Due to the low wages in Chile, many workers depend on gratuities. Most restaurants will automatically add on a 10% service charge to your bill but, if the service has been particularly outstanding, there is no harm in leaving a little extra.
There is no risk of malaria in Chile. Extra care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites as cases of the Zika virus have been reported. Sleeping under a mosquito net at night is advised along with using a strong repellent containing at least 50% DEET.
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Chile and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B).
Most meals in Chile consist of chicken, beef or seafood, which is served with rice or french fries and sometimes a salad. Specialities include "cazuela de ave" which is a chicken stew with potatoes, rice, onions with peppers and "pastel de choclo".