Our intrepid leader Tom has arrived in Santiago Chile. He arrived early to do some fishing, but he also took the time to send us greatly appreciated information about how to negotiate through Santiago's busy airport. And here it is:
"Here’s the drill when you arrive at the Santiago airport:
First you go to a counter and pay your immigration fee – which is now $131.00 USD cash.
Then you will clear immigration which is a non-event.
Then you can stop at the money exchange counter and pick up a few hundred $$$ worth of pesos. Exchange rate was 448 CPesos to the dollar yesterday.
Then you will grab a FREE cart and pick up your luggage and proceed to customs where they x-ray your luggage for who knows what. Again, except for the hassle of putting it on and taking it off the conveyor belt not a big deal.
When you exit customs you will proceed to the outside of the terminal where lots of transportation is available. It is $25.00 US for a cab to the Sheraton Four Points. If there is a group of you (i.e. arriving from Peru) one of the small vans might be a better choice – you can check the price outside and then decide. There is no shortage of drivers wanting to take you into town."
So there you all have it! Thanks Tom and happy and safe journeys everyone.
