What should I wear?
If you visit Puerto Montt in spring or summer (September through February), don't forget to pack light clothes, such as shorts and bathing costumes; however, as rain and cold are never very far away in these lands, it is a good idea to take along some woolen clothes and raingear.
In winter and fall (March through August) you should definitely take along warm clothing to combat the intense cold. You should not forget to pack polar type sweat shirts and anoraks, warm trousers and thick socks, gloves, woolen caps and fur-lined coats, among others.

Are there any problems of personal safety in the city?
Puerto Montt is a serenely quiet city with few cases of urban violence. However, take a few precautions to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
On your walks through the city, do not wear ostentatious jewelry. Keep a good eye on your purse and wallet, as also on your video and photo cameras. When you leave the hotel only take the necessary money for your expenses, and make sure you do not walk by yourself in dark and lonely areas.

Will I have any problems with drinking water and food provisions?
Although the water supply is perfectly trustworthy in Puerto Montt, a good rule of thumb is to make a practice of drinking bottled or boiled water, so as to avoid problems. Also, if possible, try not to drink fruit juices or refreshments in places that do not seem very hygienic.
Likewise, at mealtimes, try to choose clean-looking restaurants. Another recommendation is not to indulge in seafood and shellfish during the first few days of your stay. Although they are undoubtedly delicious, these items may be a trifle rich for the visitor that is unaccustomed to eating them.

Can I use my credit cards?
Yes, because they will be well received in all the city's main business establishments. The most widely accepted cards are: Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express.
The situation changes in the small stores and in places at a distance from the city, where they only accept local currency in cash. We recommend you always carry with you a certain amount in Chilean pesos.
If during your stay in Puerto Montt you happen to lose your credit cards, please contact the following numbers: (2)631-7003 Visa International, (2) 631-7003 Masters Card International, (2) 232-0000 Diners International, and 800-201022 for American Express.

Is it a good idea to take travelers' checks?
Yes, this is a very good option, because these checks can be changed in the Puerto Montt banks.

Will I be able to carry out transactions in dollars or euros?
Foreign currency is not often accepted in the shops and businesses in Puerto Montt, except in hotels and travel agencies, where VAT is discounted from the purchases of foreigners who pay in dollars or euros.

Is it easy to change foreign currency?
Yes, quite easy. You can change dollars and euros in authorized banks and exchange shops. Try not to use unauthorized shops or the black market.
The exchange rate is not regulated by the government. The rate is fixed by currency supply and demand.

What timetables do business establishments follow?
Most shops are open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. On Saturdays shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Banks open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Malls open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where can I buy handicrafts?
In Caleta de Angelmo, located two km from the city center there is a crafts fair offering a wide variety of items and beautiful creations from the south of Chile, in particular woolen, alpaca and leather items.

Should I give tips?
In restaurants, pubs and coffee shops it is customary to leave 10% of the total amount of the bill. If the taxicab service has been satisfactory, the driver is usually allowed to keep the small change.

Will I have any problems communicating with my country of origin?
The city has a public phone network that enables you to make local and international calls using coins and special cards.
Likewise, most of the hotels have direct local and international dialing in their rooms. However, if you phone from your lodging place bear in mind that you will pay with surcharge.

In the event of an emergency, what should I do?
If you have any kind of problem, you can dial: (132) fire brigade, (131) ambulances and (133) "carabineros" (police). You can also go personally to the central police station at 519 Guillermo Gallardo street.

Where can I get tourist information?
You can go to the offices of the "Servicio Nacional de Turismo (Sernatur)" (Government Tourist Service) in Puerto Montt, located on the second floor of 480 Avenida X Region. You can also phone: (56-65) 256-999 / 259-615