Should I exchange money at the airport?

No. Use the ATM. Exchange counters at South American airports typically offer rates 10-15% worse than what you'll get from an ATM using your debit card. The only exception is if you're arriving somewhere remote with limited ATM access—but major arrival airports all have working ATMs in the secure arrivals area.

Is it safe to take an Uber from the airport?

Generally yes in major cities, but check local regulations. Some airports (like Buenos Aires Ezeiza) require rideshares to pick up from specific zones away from the main terminal. Official airport taxis are often similar in price and more straightforward for your first ride. After you're settled and understand how the city works, rideshare apps become more useful.

What if the ATM eats my card?

Stay calm. Most airport ATMs are inside bank branches that open during business hours. Note the bank name and ATM number, then contact the bank directly—there's usually a customer service number on the machine. If it's after hours, call your bank's international helpline (you saved this number before you left, right?). The card usually gets retrieved the next business day. This is why you carry a backup card in a separate location.

Do I tip my airport taxi driver?

Tipping culture varies, but it's not expected for pre-paid airport taxis in most of South America. If the driver helps with heavy luggage or goes out of their way, rounding up 5-10% is appreciated but not obligatory. When you pay at the airport taxi desk, the price is the price. For Uber or metered taxis, rounding up to the nearest convenient bill is standard practice.

How long should I plan for immigration and customs?

Budget 45-90 minutes from wheels down to exiting the arrivals hall at major airports. Small regional airports might be 20-30 minutes. It depends on how many international flights landed in the same window. If you have a connecting domestic flight, don't book anything tighter than 3 hours. Immigration lines at São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lima can be long.

What if my Spanish or Portuguese is terrible?

Most airport staff at international terminals speak some English. Have key information written down: your accommodation address, your embassy phone number, any medical conditions. Google Translate works offline if you download the language pack before you travel. People are generally patient with tourists making an effort. Learn please, thank you, excuse me, and where is—those four phrases handle 80% of first-day interactions.

Your First Hours in South America: What to Do When You Land

After landing in South America, get local currency from an ATM in the arrivals hall, register with your embassy app if traveling solo, and confirm your onward transport before leaving the airport. The first 2-3 hours set the tone for your entire trip—move deliberately, stay aware, and don't rush into unfamiliar situations.

Clear immigration and get your entry stamp. Have your passport, return ticket proof, and accommodation address ready. Some countries (Bolivia, Venezuela) require yellow fever certificates—have it accessible. Entry cards are mostly digital now, but carry a pen just in case. Don't joke with immigration officers. Answer questions briefly and directly.
Hit the ATM before you leave the secure area. Withdraw enough local currency for 2-3 days. Airport ATMs typically have better security than street machines. Avoid currency exchange counters—rates are 10-15% worse than ATMs. Take smaller bills if the machine offers a choice. Notify your bank before you left home, but if you forgot, most cards still work for the first transaction.
Buy a local SIM card or activate your eSIM. Get connected before you leave the airport. Physical SIM cards are sold at kiosks in arrivals—bring your passport. Claro and Movistar work across most of South America. Expect to pay 15-30 dollars for 10-20GB. If you have an eSIM-capable phone, you should have set this up before landing, but airport WiFi can handle activation if needed.
Confirm your ride or find the official taxi stand. If you prebooked transport, confirm via message before you exit. For taxis, use only official airport taxi desks inside the terminal—you pay upfront and get a receipt. Never accept rides from people approaching you in arrivals. Uber and Cabify work in major cities but may need to meet you at designated rideshare pickup points. Ask airport staff to point you there.
Register with your embassy's travel app. US citizens use STEP, Canadians use Registration of Canadians Abroad, UK uses crisis alerts. Takes 3 minutes. Do this while you wait for your ride. If something goes sideways—political unrest, natural disaster, family emergency—your embassy knows you're in-country.
Keep your wits about you leaving the airport. The exit area is where most airport scams happen. Keep your luggage in sight and in contact with your body. Decline help you didn't ask for. If someone is overly friendly or distracting, move away. Your driver should know your name and destination—if they don't, it's not your driver.

Should I exchange money at the airport?: No. Use the ATM. Exchange counters at South American airports typically offer rates 10-15% worse than what you'll get from an ATM using your debit card. The only exception is if you're arriving somewhere remote with limited ATM access—but major arrival airports all have working ATMs in the secure arrivals area.
Is it safe to take an Uber from the airport?: Generally yes in major cities, but check local regulations. Some airports (like Buenos Aires Ezeiza) require rideshares to pick up from specific zones away from the main terminal. Official airport taxis are often similar in price and more straightforward for your first ride. After you're settled and understand how the city works, rideshare apps become more useful.
What if the ATM eats my card?: Stay calm. Most airport ATMs are inside bank branches that open during business hours. Note the bank name and ATM number, then contact the bank directly—there's usually a customer service number on the machine. If it's after hours, call your bank's international helpline (you saved this number before you left, right?). The card usually gets retrieved the next business day. This is why you carry a backup card in a separate location.
Do I tip my airport taxi driver?: Tipping culture varies, but it's not expected for pre-paid airport taxis in most of South America. If the driver helps with heavy luggage or goes out of their way, rounding up 5-10% is appreciated but not obligatory. When you pay at the airport taxi desk, the price is the price. For Uber or metered taxis, rounding up to the nearest convenient bill is standard practice.
How long should I plan for immigration and customs?: Budget 45-90 minutes from wheels down to exiting the arrivals hall at major airports. Small regional airports might be 20-30 minutes. It depends on how many international flights landed in the same window. If you have a connecting domestic flight, don't book anything tighter than 3 hours. Immigration lines at São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lima can be long.
What if my Spanish or Portuguese is terrible?: Most airport staff at international terminals speak some English. Have key information written down: your accommodation address, your embassy phone number, any medical conditions. Google Translate works offline if you download the language pack before you travel. People are generally patient with tourists making an effort. Learn please, thank you, excuse me, and where is—those four phrases handle 80% of first-day interactions.