Patagonia's unit of currency are the Chilean Peso ($ or CLP) in Chile and the Argentinean Peso (ARG$) in Argentina. In Chilean Peso coins have values of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 pesos; notes have values of $1000, $2000, $5000, $10000 and $20000.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of Chile or Argentina. However, every person who carries more than USD10,000 in cash in or out of Chile or Argentina is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

As you will note all prices in this website are quoted in US Dollars and it is a common currency in Southern Patagonia. Euro is becoming popular slowly.

Credit Cards, ATMs & more
We suggest the use of Credit Cards and cash as a standard, but is advisable to carry Traveller Checks, though you may not use it at the end because of heavy comissions.

In Chile, banks are open from 9.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday. In Argentina banks are open from 9.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. I

If you are trekking in Torres del Paine National Park doing the Big Circuit where no phone line is available no card will be useful, only cash. The same for camping sites and small business outside. Hotels and Hosterías usually have Credit Card payment system even they might be far.

Mastercard and Visa are the most accepted Credit Cards. American Express and Diners Club are also accepted in many places. In some stores you may get a 5% discount if you pay in cash. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. Even though you may use your card for cash advances in ATMs, you may end up paying undesirable comissions or more than you get because of exchange rate. Most ATMs operate under Cirrus/Maestro system allowing you to withdraw money directly from your home bank account. ATMs seem to be more secure and cheaper than Travellers Ckecks.

Exchange Bureaus can be found in most tourism cities like Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Calafate, Ushuaia, etc and rates are fare enough and better than exchanging in banks. To calculate currencies now go to Yahoo Finance.

Goods and Services Tax
In Chile, all goods and services are subject to a 19 percent Goods and Services Tax (IVA) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, except for hoteling. Foreigners that reside outside the country do not pay the IVA in the hotel price.

How Much Will it Cost?

Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in Patagonia for a few common items:

Tipping
It is fare to tip about 10% of the bills in restaurantes. Some people think that family run establishments do no apply but i think it is a matter of satisfaction. If the service has been great you can tip whoever you like to. If you feel happy doing so, it is ok. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but you can round up if it is not too much: CLP 940 may round up to CLP 1000.