How much is the Chilean peso worth?
The national currency in Chile is the peso. Chilean coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 pesos; Chilean bills are in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos. The present rate of exchange is approximately 1 U.S. Dollar = 525 pesos (as of 8/25/07). This rate is sure to fluxuate. For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

Should I bring a credit card?
YES, absolutely! In addition to bringing an ATM card to obtain cash, you should definitely bring a credit card. The majority of credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, restaurants, supermarkets, movie theaters,etc., but make sure you ask the credit card company beforehand if there are any additional transaction fees for international purchases. Hospitals often require a credit card number to treat students! ISA resident directors cannot and will not charge student medical visits to an ISA credit card. For this reason, you may need a credit card for medical emergencies.

How much am I going to spend?
Former students have given us some idea of what you should expect to spend per week while in Chile. Due to the fluctuation in rates of exchange and differences in individual spending habits, we can only give you estimated figures. Based on previous experiences, most students seem to spend anywhere from $75 to $250 per week. Of course this amount varies depending on your spending habits, although $75-$150 is recommended for weekly expenses and $100-$250 for traveling on weekends. This figure, of course, does not include extravagant traveling or heavy shopping. Remember, you will be responsible for all meals not eaten at your host family/pension and for any additional activities, tours, or excursions you wish to participate in. Obviously, if you are looking to keep this figure down, try to find things to do in and around Valparaíso rather than traveling every weekend. Again, keep in mind that these are rough figures and that some students spend less and others more. Many students highly recommend creating a budget for yourself before you get to Chile or soon after you have arrived so that you do not overspend.

What will I spend money on?
Quite often the greatest expenses will come from travel, shopping, gym memberships, and going out. ISA covers three meals a day while in Valparaiso. The host family/ pension owner will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the weekends when you have ISA excursions, you will have to pay for lunch and dinner as well as for any additional activities or tours. Prices for additional activities vary with each session.

What do things cost?

•Bus (“la micro”):
Local (within same city):280 pesos
Valparaíso to/from Viña 410 pesos
w/ student discount: 130 pesos

•Subway (“el metro”)
Local (within same city): 300 pesos
w/ student discount: 150 pesos
Valparaíso to/from Viña: 400 pesos
w/ student discount: 200 pesos

•Shared Taxis (“colectivos”)
Local (within same city): 350 pesos
Valparaíso to/from Viña: 450 pesos

•Internet Café: 350 pesos
•Photocopies: 20 pesos per page
•Envelopes: 20 pesos
•Stamps (to U.S.): 320 pesos
•Newspaper: 200 to 500 pesos
•Magazine: 990 to 3990 pesos
•Movie ticket: 2500 to 3500 pesos
•Coffee/Tea: 300 to 600 pesos
•Soda: 250 to 500 pesos
•Snacks (candy/fruit): 100 to 500 pesos
•Sandwich: 300 to 990 pesos
•Lunch Specials (“colaciones”) at café or university cafeteria: 500 to 1200 pesos
•Restaurant Meal (lunch or dinner): 2500 to 5000 pesos
•Meal in a Very Nice Restaurant: 7900 to 11000 pesos