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You've just arrived in Chile, it's so exciting. Off the plane and on over to immigration to hand over your US passport, one more stamp, you smile and nod to questions you may or may not understand. Until you hear US$100. What?? Yes, you are getting charged $100.00 to enter the country, and no, you are not getting ripped off by customs officials.

It's a reciprocity fee - Chileans pay about US$100 to get a visa to the states, so the Chilean government decided it's only fair if US citizens have to pay this $100 tax when they travel to Chile. A few other travelers have to pay as well - Australians (US$30), Mexicans (US$15) and Canadians (US$55).

For some unknown reason, airlines and travel agencies often fail to mention this entry fee. Travelers are unpleasantly surprised upon arrival. The Chile Information Project, however, is committed to providing the best information about flying to Chile as we possibly can.

Yes, it's a lot, but at least it's good for the life of your passport.

Other good things to know:

That customs and immigration paper you filled out during your flight to Chile, it wasn't just for fun, you need it for immigration. Hold on to it please - and hand it over to the proper authorities when they ask for it.

Customs: what you can and can't bring. You can bring pretty much anything you're going to use on your trip. Of courses, all firearms and illegal drugs should be left at home. Also, Chile is a geographically isolated nation, they don't want tourists bringing in new pests, so don'tbring any fresh fruit, vegetables, or seeds - eat anything you have by the time you get off the plane.

Visas for US citizens: don't need to worry. You can stay in Chile for three months without a problem. If you are staying longer, extending your visa requires leaving and re-entering the country. It's easy - just take the bus to Mendoza, Argentina and back. It's also a good excuse to go shopping and drink wine in Argentina for a weekend. Or fly to Buenos Aires.

Your other option is to go to the Departamento de Extranjeria (www.extranjeria.gob.cl) in downtown Santiago, stand in line for hours and pay an additional $100 to renew your tourist visa. Visit Argentina or pay to deal with governmental bureaucracy, it's up to you.

Money: Avoid changing money at the airport - as usual airport money exchangers have the worst rates. But they are there if you need them.

ATMs give the best rates. Look for Redbanc (Chile's ATM network) they are in airport and all over Santiago.

Visa/Master Card in Santiago. You can use credit cards in a lots of places, but having cash on hand is necessary. Taxis and small vendors don't take cards, and many hostels or stores will charge you an 8% fee for using a card.

Information Desk: in Baggage Claim Area - maps and tourist info, generally good to have.

Departure Tax. There is an US$18 airport departure tax in the Santiago Airport, but you almost always pay it when you buy your tickets, so you probably won't have to worry about this hidden fee .