Santiago and Buenos Aires

[VPS]

After much procrastinating and hand wringing I finally paid for an Antarctic cruise leaving in January. It's 21 days on Seabourn Quest from Santiago to Buenos Aires and I get to land on the ice. but unlike @JohnM I won't be photographed topless on the ice.

I've gone through a few old threads but interested in anyone's thoughts about Santiago at the moment - I'm reading mixed reports from it's fine to I was too scared to leave my hotel room. I arrive on QF27 at 11am and the cruise leaves from San Antonio the following afternoon. I'd also be interested in anyone's recommendations on hotels in Santiago.

I'm planning on spending three nights in Buenos Aires after the cruise and interested in hotel recommendations and any particular tours.

If anyone can recommend a driver or company for either place.

 

[JohnM]

You may be surprised just how warm you get after a hike up a hill through snow, especially on a windless day. You may feel like going topless in response like I did .

I can't comment on the current Santiago situation but I'd be surprised if it's so bad it would be inadvisable to visit. Obviously retreat at the first signs of mobs.

The good old open bus city tour is often an excellent way to get a quick overview when time is limited. Both cities' centro areas are eminently walkable.

 

[RooFlyer]

I have friends doing much like you propose ... They have just arrived in SCL, Then cruise Valparaiso to BA via Arctic.

They got tear gassed in SCL on arrival but seemed to enjoy it as part of the 'genuine experience' ( Protesters ran past their hotel, pursued by police).

I'll try to get more from them but for the moment they seem to be having too much fun.

I'd plan and not be too concerned.

 

[juddles]

As per RooFlyer, I would not be concerned.

There are still some incidents (protests) that sporadically occur in different places, but these sort of things are very easy to avoid. If you are "out and about" and a protest forms or nears, go indoors (in a shop or wherever) and don't mingle. If you are not actively participating in the protest, and avoid getting between the group and any police, they will completely leave you alone. A couple of days ago had a long conversation with a friend, who was sitting at an outside table of a restaurant having a few beers. During the conversation it became hard to hear him as a group went past banging saucepans (a very traditional Chilean protest thing )

A key reality is that the whole series of unrest is based on problems between the poorer levels of society and the elite, rich people. It is only about internal politics, and foreigners are not in any way a target.

Essentially to get into trouble you will need to actively seek it

 

[RooFlyer]

More news from my friends in Santiago. They are staying downtown but one of them was either in Providencia, or walking back from there to downtown and managed to get tear-gassed twice and water-cannoned!!

These are not adventurous, 'live on the edge' types!! So i have no idea how they keep getting caught up.

 

[JohnM]

Phwoar - we need a TR!

A mission for @VPS!

 

[VPS]

I have friends doing much like you propose ... They have just arrived in SCL, Then cruise Valparaiso to BA via Arctic.

They got tear gassed in SCL on arrival but seemed to enjoy it as part of the 'genuine experience' ( Protesters ran past their hotel, pursued by police).

I'll try to get more from them but for the moment they seem to be having too much fun.

I'd plan and not be too concerned.

That must be a long cruise if they are going to Valparaiso to BA via the Arctic (maybe Antarctic) - they might get to see some Polar Bears up there.

 

[VPS]

What's the best way for cash while I'm there. I have Citibank Debit and Transferwise debit card - the Transferwise card I have US$ on there and I can put money on there on both Chilean and Argentian pesos. I'm actually not anticipating need much cash because I'm going to try and pay for most things before I go and most of the time will be on the cruise

 

[VPS]

Phwoar - we need a TR!

A mission for @VPS!

I'm already debating whether to take a laptop and do it "live" because there are a few sea days and I could sit on balcony watching the world go by and sort out my photos and regularly call room service to provide another coughtail or gin or tonic or wine or liqueur or maybe even some water (yeah nup for the water)

 

[jeng]

I can really recommend CasaSur Charming Hotel (CasaSur Charming Hotel) in Santiago if you want to be in a quiet area and be well looked after with an amazing breakfast each day. They have engligh speaking reception staff on 24/7 and are happy to help with any information you need. They are 5 minute from a metro station so easy to get around.

 

[RooFlyer]

Valparaiso to BA via the Arctic

Oops

What's the best way for cash while I'm there. I have Citibank Debit

I don’t think you can avoid fees in Chile. Even the Citibank bank, Banco Eduardo, changed a fee!

 

[JohnM]

What's the best way for cash while I'm there. I have Citibank Debit and Transferwise debit card - the Transferwise card I have US$ on there and I can put money on there on both Chilean and Argentian pesos. I'm actually not anticipating need much cash because I'm going to try and pay for most things before I go and most of the time will be on the cruise

For the short time you're there, you'd just about get away with needing no cash. Personally, I wouldn't bother.

You'll be able to pay for a transfer to downtown on a CC.

If that makes you feel uncomfortable, just grab 10-20K pesos (($20-40) from an ATM or money exchange at the airport.

 

[JohnM]

I'm already debating whether to take a laptop and do it "live" because there are a few sea days and I could sit on balcony watching the world go by and sort out my photos and regularly call room service to provide another coughtail or gin or tonic or wine or liqueur or maybe even some water (yeah nup for the water)

What do they say about speed, price and data limits on the ship? Posting pics, unless severely shrunk, via satellite link could be slow and exxy.

 

[VPS]

I think it's something like 40 cents a minute or a package for $300 for the whole cruise. When I said live I meant if I wrote it up every day and selected the photos then it would be easy to post when I'm back.

Also SIM cards - did you get local SIMS - I must investigate the eSIM on my iphone

 

[JohnM]

I think it's something like 40 cents a minute or a package for $300 for the whole cruise. When I said live I meant if I wrote it up every day and selected the photos then it would be easy to post when I'm back.

Also SIM cards - did you get local SIMS - I must investigate the eSIM on my iphone

Gotcha.

I've never had a local SIM in S America. I just use airport, hotel etc. WiFi and utilise my Telstra Daypass if I really need data roaming or make calls.

I can't see much point in getting a local SIM for such short periods.

 

[juddles]

Chile is a bugger for ATM fees - always high - work out what you will need and make sure you do it in a single withdrawal.

At least with the upheaval the Chilean peso is at a very severe low

 

[juddles]

And if you really fall foul of the authorities, I will come and rescue you. But that would be in Feb at the earliest

 

[JohnM]

At least with the upheaval the Chilean peso is at a very severe low

Do you mean to say I overpaid horrendously for a completo back in March?

 

[VPS]

And if you really fall foul of the authorities, I will come and rescue you. But that would be in Feb at the earliest

Well the cruise finishes on the 2nd February so if I need rescuing I'll wait until after the cruise

 

[VPS]

@juddles do you know if the QF27 and 28 supply PJs because they are both daytime flights. Do they tend to close the blinds and want you to go to sleep.

I'm actually booked with LA flight numbers but on Qantas metal and can't select seats and even Qantas Premium said there is nothing that I can do about it