Living and Working in La Serena, Chile

Transcription

1 Living and Working in La Serena, Chile Amy Davidson Sr. HR Generalist Yura Monsanto HR Manager February 22, 2016 Name of Meeting Location Date Change in Slide Master 1

2 Living and Working in La Serena, Chile Bienvenidos a nuestra La Serena! 2

3 Agenda AURA Chile La Serena AURA Observatory(AURA O) Your Status in Chile OI Visa, RUT, Length of Stay Relocation Getting Set Up Life in La Serena 3

4 AURA s Mission Promote excellence in astronomical research by providing access to state of the art facilities, surveys, and archives 4

5 AURA is a big organization ~1,000 employees 4 operating centers, 2+ major construction projections, >8 sites US/Chile 5

6 Chile! Chile is one of the most modern countries and has one of the most stable economies in Latin America. The Government of Chile supports the work of the observatories and considers astronomy very important. Stretches 2,670 miles/ 4,300 km from Arica in the country's northernmost area to Punta Arenas in Southern Patagonia. Chilean Spanish Metric measurements Southern Hemisphere seasons are reversed 6

7 LSST First Stone Primera Piedra Chile s President, Michelle Bachelet attended and spoke at the ceremony. 7

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9 La Serena > 9

10 La Serena History La Serena was first founded in 1544 by Juan Bohon. However, in 1548, it was destroyed by indigenous people, and was founded again in 1549 by Francisco de Aguirre. The town has retained its historic architecture and this, along with a selection of beaches, has caused the city to become a popular vacation and tourism destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Its traditional architecture in the town center consists of a series of housing and public buildings, from the late 19th century. 10

11 La Serena Quick Facts Population: 400,000 in Greater La Serena area Climate: cool desert climate with maritime influence, average high temperature in summer is about 20⁰C/70⁰F and in the winter the average low is about 8⁰C/45⁰F To Santiago: 472km 5 hrs driving or Daily direct flights ~ 50 minutes Known As: a holiday town in summer Known For: number of churches 11

12 AURA Observatory in Chile AURA O is the managing organization for all the work AURA does in Chile. AURA O will be the host organization for LSST Project members while they are in Chile CTIO, GEMINI, LSST and SOAR are the four major programs that are managed by AURA O in Chile Cerro Pachon: Gemini, LSST and SOAR Cerro Tololo : CTIO 12

13 AURA Workforce In Chile ~250 Employees 73% Chileans 27% Ex Pats from 19 countries 13

14 Working Culture The AURA O organization is a close knit community, many of our employees in Chile have worked with AURA for most of their work life. Employees care about each other and also about the observatory. They are very proud of what they do. The majority of Chilean employees belong to a sindicato (workers association/local union) Several big events are held throughout the year, celebrating culture and family: Service Awards in June, Fiestas Patrias in September, Holiday Party in December 14

15 Office Hours La Serena office staff work from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with 1 hour for lunch at 1:00pm. Most staff go home for lunch, and this time is sacred. Pachon and Tololo Day Crew members leave for the summit at 6:30am, have breakfast at 8:00, and begin work at 8:30am, they have lunch at 1:00pm and return to La Serena at 4:30pm 15

16 AURA O International Organization modeled on the UN Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL) agreement AURA was the first Observatory in Chile and was hosted by the University of Chile per Chilean Law. Later, the law was changed so that AURA gained similar privileges as the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Conferring upon AURA O and affiliates a status similar to diplomatic status this does not mean immunity 16

17 Your Legal Status in Chile AURA O will be your host while you are in Chile If you are in Chile for less than 6 months continuous you will be on a tourist visa If you are in Chile 6 months or more you will need an OI Visa *Non US citizens may have additional visa considerations. 17

18 Organización Internacional (OI) Visa Special status that is determined by legislation, not treaty, it is possible for us to loose it. Similar to a diplomat there are high expectations for behavior of staff/affiliates. It is a real privilege that comes with responsibility, not immunity. Therefore AURA is very careful to stick to established protocols and guidelines. Visas are granted to international employees and their eligible dependents. The OI visa only allows the employee to work, spouses and children may attend school but can not work. Visas are renewed every two years and must be done while in Chile *Non US citizens may have additional visa considerations. 18

