Etiquette in Chile

Chile is home to over 15 million people, with over 40% of the total population living in the greater Santiago metropolitan region.

The official language is Spanish, although visitors will notice that Chilean Spanish is accented quite differently than in neighboring countries. English is spoken by well-educated business people and in those working in most tourist centers.

The Republic of Chile is a multiparty republic with two legislative houses.

While there is no official religion in Chile, approximately 78% of the population identifies as Roman Catholics. The 2nd largest religion in Chile is Protestant, accounting for 13% of the population.

The peso is the currency of Chile. The current peso has circulated since 1975, locally using the symbol $. It is subdivided into 100 centavos, although no centavo denominated coins remain in circulation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If you are lucky enough to be invited to a Chilean home, take flowers or candy for the hosts. If there are children present be sure to remember a gift for them as well.

In business, any gifts should be opened immediately. Women should not give gifts to men – the interpretation may be more of a proposition rather than a friendly business gesture.

Our large, non-profit educational group for marketing executives looked for someone knowledgeable on the topic of business etiquette and one name kept rising to the top, Cynthia Lett. Her talk was amazing. Since we were limited by time, she focused on the critical aspects of business interactions. Cynthia is a tremendous resource for any company or organization looking for a protocol course.

Andrew Rose

Director of Marketing and Business Development Naden/Lean, LLC

I hired Cynthia to become an etiquette consultant. She was knowledgeable on every subject and I learned quite a but about the business from her. Many years later she continues to be a resource to me.

Lisa M. Grotts

The AML Group, San Francisco, CA

I can truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette and protocol. I highly recommend The Lett Group to anyone wanting to get the right information from the very best!

Irene Zucker

President VerbaCom® Executive Development

Cynthia Lett was the top-rated speaker at several international Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) events. She possesses vast knowledge and practical experience in international protocol and etiquette. As a speaker, Cynthia is wonderful at engaging an audience with real examples and practical tools for helping them deal with intercultural protocol and etiquette situations. I would highly recommend her for educational events for any group.

Edward Potter

Association Director Association Management Group, McLean, VA

Cynthia is one of the top business etiquette professionals in the DC area. I recommend Cynthia Lett for your business etiquette needs.

Marva Goldsmith

President & Chief Image Officer

Cynthia is the consummate etiquette and protocol professional. She founded ISPEP to develop and enhance the standards of our profession because she cares so deeply about what we do and the quality of service clients receive.

Hilka Klinkenberg

Founder/President