you say yes, they automatically will add 10%.

There will be transportation for the wedding, but I recommend having a car if you'd like to explore the Elqui Valley area. Vicuña is a small town, so if you are looking to stay in the town, I don’t think it is necessary. But, if you want to travel throughout the Elqui Valley, and visit places such as La Serena and Pisco Elqui, I recommend having a car. There are also taxis, but it is more convenient to have your own car.

There are no ubers in Vicuña. But, there are ubers in Santiago. Vicuña has taxis and collectivos. Collectivos are shared taxis. You tell them when you want to go and if there is another customer going to the same place or in the same direction, you will ride together. This is a cheaper and common option for Vicuña and the Elqui Valley.

When you are at the airport, especially Santiago airport, be sure to take an official taxi. There are often people yelling, “Taxi, taxi” but they are not official taxis and will often scam you. There are official taxi stands inside the airport where you can get a taxi. This is not as big of an issue in smaller cities.

Chilean weddings are very similar to American weddings. Women usually wear dresses (short or long) and men usually wear suits.

No, but there are in La Serena, which is about 50 minutes away by car. Also, there will be irons available for anyone who needs it, just let us know.

Gifts are not necessary at all; David’s mom is happy to host and excited to meet everyone. But, if you want to give her something, any small token is appreciated, such as something special from Chicago/your city or flowers or wine.

The official language in Chile is Spanish. Unfortunately, you will not find a lot of people who speak English in Chile. However, workers at the hotel and in tour groups will most likely speak English.

Yes, Chile is safe. However, just like in all countries, you should always be aware of a few things. Here are a few safety tips when getting around Chile. 1. Do not travel with a large amount of cash. Almost everywhere in Chile will accept credit cards, so you don't need much cash. 2. Be aware of the neighborhood you are in. Just like in the US, there are good neighborhoods and bad ones. Stick to the touristic areas to be on the safe side. 3. When getting a taxi, make sure you are in the specific taxi designated area. When you leave the airport, there are many people screaming "taxi" "taxi", but many of them are not official taxi drivers. Follow the signs until you are at the oficial taxi area where there are a line of taxis. 4. Always keep your things in sight! Don't put your purse hanging on the back of your chair. Always have everything in your view.

The hotel that we booked for the wedding is called Solar Madariaga Hotel. Refer to the document I created for more details on costs and options for rooms.

Yes! There are many Airbnb options in the area as well. If you need help booking, let me know!

Yes! There will be a bus that will take guests to and from Solar Madariaga Hotel to the wedding reception (Terra Molle). More details to come!

Whatsapp is a free communication application that is used throughout the world. It allows for international communication using internet. Before you leave the USA, you should install the application on your phone. You will be able to send messages and make video calls to others who also have the Whatsapp application. All calls and texts are free within the application.

Yes and no. Normally, your American phone provider does not allow you to use your phone internationally without extra costs. These costs range based on your provider. (I believe T-mobile offers free international roaming data.) I recommend buying a electronic or physical sim card when you are in Chile. This will give you a temporary phone number and internet to use while you are in Chile. It is the cheapest option and provides you with faster internet. Also, install WHATSAPP. Tell your loved ones staying behind in the US to download the app as well. It is a free messenger app that will allow you to communicate when you are abroad. Also, this will be necessary to contact Nicole or David with any questions.

In Chile, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type L are used. The standard voltage is 220 V. You will need to buy adapters for your electrical devices. Be aware of the voltage of your devices because high voltages will not work outside of the USA, they must be specially dual voltage.

We recommend that you arrive at least a few days before the wedding to account for any possible complications. We will also be organizing some activities in the Vicuña area for guests before the wedding.

We recommend staying at least 1 week. The more the better! There are many different areas to visit in Chile.