Chile has one major international airport located a 20 minute drive outside of Santiago, the capital city. All international flights (with the exception of one or two from Argentina in the far south of the country) arrive at in Santiago. Santiago airport is modern and easy to get around.

Upon arrival, US, Australian, Mexican and Canadian citizens must pay a 'recipricocity tax'. This currently stands at around (US Dollars) $120, $35, $15 and $40 but is subject to change. With the exception of Australian citizens, the tax is a one off payment that is good for the life of the passport. Australian citizens receive 3 months and then must pay again.

Another way to arrive in Chile is overland from one of the neighbouring countries. There are many border passes running the length of Chile but the most popular ones are those from Mendoza and Bariloche, Argentina. If you arrive overland you do not have to pay the recipricocity tax.

Finally, many people arrive in Chile on cruise ships. The typical entry point would be in Puerto Montt in the south of the country or Valparaiso, a 120km drive from Santiago. Again, if you arrive via sea, you will not have to pay the recipricocity tax.