Valdivia. Photo: Sec. Mun. de Valdivia

Documents required to cross to Chile

-You must show the green card of your vehicle, your ID (C.I. or D.N.I.) and have the car's crystals engraved.
-In the case of some foreigners, passport with visa.
- For people under 21 years old who are not with their parents, an official authorization for traveling abroad.
-When entering Chile, you will go through these controls:
. "Carabineros" (driving license and green card)
. International police (personal documents)
. Customs (vehicle's documents)
. Agriculture and livestock service (SAG), with a strict control over edible, growing food -you are not allowed to carry any.
-When coming back, check the time the frontier control closes -in summer, usually 8 p.m.

Prices

Since the Argentine devaluation, prices have been higher, but as the Argentine inflation is over 150% while the Chilean's is low, every year it is less asymmetric. Foreign items are still cheaper in Chile.
Customs exemption for the Argentines: u$s 150 per person.
As regards the accommodation in Chile, when it is good, it is usually expensive, and when it is cheap, it is usually bad. However, if you are in Patagonia, it is worth making a flying visit. But fill your gas tank beforehand, as the Chilean gas (bencina) is about 60% more expensive.

Money Exchange

It is not convenient to try to pay with Argentine currency (pesos), as they will offer you a low price in case you accept. It would we wise to buy some Chilean pesos before travelling, apart from carrying dollars. However, there are money exchange offices in the important customs. The credit card is seldom used.

Argentina: Norte Neuquino, Caviahue - Copahue, Villa Pehuenia, Aluminé,

Junín de los Andes, San Martín de los Andes, Villa Traful, Villa La Angostura,

Bariloche, El Bolsón, Lago Puelo, El Hoyo, Esquel, Trevelin.

Chile: Pucón, Villarrica, Temuco, Valdivia, Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas.