What To Wear In Chile
To sum it up - Conservative and friendly
- Chile extends 2600 miles but has an average breadth of between 100 and 200 miles, so what you pack really does depend on where you are planning on visiting.
- The solution if you're travelling around is to dress in layers that can be shed as the day really heats up.
- If you don't want to stand out as a tourist then no matter how hot it gets avoid wearing shorts and short tops.
- Men can wear long Bermuda shorts but women would be better advised to wear dresses, trousers or longer skirts.
- Southern Chile tends to be wet all year round, winters are rarely very cold, but summers are cool and cloudy; pack a light raincoat.
- If you are here on business, you'll find that a skirt suit and heels in sober rather than bright colours is most appropriate. Men too should wear dark blue or grey suits, a light shirt and a conservative tie.
- While this dress code may seem more conservative than many western countries, the greeting between Chileans is very warm. Chilean men often greet each other with hearty hugs, while women customarily kiss each other on the cheek.
- If you plan on visiting an upscale restaurant then pack a smarter outfit - it's not essential but you will fit in better and feel more comfortable.
- If your trip includes an exploration of the mountains then it is likely to include lots of walking - some strenuous and at high altitudes and very cold, so be sure to carry good, rubber-soled walking shoes, warm weather clothes, and sunglasses.
- If you're going to visit any religious sites then be sure to cover your shoulders and bare legs.
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Finally, it might also be worth noting that holding the palm upward and then spreading the fingers signals that someone is "stupid" and slapping your right fist into your left open palm is considered obscene.
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