What I love most about Chile is how quick Chileans are with a smile, how kind they are to foreigners. If I show so much as a hint of friendliness, they immediately respond with a warm smile.
This morning I go off in search of US dollars. I’m about to do a border crossing into Bolivia and I’ve heard they only accept US cash for their visa. I’ve long since used up the stash I brought with me. Google research on where to get US dollars is all over the place; some sources say there are banks that will exchange pesos for dollars, others say no. Four banks later the answer seems to be a hard no.
At the last bank they tell me they can do it only if I have an account with them. I ask if they know of any place where I can get them. The bank security person tries to explain to me, but I’m having trouble understanding. He motions for me to follow him. I’m thinking he’s going to take me to someone who can translate. Instead, he walks me out the door of the bank, and then walks four blocks with me to a legit currency exchange place. He gently admonishes me (via Google Translate) to be careful about who I exchange money with, it’s not always safe. Then he walks back to his job. As if it was a normal part of his job to hand-hold tourists.
That’s what I call service above and beyond.
4 responses to “Service Above and Beyond”
When I went to Peru I had brought around $500 US one dollar bills with me. I wanted to hire a guide. He wanted US currency but would only take the best newest crispest ones I had.
Yeah, that seems to be the case here too. I was warned to have only crisp bills available, including for the visa at border crossing. I’m a little nervous about that.
You are so brave ! and what a wonderful story of that gentlemen walking you … bet you were wondering where he was taking you !!!!
Yes, I was starting to feel a little uneasy about being escorted out the door! But he was so sweet.