FIVE FACTS TO DO BUSINESS WITH CHILE SUCCESSFULLY

Chile offers export opportunities given its technological network and infrastructure.

Rosario Traducciones continues its virtual trip around the world to highlight features and characteristics of different international markets. This month we crossed the Andes to learn some essential facts about doing business successfully with Chile, one of the countries with the best infrastructure in the region. It offers export opportunities given its technological network and infrastructure.

1) UNIQUE GEOGRAPHY

Chile is known for being a country of contrasts: Glaciers on the south, deserts on the north, and the Atacama Desert as the driest desert on earth. The country enjoys all kinds of climates, except tropical, with a seasonal pattern opposite to the European and North American counties.

Chile’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it the highest seismically active country in the world and the fourth with a high risk for natural disasters. Many earthquakes have struck the country throughout its history, but the most powerful ever recorded was the 1960 Valdivia earthquake.

2) MULTIPLICITY OF LANGUAGES

Chile does not have an official language. However, Spanish is considered the national language, spoken by 99% of the population. In addition, there are several indigenous languages spoken, such as Mapudungun (250,000 speakers), Aymara (19,000), Southern Quechua (6,180), and Rapa Nui (1,000).

Kawésqar, Huilliche, and Yaghan have become minority languages; others, such as Tehuelche, Cacan, Chono, Puelche, Kunza, and Selk’nam, have become extinct. The most popular borrowed languages are German (20,000 speakers), Croatian, Catalan, Italian, and Vlax Romani. English is a mandatory class in school, and it is taught from elementary through high school.

3) CATHOLIC ROOTS

73% of Chileans are members of the Roman Catholic church. An estimated 15% identify themselves as members of several protestant groups, including Lutherans and Anglicans, although most protestants belong to the Pentecostal church.

4% are members of other religious groups (Jewish, Muslim, and Greek Orthodox), while 8% of the population does not practice any religion.

Chileans deeply respect the religious beliefs of others. Religion hardly ever causes conflicts or discord.

4) BUSY CALENDAR

When it comes to doing business in Chile, it is important to consider the time of the year. For example, February is usually the month when many Chileans go on vacation. Therefore, many senior management staff is not available during this time. In addition, Holy Week is a holiday week when business slows down, and people take time off.

Work hours are typically highly respected. However, sending an email on after work hours is considered inappropriate.

Formality in business is usually a requirement. Therefore, formal language to address someone should be prioritized, along with handshakes when greeting. It is also common to exchange business cards at the beginning of a meeting.

5) SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

People greet with a handshake in formal encounters, while friends greet each other with a handshake and a hug. Women usually greet both male and female acquaintances with a kiss on their cheek. Chileans tend to be very punctual for business meetings. However, whenever invited to a house for dinner, it is expected that guests will arrive at least twenty minutes after the scheduled time.

Chileans are typically reserved in public places and restaurants, and it is disrespectful to raise your voice. In addition, conversations about politics are not welcomed in social gatherings as it is a very controversial topic that has the population highly divided.

Transparency is much appreciated in a professional community. Currently, Chile has a low rate of corruption, so adapting to the laws and standards is normal and hoped-for behavior.