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A tip in Chile , like in any other country, is given to reward good service. Usual practices may vary from country to country, even within regions in a  country, but the normal guidelines apply.
However, even when a gratuity is added to your bill by the management, remember that a little extra directly to the person performing a service for you won't break your budget, but may make a large difference to someone else. Pay the person directly. Don't leave money on a restaurant table.
10% in restaurants, less in bars and cafes. $.50 - .75 per bag to porters, none to taxi drivers
TAXES:
On flights leaving Chile, there is an airport tax of USD 18, or the equivalent in CLP. On domestic flights airport tax is normally included in the airline ticket. US citizens pay a reciprocity tax of USD 100 in cash as they pass through customs. The receipt is valid for the life of your passport. This tax is applied to countries that charge Chilean nationals a fee to process visas.
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. |
