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MerM
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Chile
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:24 pm Post subject: Public Transport |
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Hi
I'll be in Santiago this friday and was wondering about public transportation.
I have friend there now and she insists that I need to rent a car. Can anyone tell me what the deal is?!
Thanks
Mer
ps anyone interested in meeting up in September let me know. I'm a new teacher and would love some advice on it all. |
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evansmith
Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 34 Location: Stgo, Chile
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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MerM,
You definitely don't need a car to get around Santiago. The metro is awesome, and there are countless micros (buses) to take you anywhere you need to go that is not along one of the metro lines. Your friend is probably just tired of sitting on the rickety micros, or "boneshakers" as a friend of mine used to call them, or misses having a car like she probably did back home (I know the feeling). If you plan on venturing out of the city though, maybe to cajon de maipo or somewhere like that, a car is necessary. And is is nice to have that freedom that a car gives you, but if you're just going to be in Stgo, dont waste your money. |
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Weona

Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 166 Location: Chile
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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I agree with evansmith about not needing a car. Even in the smaller towns, cars really aren't that necessary but especially in Santiago.. since the public transportation is pretty efficient. If you're looking to head long distance, the Chilean bus system is also excellent. I was actually surprised to find that it was much better than the states! In Chile, it seems that buses are more often used nationwide than planes. |
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denise

Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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You can get just about anywhere comfortably and affordably on a bus, and the drivers in Santiago are loony! I do not miss my car at all.
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MerM
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Chile
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks
That's what I thought.
I'm traveling with a friend up North the first 2 weeks then she's heading home, any thoughts on La Serena, Calama(as a start to San Pedro de Atacama) Iquique (ghost towns)
Yes I've been reading my Lonely Planets and Rough Guides very diligently!
MerM |
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