Is it safe to take an Uber from the airport?

Yes in most major cities. Uber, Cabify, and Didi operate in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, Quito, and São Paulo. Oficial airport taxis are also safe—buy the ticket at the official counter inside the terminal, not from someone who approaches you outside. Avoid unmarked cars and drivers who offer rides in the arrivals hall.

Should I exchange money at the airport?

No. Use the ATM instead. Airport exchange counters have terrible rates. The ATM in the arrivals hall gives you the official exchange rate (minus your bank's 2-5 dollar fee). Only use the exchange counter if the ATM is broken or out of cash, and only exchange the minimum you need to get into town.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Basic Spanish helps but isn't required in tourist areas. Learn hello, thank you, excuse me, how much, and where is. Download Google Translate and the Spanish language pack before you land. Most hostel and hotel staff in tourist cities speak some English. Outside tourist zones and in smaller towns, expect little to no English. In Brazil, people speak Portuguese, not Spanish—learning a few Portuguese phrases makes a difference.

What if my flight lands late at night?

Prearrange airport pickup through your accommodation. It costs 5-10 dollars more than a taxi but they'll wait for you and you don't have to navigate an unfamiliar city in the dark when you're tired. If that's not possible, take an official airport taxi or ride app—never an unmarked car. Some airports shut down their public bus service after 10-11pm.

Can I drink the tap water?

In Chile and Argentina in major cities, yes. In Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, no—stick to bottled water. When in doubt, don't drink it. Brush your teeth with bottled water for the first few days until you know. Ice in drinks at established restaurants is usually fine (made from filtered water), but skip it in street stalls or if you're unsure.

How much cash should I carry day-to-day?

30-50 dollars equivalent in local currency. Enough for meals, metro tickets, and small purchases, but not so much that losing your wallet would ruin your trip. Keep the rest in your accommodation safe. Use cards where possible but always have cash backup—smaller shops, markets, and buses often don't take cards.

Landing in South America for the First Time: What to Do When You Get There

When you land in South America, head straight through immigration with your passport and any required visa or entry card, collect your luggage, and clear customs. Have local currency for your first taxi or bus—airport ATMs work but sometimes have lines. Your first 24 hours are about settling in: find your accommodation, get a local SIM card if needed, and orient yourself to your immediate neighborhood before venturing further.

Clear immigration. Have your passport ready, plus any visa you obtained in advance. Many countries (Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia) issue a tourist card on the plane or at immigration—fill it out completely and do not lose it. You need it to leave. Immigration officers may ask where you're staying and how long—have an address ready, even if it's just your first night's hostel. They rarely ask for proof of onward travel but it helps to have a flight screenshot on your phone.
Get local currency immediately. Use the ATM in the arrivals hall before you leave the airport. Withdraw enough for 2-3 days (taxi, first meals, small purchases). Airport ATMs are safe and give better rates than exchange counters. If the ATM asks whether to charge you in local currency or your home currency, always choose local currency. Note your bank's international ATM fee—it's typically 2-3 dollars per withdrawal, so take out more rather than making multiple trips.
Get to your accommodation. Prearrange airport pickup if you land late at night or in a city with complicated transport. Otherwise, official airport taxis or ride apps (Uber, Cabify, Didi) work in most South American cities. Avoid unmarked taxis. If taking a bus, buy tickets at the official counter inside the terminal, not from people approaching you. Write down your address in Spanish—show it rather than trying to pronounce it. The ride will cost 10-30 dollars depending on the city and distance.
Check in and secure your valuables. Once at your accommodation, use the safe if available. Keep your passport, extra cash, and backup credit card locked up. Only carry what you need for the day. Make a photo copy of your passport photo page and keep it separate from your passport—also email yourself a copy. If your room has a balcony door or ground-level window, check that it locks properly.
Get your bearings. Walk a 3-4 block radius around your accommodation while it's still light. Find the nearest ATM, pharmacy, minimarket, and a place to eat. Download an offline map of your neighborhood (Maps.me or Google Maps offline). Note street names and landmarks—South American addresses can be confusing and not all drivers use GPS. Ask your host or front desk about neighborhoods to avoid and how late it's safe to be out.
Get connected. Buy a local SIM card if you need data. Most South American countries have prepaid tourist SIM cards available at the airport or in phone shops near tourist areas. Cost is 10-20 dollars for 2-4GB that lasts 15-30 days. You'll need your passport. If your phone is locked, rely on WiFi—most accommodations, restaurants, and cafes have it. Download WhatsApp if you don't have it. It's the primary communication tool across South America.
Adjust to the rhythm. South Americans eat dinner late (9-10pm in Argentina and Chile, 8-9pm elsewhere). Lunch is often the main meal. Shops close for siesta in smaller towns (1-4pm). Banks and government offices close by 3-4pm. Adjust your first-day expectations accordingly—don't plan to do administrative tasks after lunch or eat dinner at 6pm. Use your first afternoon to rest, hydrate, and let your body adjust to the time zone.

Is it safe to take an Uber from the airport?: Yes in most major cities. Uber, Cabify, and Didi operate in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, Quito, and São Paulo. Oficial airport taxis are also safe—buy the ticket at the official counter inside the terminal, not from someone who approaches you outside. Avoid unmarked cars and drivers who offer rides in the arrivals hall.
Should I exchange money at the airport?: No. Use the ATM instead. Airport exchange counters have terrible rates. The ATM in the arrivals hall gives you the official exchange rate (minus your bank's 2-5 dollar fee). Only use the exchange counter if the ATM is broken or out of cash, and only exchange the minimum you need to get into town.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: Basic Spanish helps but isn't required in tourist areas. Learn hello, thank you, excuse me, how much, and where is. Download Google Translate and the Spanish language pack before you land. Most hostel and hotel staff in tourist cities speak some English. Outside tourist zones and in smaller towns, expect little to no English. In Brazil, people speak Portuguese, not Spanish—learning a few Portuguese phrases makes a difference.
What if my flight lands late at night?: Prearrange airport pickup through your accommodation. It costs 5-10 dollars more than a taxi but they'll wait for you and you don't have to navigate an unfamiliar city in the dark when you're tired. If that's not possible, take an official airport taxi or ride app—never an unmarked car. Some airports shut down their public bus service after 10-11pm.
Can I drink the tap water?: In Chile and Argentina in major cities, yes. In Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, no—stick to bottled water. When in doubt, don't drink it. Brush your teeth with bottled water for the first few days until you know. Ice in drinks at established restaurants is usually fine (made from filtered water), but skip it in street stalls or if you're unsure.
How much cash should I carry day-to-day?: 30-50 dollars equivalent in local currency. Enough for meals, metro tickets, and small purchases, but not so much that losing your wallet would ruin your trip. Keep the rest in your accommodation safe. Use cards where possible but always have cash backup—smaller shops, markets, and buses often don't take cards.