Discover South America: Chile & Argentina 2017

Transcription

1 Discover South America: Chile & Argentina 2017 EXTEND YOUR TRIP Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima Brazil s Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro Your Travel Handbook

2 CONTENTS Passport, Visas & Travel Documents... 3 Your Passport Visa Required for Brazil Only... 3 Migration Forms... 4 Trusted Traveler Programs... 4 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents... 4 Overseas Taxes & Fees... 5 Health... 6 Keep Your Abilities In Mind... 6 Health Check... 6 Vaccinations... 7 Yellow Fever Vaccination Suggested for Brazil ONLY... 7 Staying Healthy on Your Trip... 8 Money Matters Top Three Tips Local Currency How to Exchange Money ATMs Credit & Debit Cards Tipping Guidelines Electricity Climate About Your Destinations Your Program Director During Your Trip Shopping U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges Agricultural Statement for Chile Demographics & Background Resources Suggested Readings Suggested Movies Useful Websites Preparing for Your Trip Land Only Travelers Air Inclusive Travelers Optional Tours Communications Packing Your Luggage Clothing Suggestions What to Bring RSA /14/2017

3 PASSPORT, VISAS & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Your Passport Must be in good condition Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. Must have the required number of blank pages (details below) The blank pages must be labeled Visas at the top. Pages labeled Amendments and Endorsements are not acceptable Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at , or visit their website at for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at for help with your passport. Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this vacation. Main trip only: You will need 3 blank passport pages. Pre-trip extension to Peru: You will need 1 more page for a total of 4 blank passport pages. Post-trip to Iguassu Falls: You will need 1 more page for a total of 4 blank passport pages. Both the pre- and post-trip extensions: You will need a total of 5 blank passport pages. Visa Required for Brazil Only We ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This information is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change. Chile and Argentina: No visas needed. U.S. citizens do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days in these countries. Peru (optional extension): No visa needed. Brazil (optional Iguassu Falls extension): Visa required. Can only be obtained in advance. If you are taking the optional extension to Iguassu Falls, you will need a visa to join the activities on the Brazilian side of the falls. You must obtain your visa for Brazil before you leave home. 07/14/2017 RSA2017 3

4 Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at or www. pvsinternational.org. Migration Forms When entering a new country, you might be given a Migration form. Keep it with you until the end of your trip, as the Migrations Authority might require it. Trusted Traveler Programs Some travelers have found that Trusted Traveler programs can expedite long waits at customs when re entering the U.S. There are currently three programs available: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These three programs also include TSA Pre-Check, which allows you to use a dedicated security line at participating airports, or you can apply solely for TSA Pre-Check. TIP: Keep in mind that not all airports and airlines participate in these programs. You may want to consider checking with your airport prior to applying to find out if these programs would benefit you. To apply for a Trusted Traveler program or TSA Pre-Check, typically you will be asked to pay an application fee (varies by program) and schedule a background check and/or an interview. If you are approved, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your KTN is valid for a set number of years, based on the conditions of the program. Please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more details on each of these programs: travel/trusted-traveler-programs. You can also find more information about TSA Pre-Check at If you are enrolled in TSA Pre-Check (or a Trusted Traveler program that includes it), you must provide your KTN to the airlines. Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. If you plan to this information to yourself, please keep in mind that is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip. 4 RSA /14/2017

5 Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents. 07/14/2017 RSA2017 5

6 HEALTH Keep Your Abilities In Mind Please review the information below prior to departing on this trip. We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group s experience. PACING 4 locations in 12 days 2 internal flights of 2 hours each 1 day features a total of 12 hours of travel through the Andes from Chile to Argentina, utilizing 3 boats and 4 motorcoaches Air travel time will be hours and will most likely have one connection PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Walk 2 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group s experience TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION Uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones Travel by 45-seat motorcoach, cable car, chair lift, and 50-seat boat CLIMATE Daytime temperatures range from F during touring season December-February are the warmest months Weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable and change quickly Health Check Feeling healthy and confident of your mobility is essential to fully enjoy your trip. If you have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date. 6 RSA /14/2017