19 OI Visa Process Arrive on a tourist visa US Citizens get visa upon entry Other citizenships must check the Chilean embassy web page before traveling to find their specific visa needs. AURA HR in Chile is always a resource, if you have questions or need assistance. OI visa is applied for after entry in Chile Your passport will be sent to the Foreign Ministry Process takes approximately three to four weeks 19

20 Registro Único Tributario (RUT) The RUT is similar to a national identity number or the US Social Security Number. It takes 3 to 4 weeks to receive your RUT and you will get it along with your OI visa You ll receive a blue card and you must carry it with you at all times Not possible to do much in Chile without a RUT. It is needed for various purposes, such as opening bank accounts, getting a driving license and making purchases with credit cards. For those staying less than 6 months, you ll use your passport to indicate your legal status in Chile and should carry it with you 20

21 Length of Stay Trips to Chile that last less than 6 months will be treated as business trips Will not need OI Visa or RUT Coordinated via normal business travel Trips lasting between 6 months and 1 year Limited air shipment of personal/household goods AURA Logistics will assist with a self service shipment via FedEx 21

22 Length of Stay Temporary Relocation to Chile (more than 1 year) AURA will make arrangements per the LSST Relocation policy in effect at the time of relocation Air travel for employee/affiliate and family Limited air shipment of personal/household goods Container shipment of household goods 30 days of temporary housing and car rental 22

23 Moving with Children to Chile All minor children (under 18) need permission of both parents to enter and leave Chile. If you are travelling with a minor child to Chile, even for a vacation, you will need to discuss details with AURA HR Chile, who will provide guidance and assistance. 23

24 Moving with Pets Important Steps for Relocating Pets Confirm with the airline if they transport pets. There are some restrictions due to temperatures Obtain a Health Certificate issued by the official Health Authority from the Country of Origin both in Spanish and the official language of the Country of Origin, within 10 calendar days of the travel date Please note employees/affiliates are responsible for all costs and logistics of transporting pets 24

25 Moving Tips Houses in La Serena tend to be smaller than in the US keep this in mind when deciding what to have shipped Houses in La Serena generally use 220 V small appliances from the US will not work You ll be able to find furniture, appliances and household items easily in La Serena You should bring your prescription medicines along with written prescriptions for those medicines. 25

26 What Not to Bring You will not be able to bring your car. Chile does not allow the importation of used vehicles Can rent from AURA O fleet or purchase a vehicle in Chile Plants, Agricultural or Food items High Value Art/Antiquities May be able to import with documentation Firearms 26

27 Getting Set Up Housing Utilities Cell Phone Bank Account/Finances Schools Health Insurance Coverage Accessing Care/Services 27

28 Housing Business Trips:2 weeks to 1 month LSST Admin staff will coordinate lodging for business trips Short Term Stay: 1 to 5 months AURA HR Chile will assist LSST employees/affiliates with locating housing and navigating the housing contract process in Chile Long Term: At least 6 months 30 days in AURA/LSST paid housing will be arranged and AURA HR Chile will assist with locating more permanent housing 28

29 Utilities Employees/Affiliates who live on the Recinto are billed for all utilities through a payroll deduction account Employees/Affiliates who live outside the Recinto will need to pay their utility bills at a ServiPag location or online Telephone, internet and cable service require a RUT AURA HR Chile will assist in making arrangements with landlords to have services available to those without a RUT 29

30 Cell Phone Most phones in Chile are sold unlocked and you buy a chip/sim card separately RUT is usually needed to activate cell phone chip/sim card. Entel allows non Chilean citizens to activate pre paid chips without a RUT Check with your current service provider for options while in Chile 30

31 Banking/Finances US Money is not widely accepted will need Chilean Pesos Employees/Affiliates staying 1yr+ Can open a bank account in Chile after receiving their OI visa/rut Employees/Affiliates staying < 1 year Can use debit cards in Chile to withdraw cash from ATMs Casa de cambio (money exchange) several in town Limited exchange available with AURA CAS AURA Employees are able to split their paycheck between US and Chilean accounts 31

