As some of our traveling investigators have already discovered, in addition to expenses mentioned in our travel information package there may be airport taxes payable in cash on the spot that are not included in tickets issued in the US. These little surprises en route are the following:
A one time "entry fee" of US$20 charged to all US citizens entering Chile. This is imposed in reciprocity for similar fees charged Chilean citizens for entry to the US. The official in charge of receiving this fee will affix a stamp on the traveler's passport, valid until the passport expires. This fee is paid at the US port of embarkment to Chile (typically Miami). US citizens arriving from third country destinations may be charged upon arrival in Santiago. US currency only is accepted--no credit cards--so keep a twenty tucked away for this one.
Santiago airport tax, paid at the Santiago domestic terminal when taking the flight to La Serena. This is currently $Ch3100 or about $US7.50. Pesos are recommended (money exchange at competitive rates is located within the terminal complex).
La Serena airport tax, paid at the La Serena airport when taking the return flight to Santiago. This is currently $Ch2200 or about $US5.50, payable in pesos.
Departure tax upon leaving Chile, paid at the Santiago international airport. Presently this is $US18 or about $Ch7400, payable in US or Chilean currency. Be sure to set this aside with your return ticket. It's a good way to dispose of extra pesos without the hassle of currency exchange.
Because these taxes or fees are imposed by foreign entities, US airlines do not collect them in advance as part of the ticket price. Hence the necessity to have some cash ready to keep the officials smiling. Have a pleasant trip!
E. MacAuliffe, M. Phillips, M. Urquieta