Should I exchange money at the airport?

Use the ATM, not the exchange window. Airport exchange rates are 10-15% worse than ATM rates. The exception: Argentina, where you should bring USD and exchange in the city at 'blue dollar' rates that are nearly double the official rate.

Is Uber safe in South America?

Uber is generally safe in major South American cities and often safer than street cabs. It works well in São Paulo, Rio, Lima, Santiago, Medellín, and Quito. Buenos Aires banned Uber — use Cabify or Beat. Always verify the license plate matches the app before getting in.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You need some Spanish in most of South America. Brazil speaks Portuguese. Airport staff and tourist-area workers speak limited English. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish and Portuguese before you arrive. Learn these phrases: 'Cuánto cuesta' (how much), 'Dónde está' (where is), 'No entiendo' (I don't understand).

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Tap water is not safe to drink in most of South America. Chile and parts of Argentina are exceptions. Everywhere else: bottled water only, including for brushing teeth. A 1.5L bottle costs $0.50-1.50. Ice in drinks at established restaurants is usually fine.

How do I handle altitude sickness?

Walk slowly, drink 4-5 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and rest your first afternoon. Coca tea helps — it's legal and sold everywhere in Andean countries. If you get a severe headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, descend to lower altitude. Acetazolamide (prescription) prevents it if taken before arrival.

What if my phone doesn't work?

Most US and European phones work in South America, but check your phone is unlocked before you leave home. If your phone is locked to a carrier, you cannot use a local SIM. Buy an international plan from your home carrier as backup, or rely on wifi at accommodation and restaurants.

Should I carry my actual passport?

No. South American law requires you to carry ID, but a photocopy of your passport satisfies this requirement in practice. Carry the photocopy, leave the original in your hotel safe. Exception: you need the original passport when checking into hotels or boarding domestic flights.

Are arrival forms digital now?

Some countries (Chile, Brazil) have moved to digital arrival forms you complete online before departure. Others (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina) still use paper forms handed out on the plane. Bring a pen. You need your accommodation address and flight number.

First Time in South America: What to Do When You Land

Your first hours in South America set the tone for everything. Get local currency at an ATM in the secure airport area, activate your phone plan, and use registered airport transport to your accommodation. Keep your passport and important documents in a hotel safe once you arrive, carrying only a photocopy when you go out.

Clear immigration and customs. Have your passport, completed arrival card, and accommodation address ready. Some countries (Chile, Ecuador, Peru) ask for proof of onward travel — have a flight confirmation screenshot ready. Answer questions simply and directly. Most South American immigration officers speak limited English.
Get local currency immediately. Use an ATM in the secure airport area before you exit. Withdraw enough for 2-3 days: $100-150 USD equivalent. Avoid currency exchange windows — rates are terrible. In Argentina, bring USD cash and exchange at unofficial but tolerated 'blue dollar' locations in cities for much better rates. In Venezuela, this is essential.
Activate your phone. If you bought a local SIM online, install it now. If not, most South American airports have carrier kiosks after customs. Expect to pay $10-25 for 5-10GB. You need Google Maps working before you leave the airport. Airport wifi is unreliable for ride apps.
Arrange safe airport transport. Book official airport transport. Use the official taxi desk inside the terminal, a pre-arranged hotel pickup, or verified ride apps (Uber works in most major South American cities except Buenos Aires — use Cabify or Beat there). Never accept rides from people approaching you in arrivals. Cost to city center: $10-30 depending on city.
Secure your documents. Once at your accommodation, put your passport, extra credit cards, and excess cash in the hotel safe. Carry only a photocopy of your passport photo page when exploring. Most South American countries legally require you to carry ID — the photocopy satisfies this in practice.
Adjust to altitude if applicable. Landing in La Paz (12,000 ft), Cusco (11,150 ft), Quito (9,350 ft), or Bogotá (8,660 ft) means altitude affects you immediately. Walk slowly. Drink water constantly. Avoid alcohol your first day. Eat light. Coca tea helps. Spend your first afternoon resting, not sightseeing.
Stock essentials for your first 24 hours. Find the nearest small supermarket or pharmacy. Buy: bottled water (tap water is not drinkable in most of South America), snacks, toilet paper (many places don't provide it), hand sanitizer. Cost: $5-10 total.
Set up money access. Test your credit card at a small purchase to ensure it works. Note where the nearest ATM to your accommodation is located. Photograph your credit card numbers and store them separately from the physical cards. Most South American ATMs limit withdrawals to $100-300 per transaction.

Should I exchange money at the airport?: Use the ATM, not the exchange window. Airport exchange rates are 10-15% worse than ATM rates. The exception: Argentina, where you should bring USD and exchange in the city at 'blue dollar' rates that are nearly double the official rate.
Is Uber safe in South America?: Uber is generally safe in major South American cities and often safer than street cabs. It works well in São Paulo, Rio, Lima, Santiago, Medellín, and Quito. Buenos Aires banned Uber — use Cabify or Beat. Always verify the license plate matches the app before getting in.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: You need some Spanish in most of South America. Brazil speaks Portuguese. Airport staff and tourist-area workers speak limited English. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish and Portuguese before you arrive. Learn these phrases: 'Cuánto cuesta' (how much), 'Dónde está' (where is), 'No entiendo' (I don't understand).
Can I drink the tap water?: No. Tap water is not safe to drink in most of South America. Chile and parts of Argentina are exceptions. Everywhere else: bottled water only, including for brushing teeth. A 1.5L bottle costs $0.50-1.50. Ice in drinks at established restaurants is usually fine.
How do I handle altitude sickness?: Walk slowly, drink 4-5 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and rest your first afternoon. Coca tea helps — it's legal and sold everywhere in Andean countries. If you get a severe headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, descend to lower altitude. Acetazolamide (prescription) prevents it if taken before arrival.
What if my phone doesn't work?: Most US and European phones work in South America, but check your phone is unlocked before you leave home. If your phone is locked to a carrier, you cannot use a local SIM. Buy an international plan from your home carrier as backup, or rely on wifi at accommodation and restaurants.
Should I carry my actual passport?: No. South American law requires you to carry ID, but a photocopy of your passport satisfies this requirement in practice. Carry the photocopy, leave the original in your hotel safe. Exception: you need the original passport when checking into hotels or boarding domestic flights.
Are arrival forms digital now?: Some countries (Chile, Brazil) have moved to digital arrival forms you complete online before departure. Others (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina) still use paper forms handed out on the plane. Bring a pen. You need your accommodation address and flight number.