Costanera Center

Costanera Center is a large shopping complex at Av. Andres Bello 2425 in Providencia, Santiago, Chile, built around the Gran Torre Santiago, which is the tallest building in South America. Unlike the city's markets, it is a conventional international-brand mall, with department stores, global and Chilean fashion chains, electronics, sportswear, beauty and homeware shops, a supermarket, cinemas and a large food court alongside sit-down restaurants. Goods are branded and new, so authenticity is not a concern, and prices are mid to high, comparable with other upscale malls in the capital. Prices are fixed and bargaining is not practised. Cards are accepted throughout, and international cards generally work in shops. Visitors should note that Chile's VAT exemption applies to certain tourist services, such as hotel stays paid in foreign currency, but not to retail purchases, so no refund is available on shopping. The atmosphere is busy and air-conditioned, particularly on weekends and in the late afternoon, and the mall works well as a rainy-day or hot-day stop. The layout is a series of connected multi-level malls with a central atrium, and signs direct visitors to the Sky Costanera observation deck on the tower, which is the other major draw and is ticketed separately. Eating options range from fast food and casual chains to sit-down Chilean and international restaurants. The complex is close to Metro Los Leones and Tobalaba stations, with a short walk or bus connection. Opening hours are daily from 10:00 to 22:00, and the mall's own website lists current store directories and events. Visitors usually combine shopping with the viewpoint and a meal.