Is it safe to drink the tap water?

In most of South America, no. Carry a filter bottle or use a large communal water jug to avoid buying plastic bottles daily.

How do I handle money?

Use a bank card that waives foreign transaction fees and get cash from ATMs inside reputable banks, not street-side machines.

Traveling Through South America with Kids on a $100 Daily Budget

Stick to a $100 daily budget by utilizing long-distance buses, staying in apartment rentals with kitchens, and prioritizing free outdoor activities over guided tours. Focus your route on lower-cost countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia to keep your total family expenses manageable.

Choose your geography wisely. Stick to countries where your dollar goes further. Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia offer significantly lower costs for food and transport than Chile or Uruguay. Cross borders via bus to save on international flights.
Use apartments instead of hotels. Book via Airbnb or local sites for stays with kitchens. Preparing breakfast and dinner at home saves roughly $30-$40 per day for a family of four compared to eating out for every meal.
Master the long-distance bus network. Use sites like Busbud or RedBus to compare routes. Overnight "cama" (fully reclining) buses save you the cost of one night's accommodation while covering vast distances.
Skip the tour operators. Don't pay for pre-packaged excursions. Research local trails, parks, and museums online and walk there yourself. Most South American cities have free walking tours where you only pay a modest tip.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: In most of South America, no. Carry a filter bottle or use a large communal water jug to avoid buying plastic bottles daily.
How do I handle money?: Use a bank card that waives foreign transaction fees and get cash from ATMs inside reputable banks, not street-side machines.