7 Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the Keep Your Abilities in Mind on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.) You may want to have a dental exam before your trip. A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy while you are traveling. If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition. Vaccinations At time of writing, there were no required vaccinations for Chile, Argentina, Peru, or Brazil. (That is, none of those countries require proof a specific vaccination in order to enter.) However, your doctor might feel that there are some basic vaccinations that you should have updated before you travel. Or there may be vaccinations that he or she recommends for you because of your personal medical history. We suggest you consult with your own physician at least 6 weeks prior to departure, and ask about vaccinations at that time. If you d like to know more about possible vaccinations for this trip or just about health in general while traveling the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great resource. You can contact them online or by phone. Online: We suggest you visit the CDC s website at where you will find comprehensive information about preventing illness while traveling. By phone: At the CDC s Hotline toll-free at hours a day. But please keep in mind that the CDC s suggestions may not apply to you! For example, you might already have some of the vaccinations they routinely recommend. So be sure to ask your own doctor. Yellow Fever Vaccination Suggested for Brazil ONLY Your main trip does not travel to any areas for which the CDC recommends inoculation for yellow fever. But if you are taking the Brazil s Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro post-trip extension, that changes the overall suggestions. The CDC does recommend yellow fever inoculation to travelers visiting Brazil. This is not a requirement only a suggestion. A good insect repellant with DEET is also helpful, as Dengue fever can be an issue in Rio and Iguassu during the optional extension. Traveling with Medications Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas. 07/14/2017 RSA2017 7

8 Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications. We recommend checking this site for medication restrictions by country: gov/content/passports/english/go/customs.html. (Follow the links to Local Laws & Special Circumstances for each country; if you don t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK). IMPORTANT TIP: At time of writing, the State Department did not have any special warnings about American over-the-counter medications for Peru, but did have the following warning about bringing medicines back to the U.S.: Travelers should be aware that some drugs and other products readily available over the counter or by prescription in Peru are illegal in the United States. The prescription sedative flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is one such drug; others may come on the market at any time. Although coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Peru, possession of these tea bags, which are sold in most Peruvian supermarkets, is illegal in the United States. Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips Start your trip well-rested. Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before and during your flight. Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane. After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. Don t push yourself to see a lot on your first day. Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner. Allergies If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at , and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you. 8 RSA /14/2017

9 Water Tap water is generally safe to drink in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil but it is processed differently than in the U.S., so it may feel heavy and could upset your system. Fortunately, if you prefer bottled water, it is readily available for you to buy and is inexpensive compared to the U.S. Tap water is not safe to drink in Peru. When buying bottled water, inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly. To fight dehydration, carry a bottle in your daypack at all times. Food If you are taking the Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima optional extension, we ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals, and fresh fruits and salads at our group meals are generally as safe as in restaurants in the U.S. Your Program Director can suggest restaurants for the meals you take on your own. When dining out independently, watch what you eat and drink. Avoid uncooked food, any food sold by street vendors, and non-pasteurized milk and milk products. Fruit that you peel yourself is usually safe. High Altitude Peru Extension If you travel with us on our optional Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima extension, we reach a relatively high elevation at Cuzco, situated approximately 10,909 feet above sea level. Medication to alleviate altitude sickness is recommended for this extension. At these altitudes, almost everyone feels some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). These symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble with sleep, and lack of energy. For most people, these symptoms are mild and pass fairly quickly. It helps if you moderate your alcohol intake (or don t drink at all), drink water, and reduce/eliminate drinking carbonated drinks. If you want to take this trip extension, we recommend that you discuss with your doctor whether the extension is advisable for you and if you should obtain a prescription for a medication for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness. 07/14/2017 RSA2017 9

10 MONEY MATTERS Top Three Tips Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. Traveler s checks are not accepted in Chile and Argentina. You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on the majority of this trip; you will need local currency instead. U.S. dollars may be accepted in larger cities, such as Buenos Aires, but you should always ask about exchange rates before making a purchase. Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper. Argentina The official Argentinean currency is the peso. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos Coins: 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 peso In Argentina, U.S. dollars might be accepted for payment at tourist-related businesses or in a large city. At time of writing, tips to our staff in U.S. dollars are generally more appreciated than tips in pesos because of the strong exchange rate. Previous travelers have suggested bringing a mix of different denomination U.S. bills some small ones for tipping, and some larger ones for exchanging. Brazil The monetary unit of Brazil is the Real (R$). The R$ is divided into 100 centavos. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: Bills: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos; 1 Real You may not need Brazilian reals as some shops are willing to take U.S. dollars. Chile The basic unit of currency in Chile is the peso. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 pesos 10 RSA /14/2017

