Chile: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Addressing others with respect

An individual can be addressed by using the titles "Mr." ["Señor"], "Mrs." ["Señora"], or "Miss" ["Señorita"] followed by his or her surname. Sometimes, a person can be addressed by his or her professional title and surname. Nevertheless, the use of professional titles is not as common in Chile. The best policy is to ask a person how he or she prefers to be addressed.

The majority of Hispanics hold both maternal and paternal surnames. The father's surname is listed first and would be used to address the person. For example, Carlos Lopez Garcia would be addressed as "Señor Lopez."

When a woman marries, she often takes her husband's surname. Nevertheless, she may choose to keep her father's surname for her professional identity.

Physicians are always called "Doctor."

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