32 Schools School year runs from March to December. Most of the schools in La Serena have an admission process with testing done in September/October of the year preceding the start of the school year in March Paperwork required: Report Cards for the last school year, including assessments. Some schools may require the last two school year reports. Needs to be official document. If the children are home schooled, grades certificates for the proper school year translated into Spanish by the Chilean Consulate nearest to the parents address 32

33 Local Schools International School Classes conducted in English until 8 th grade, then Spanish German School Classes conducted in Spanish, students take classes in English and German as well Dual High School diploma earned Chile & Germany Colegio De La Serena Classes conducted in Spanish, traditional education One of the top 15 schools in Chile Colegio Ingles Classes conducted in Spanish Colegio San Joaquin Classes mostly conducted in Spanish with some in English 33

34 Health Insurance AURA Employees are covered by international health (medical & dental), life, AD & D, disability, travel and worker s compensation insurance Affiliate coverage will vary SLAC Up to 90 days same as current coverage Over 90 days SLAC Global HR will arrange appropriate coverage Other Institutions according to policy/plans Check with your HR early 34

35 Health Care Services La Serena has a well developed public health system. General, specialty and emergency care is readily available. General Hospital Clinics Doctors Offices Bilingual (Spanish/English) Doctors are available. Santiago has advanced specialty care recognized world wide 35

36 Pharmacies Several pharmacies in La Serena and surrounding areas Stand Alone in large strip malls Next to large grocery stores By law, medicines are categorized in three types: No prescription required aspirin, vitamins, ibuprofen Prescription required cough syrup, antihistamine some available over the counter and Pharmacist can dispense Restricted prescriptions psychiatric medicine, antibiotics 36

37 Socializing Chileans are warm and outgoing people, who tend to socialize with their families and close friends. Chilean society is generally very polite and values polite, respectful conduct from others They appreciate when non Spanish speakers do their best to learn and speak their language. FYI: there is very strong custom between Chileans to greet with a hug and a kiss on the cheek so you may observe this even in a business setting. 37

38 Day to Day Notes Dinner is usually at 8pm or later Once a custom of having tea when you return home from work Shopping taxes included in prices Grocery Stores, Mall, Department Stores, Traditional Markets Personal Services available in town center or at mall Salons/Barbers Dry cleaning/laundry Gyms Movies (multi screen cinema at the mall) Tipping (Gratuities) Do Tip: grocery bagger, wait staff, parking attendant, bell hop Don t Tip: hair dresser, taxi driver 38

39 La Serena Things to Do As a tourist city, there are more activities during summer season (January February), like festivals, fairs and concerts. Year round activities like paragliding, golf, trekking, fishing and surfing are popular. La Serena has a rich variety of restaurants, bars and pubs along the seashore and downtown. Casino Valle Elqui popular day trip Restaurants with pools Wineries/Breweries/Pisco Along the beach Walking, running, equipment rentals (bikes, carts, rollerblades), snack shops, sports 39

40 Local Favorite Things About La Serena Great people and culture Variety of landscapes: Elqui Valley, city and beach Small city so close to everything (20 minutes driving) Great location for outdoor activities Close by areas to explore by car Good place for hobbies: photography, astronomy Seaside climate Eating fresh seafood 40

41 Local Recommendations Enjoy your time in La Serena and Chile Explore the area: Valle Elqui (Vicuña is main town with arts & crafts, food and a local observatory); Coquimbo for fresh fish & seafood; Los Choros for boat trips to Dama Island to see penguins and sea lions; visit Pachon Explore South America Argentina, Brazil, Peru and more Eat! Seafood especially; at picadas (small casual places mostly outside the city); cinnamon ice cream in Vicuna Recinto facilities pool, athletic fields, casual sports games 41

42 Advice from Locals Get downtown early by 9:00am to get your errands taken care of, then enjoy a coffee in one of the small shops. Between 11:00am and 2:00pm, downtown traffic is very congested and it s hard to find parking Banks are generally open from 9:00am to 2:00pm Mon Fri Be patient with the crowds in the summer Try to live close to the office May feel tremors/earthquakes but infrastructure is prepared Driving can be a challenge, don t stress Streets are not ideal for biking Specific diets may not be as supported as in US Learning some Spanish will be greatly appreciated 42

43 Resources LSST Project Website Travel and Safety sections AURA HR hr.aura astronomy.org 43