11 Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 pesos In Chile, U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted at tourist-related businesses or for large-ticket purchases, but generally local currency is preferred. It can be difficult to change a bill larger than 1000 pesos in rural areas or in a small business. Peru The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol or New Sol (S/), which is divided into 100 centimos. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 céntimos and 1, 2, 5 soles U.S. dollars are commonly accepted in Peru, especially for large transactions or at businesses that cater to visitors. However, not every business will want U.S. dollars, and the ones that do accept them will want crisp bills in very good condition bills that are worn, torn, or even folded might be rejected. Large U.S. bills (such as $50 or $100) command a better exchange rate, but small bills are more readily accepted for payment. For this reason, we recommend that you bring a mix of denominations in U.S. dollars. Previous travelers have recommended bringing a lot of $1 bills for tipping (but not for exchanging). When paying in sols, know that it can be difficult for a shop to make change for a 100-sol bill on small purchases. How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank holiday or an out of order ATM. On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars. You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand. ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card. Many banks charge a fee of $1-$5 each time you use an out-of-network ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart. 07/14/2017 RSA

12 Lastly, don t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card s PIN number (many keypads do not include letters on their keys they only display numbers.) Argentina: ATMs are available in larger cities like Buenos Aires, but will not be available in remote locations. Brazil: ATMs are fairly common in larger cities and towns, but may not be readily available in undeveloped areas. Not all ATMs are open 24/7 many are only open from 7 am until 10 pm, and then they shut down overnight. (It can be confusing because they may still be lit, even when closed.) Also, keep in mind that not every ATM will accept foreign cards. You may need to try more than one machine. Chile: ATMs are available in larger cities, such as Santiago, but will not be available in remote locations. Peru: ATMs are available in large cities and towns like Lima and Cuzco but are less likely to be found in more rural locations. For example, in the Amazon you may only see an ATM at the regional airport. We suggest that you bring cash for expected expenses while traveling in the rural areas. Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. Argentina: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Buenos Aires for major purchases and in shops associated with the tourist trade (souvenirs, museum gift shops, etc.), but may not be accepted by smaller shops or restaurants. Some businesses add a surcharge of 5-10% to use a credit card; look for the word recargo. Some restaurants will accept credit cards but not all and you usually cannot leave a tip on a credit card. Brazil: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, especially for major purchases or in businesses that cater to visitors (hotels, souvenirs shops, etc.). Nonetheless, there are some businesses street vendors, small Mom and Pop stores, some restaurants that are still cash only. If you don t see a credit card logo on the door or the cash register, then check with the cashier or server. In undeveloped areas, cash is usually the preferred form of payment. TIP: Credit card fraud can occasionally be an issue in restaurants in Brazil, especially if the waiter takes your card away to process the payment. You can easily block this scam by not letting your credit card out of your sight. That is why you will see portable credit card machines in many upscale restaurants in Brazil they bring the machine to you instead of taking your card away. And in restaurants that don t have a portable machine, it is completely OK to walk your card to the register and watch as the transaction is processed. 12 RSA /14/2017

13 Chile: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in large cities for major purchases and in shops associated with the tourist trade (souvenirs, museum gift shops, etc.), but may not be accepted by smaller shops or restaurants. Some businesses add a surcharge of 2-4% to use a credit card. Credit cards are generally not accepted in more remote locations, such as Easter Island. Peru: Credit cards are more likely to be accepted large cities like Lima than in the countryside. Stores in Peru may charge you up to 8% for the use of a credit card. Notify Card Providers Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online. You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don t assume you can use the number printed on the back of your card most numbers don t work outside of the U.S.! Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. To make it easy for you to budget, we have quoted the amounts in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Grand Circle Program Director: It is customary to express a personal thank you to your GCT Program Director at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $4-$6 per traveler for each day their Program Director is with them. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip. Hotel Housekeeping: Many travelers will leave the equivalent of $1-$2 per day, per room for the hotel housekeeping staff. Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours. Time at Leisure When you are exploring on your own, it s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use: 07/14/2017 RSA

