Receiving packages: taxes, customs, etc. (Santiago de Chile)

Hi all,

I've been living in Santiago for a month, and I'm wondering what to expect if I get a care package here from the U.S. How is the package searched at customs, and are taxes always charged or does it totally depend on the content? How should packages be sent--via regular mail (US Postal Service)?

Also, how long could I expect a package to take to arrive? I had a friend send me just a regular letter at least 12 days ago from the U.S. to my apartment, and I am concerned that even that has not arrived yet. Is this normal? Would it be better to have packages shipped to my work address?

Thanks,
Shayna