By Bus in Santiago

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By Bus

Bus service is confusing for most newcomers. (It's confusing for most residents, too.) Buses (called micros) operate on hundreds of routes along the city's main thoroughfares. At any given moment there might be a dozen buses at a corner, all of them honking their horns and gesturing you aboard.

What to do? There are signs at covered bus stops telling you which number bus is headed in which direction. You can also check on the front of the buses themselves. Above the windshield should be the end points of the route. On the windshield, often on placards that the driver changes frequently, are the intermediate stops. These are often streets, so a sign reading providencia means the bus runs along Avenida Providencia. If you don't see your particular destination listed, look for a nearby mall or subway station.

Bus fare is usually 350 pesos, paid upon boarding. Drivers give change for small bills -- and they do it while they are whizzing through traffic.