14 Taxis: Tipping is not customary, but many locals will round up the fare and let the driver keep the change. For long-distance drives, or for a long period of hire, a tip may be given according to the service received. Restaurants, cafes, and bars: In Chile, Argentina, and Peru, waiters expect a 10% cash tip when service is good. In Brazil, a 10% service charge is added by law to all restaurant bills, so there s no need to leave an additional amount unless service is especially good. 14 RSA /14/2017

15 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Land Only Travelers If you plan on booking your own international flights or arranging with our air department to arrive/depart on an earlier/later date than standard for your program, airport transfers will NOT be included in your program price, unless otherwise noted. For eligible flights, transfers may be purchased separately, as an optional add-on, and are subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements: You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as OAT travelers who purchased included airfare. Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at If you are taking the Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima pre-trip extension, then it may be helpful for you to know that your first included hotel room in Lima will be available for checkin starting on Day 1 of the extension after 2 pm. If you are NOT taking the pre-trip extension, then your first included hotel room will be in Santiago, Chile; it will be available for check-in starting on Day 2 of the main trip after 4 pm. Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know. U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have a Grand Circle Representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the Representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate. Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. A Grand Circle Representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle. 07/14/2017 RSA

16 Flight Delays: Grand Circle Travel is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations. In the unfortunate circumstance that your flight is delayed or changed, please try to reach the regional Grand Circle office (their number will be in your Final Documents) in order to make new arrangements for your transfer. Due to airline regulations our staff is not notified of flight rerouting, and our local representative won t necessarily be aware of your new arrival time. In these cases you will need to arrange your transfer by taxi to your hotel. Regional Flights in Peru (optional extension): In Peru, it is simply a fact of life that flight schedules often change on short notice. When this happens, our expert staff strives to get you on new flights as close to the original schedule as possible, but limited availability of seats may require us to use early-morning flights or change the day of the flight. If schedule changes make it necessary, we may have to rise before dawn on some days where early-morning wake-ups are not mentioned in your printed itinerary. Though travel in South America can be unpredictable, we have considerable experience at responding to changing circumstances on the spot. We appreciate your understanding that we cannot always exactly follow your published itinerary. U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, a Grand Circle Representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our Grand Circle Representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service. Flying with a Travel Companion: If you re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you d like to travel together and we ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together. Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you ll have free time to relax or explore on your own it s about options, not obligations. What You Need to Know All optional tours are subject to change and availability. Optional tours that are reserved with your Program Director can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won t be able to enter a PIN.) 16 RSA /14/2017

17 To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as OPT Boston. Your Program Director will give you details on the optional tours while you re on the trip. But if you d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at Communications Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one. Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan s data allowance. Many smartphones and some tablets or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store. Calling Cards and Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since numbers do not work outside the country. Internet Internet access on this trip will be mostly limited to computers in the hotel lobby or business center; most hotels in Chile and Argentina do not offer Wi-Fi in the rooms, and the ones that do charge for the service. 07/14/2017 RSA

18 How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone. Argentina: +54 Brazil: +55 Chile: +56 Peru: RSA /14/2017

19 PACKING Luggage Limits MAIN TRIP LIMITS Pieces per person Weight restrictions Size Restrictions Luggage Type One checked bag and one carry-on per person. Varies by airline. The current standard is 50lbs for checked bags and 17 lbs for carry-on bags. Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches. A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended. TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS Same as the main trip. For travelers on the extension to Peru, a small additional bag (like a weekend bag) is a necessity. REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person for flights to Europe and other international flights. A small additional bag is a necessity for the extension in Peru: If you are taking the Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima extension, please bring a small additional bag, such as a weekend bag or backpack. You will need it for the train trip to and from Machu Picchu because there is no space for your suitcase on the train (You ll leave your suitcase or large duffle bag at the hotel in Cusco, travel to Machu Picchu, stay overnight, and then return to Cusco the next day.) For more details, see the Your Luggage section. Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by and paid to the airline in question. 07/14/2017 RSA

20 Don t Forget: These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. It s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section. Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions. Your Luggage Checked Luggage Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wraparound handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags. Carry-on Bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities water bottle, camera, etc during your daily activities. Locks For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure. Clothing Suggestions Functional Tips Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. Eliminate all but the essentials and start packing a few days before you leave. That way, you ll have time to think not fret about what you might be forgetting. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can be mixed to create different outfits. 20 RSA /14/2017

