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Home » Beware of Asking for Directions in Chile

Beware of Asking for Directions in Chile

If you are ever lost in Chile or need directions, you are in for an adventure.

A street map of Chile and some Spanish may not always get you where you need to go.

The good news is that Chileans are friendly and always willing to help, especially if you are a foreigner.

This willingness to help, however, often leads them to give directions that aren’t always accurate.

Instead of saying “I don’t know where that is” or “I don’t know how to get there,” a Chilean may proceed to give you directions anyway.

Unfortunately, these erroneous directions aren’t always easy to spot. They are given with confidence and sound reasonable.

Even if the directions are accurate, the way they are given to you may be confusing and you may understand them one way when the Chilean really meant something else.

So if you are in doubt about where you are traveling, ask a few people and get your detailed directions from cross-checking the facts.

Otherwise, don’t be surprised if you follow directions only to still be lost.

Comments

  1. Anne says

    May 6, 2010 at 10:14 am

    I can only agree, based on a recent trip to Santiago. And EVERY person you ask will also tell you “it’s just a little way.” Our excellent free walking tour guide, Franco, told us to only ask the carabineros (police)for directions, which we found to be very good advice.

  2. sandy lyttle says

    May 9, 2010 at 8:38 am

    Thank you! Still worried about the water. Do we need shots?

  3. sandy lyttle says

    May 9, 2010 at 8:40 am

    Thank you! Still worried about the water. Do we need shots? Oh, I’m sorry for repeating myself. Where can I find your previous answers? Thank you!

  4. Pepe says

    May 10, 2010 at 8:48 am

    Anne – You’re right. The Carabineros are great people to ask for directions.
    Sandy – the water in Chile is safe to drink.
    For shot information see the CDC website

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