21 Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy. A visit to any online or local sporting goods/outdoor stores (L.L. Bean, REI, EMS, etc.) will yield a treasure trove of lightweight, specialized, and fashionable clothing and gear that is readily adaptable to your itinerary. Pack casual clothes: In today s age of informality, comfortable and informal apparel is perfectly acceptable at each of your destinations. Basic pants, shirts, walking shorts, sportswear, everyday dresses/skirts, supportive shoes, and functional outdoor clothes that are relatively easy to care for are recommended. Men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. Warm clothing: We suggest a warm sweater, a windproof jacket, gloves, and a hat for your time in Bariloche and Puerto Varas. These mountainous areas are cool year-round and it has been known to snow at the higher elevations even in summer. Good walking shoes are essential: The countries wonderful markets, cathedrals, and town plazas truly invite exploration by foot. But negotiating the pathways and rather uneven sidewalks can be a challenge even for the most surefooted traveler. For your comfort and safety, you ll need supportive walking shoes that offer good traction. Light hiking boots might be useful on some days. Rain gear: You ll want good, light rain gear all year round, especially in Puerto Varas, which is one of the rainiest places in South America (rain is almost guaranteed). And even outside of Puerto Varas, it will rain almost every afternoon from April to November. So you ll want rain gear you are comfortable in, and dry footwear, such as light hiking boots with a built-in Gore-Tex liner. What to Bring We have included suggestions from Program Directors and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the Climate chapter of this handbook. What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Leave behind any credit cards that are not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose. Your accommodations will supply soap, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner. If you prefer a certain brand you may want to bring your own, but otherwise you can rely on what they provide. Recommended Items Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription 07/14/2017 RSA

22 Sunglasses and a neck strap Sunscreen, SPF 45 or stronger (essential for Antarctica) Insect repellent with 30-35% DEET (for optional Iguassu extension) Washcloth (not always supplied) Pocket-size tissues Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial waterless hand cleanser Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards Travel money purse, worn under your shirt or jacket; money belt Compact umbrella Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards Clothing Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood Shoes and socks: comfortable walking, running shoes, or light hikers Consider casual good-traction shoes, or sport sandals Underwear and sleepwear Trousers/jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best for comfort and movement. Cotton sweater or sweatshirt for the air-conditioned bus Wide-brim sun hat or visor Swimsuit, for hotel pools and for Deception Island (weather permitting) Medicines Your own prescription medicines Vitamins 22 RSA /14/2017

23 Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta Anti-diarrheal: Imodium Band-Aids, moleskin foot pads Antibiotic: Neosporin/Bacitracin Optional Gear Travel alarm Compact binoculars Hanging toiletry bag with pockets Basic sewing kit Hand-wash laundry soap, and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper Electrical transformer & plug adapters see Regional Electricity section Travel journal/note pad/reading material Home address book Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit Phrase book Pocket calculator for exchange rates Electricity When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape. 07/14/2017 RSA

24 Voltage Electricity in Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil is volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers can run off both 110 and But you should check the item or the owner s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts like a shaver or a hairdryer you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.) Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Because there are many different types of plugs in this region, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip: Argentina: C and I Brazil: A and/or C/N. Sockets in Brazil are not uniform. The same hotel might have A sockets in one room and C sockets in another room. Some hotels even have a special socket that can take both A and C plugs. Brazil has also introduced a new plug type (N). Chile: C and/or L 24 RSA /14/2017

25 Peru: A, B, or C Type C Type I Type A Type N Availability A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. In some places, a generator may supply electricity, and lighting may not be as bright as you are used to. Travelers dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should consider a different Grand Circle Travel vacation or ensure their apparatus has back-up battery power. 07/14/2017 RSA

26 CLIMATE Santiago, Chile: Santiago has such delightful year-round temperatures that its climate is often compared to that of southern California. During your travel season, daytime highs are typically in the 70s and low 80s. Nights are significantly cooler. From Santiago to the south, the climate evolves much like that of the coastline from San Francisco north to Alaska. Puerto Varas, Chile: Puerto Varas is almost the same latitude south as Portland, Oregon, is north. This is the gateway to the Chilean Lake District, and the whole area has a climate similar to that of Washington and Oregon. The landscape is renowned for its pristine lakes and still-breathing, snow-capped volcanoes. The region s climate is changeable, cool, and wet. Rain is almost guaranteed. Bariloche, Argentina: Technically, the city is named San Carlos de Bariloche, but is known locally as Bariloche. Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the local climate is generally windy, sunny, and cool. In the summer (December to late February/early March) highs are pleasant in the 60s and 70s but lows are usually in the 40s. Fall and winter are progressively colder, with snowfall arriving in May and running through September. Spring is mixed mostly in the 50s, but with an occasional late dusting of snow. It rains variably all year, especially between March-October. Buenos Aires, Argentina: While the official high temperatures in summer (December through February) are usually in the 80s, with the humidity it often feels much hotter. It is common to think it is actually in the 90s, so be prepared. The changeable spring and mild fall of Buenos Aires are similar to those seasons in New York City, but the proximity of the South Atlantic makes winter temperatures milder than New York s comparable months and the possibility of snow almost nonexistent. You might experience some rain at almost any time of the year, as there is no true rainy season. The almost-constant breezes during all seasons except summer refresh this city s air and renew its skies. Cuzco, Peru: Cuzco s high altitude, approximately 10,909 feet above sea level, results in a somewhat large range of daily temperatures. Considered a moderate climate, it is typically sunny and pleasant during the day but with evening temperatures that can be refreshingly chilly. During the winter months of June through August, nights can even bring frost at these heights. Interestingly, average daytime temperatures do not fluctuate greatly over the entire year, with the high thermometer readings staying in the 60s throughout all seasons. The summer months of December through March bring most of the rains, while May through September offer usually sunny, comfortably cool days with only occasional sudden showers. Lima, Peru: Lima is situated in one of the world s great deserts, and has a dry desert climate. The city has virtually no rainy days, with the very small annual precipitation coming in the form of the sea mist and occasional drizzle of the winter season, June to September. Only during the summer months of January through March is it warm and humid on the coast, with temperatures the rest of the year falling in the 60s and 70s. 26 RSA /14/2017

27 Iguassu Falls, Argentina & Brazil: If you are taking the optional trip extension to Iguassu Falls, you travel to a part of Argentina that has a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures are hot year-round around 90 (and sometimes feel hotter than they really are because of the humidity). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The average humidity most mornings is more than 90%, but it lessens in the afternoon. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio is known as a city of sun, considered to have a climate that is a blend of summer and springtime. There are many more sunny days than rainy ones, although being in a tropical climate the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Being at sea level near the Tropic of Capricorn, it is warm and often humid year-round. Spring and fall are the more temperate seasons and are very pleasant. The sunny spring days are especially bright and clear, with less humidity than other seasons, contributing to the beauty of long-distance views. Summer, considered to be December into March, can have days that get quite hot, with most of the area s rain falling during this season, although the occasional storms are usually brief. During winter in Rio, June through August, temperatures stay comfortably warm during the day, but residents consider some winter nights to be quite chilly when the thermometer reading drops into the 60s. Climate Charts & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to for your 10-day forecast. 07/14/2017 RSA

28 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures ( F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall MONTH SANTIAGO, CHILE PUERTO VARAS, CHILE Temp. High-Low % Relative Humidity (am-pm) Monthly Rainfall (inches) JAN 85 to to FEB 84 to to MAR 80 to to APR 72 to to MAY 64 to to JUN 58 to to JUL 57 to to AUG 61 to to SEP 65 to to OCT 71 to to NOV 77 to to DEC 82 to to Temp. High-Low % Relative Humidity (am-pm) Average # of days with rain 69 to to to to to to to to to to to to MONTH BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Temp. High-Low % Relative Humidity (am-pm) Monthly Rainfall (inches) JAN 71 to to FEB 71 to to MAR 66 to to APR 58 to to MAY 50 to to JUN 44 to to JUL 44 to to AUG 46 to to SEP 51 to to OCT 57 to to NOV 63 to to DEC 68 to to Temp. High-Low % Relative Humidity (am-pm) Monthly Rainfall (inches) 87 to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to RSA /14/2017