Can I bring fresh fruit across the border?

No. Chile has very strict agricultural laws. You will be fined if you try to bring fresh fruit, vegetables, or meat across the border into Chile from Argentina.

Should I exchange money before I go?

No. Use ATMs in major towns like Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Have some USD cash for emergencies, but use local currency for daily expenses.

Planning a Patagonia Crossing: Chile and Argentina

To see both sides of Patagonia efficiently, fly into Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales for the Chilean side, then take a bus to El Calafate to cross into Argentina. Budget at least 14 days to account for weather-related travel delays and the sheer distance between major trailheads.

Choose your primary route. Decide if you are doing a 'loop' or 'one-way.' The most common route is Puerto Natales (Chile) to El Calafate (Argentina) via bus. Do not attempt to drive a rental car across the border, as most agencies forbid it due to insurance restrictions.
Book your buses 30 days in advance. Use Bus-Sur or TurBus for the Chilean legs and Bus-Sur or Taqsa for the cross-border leg. Seats on the direct Puerto Natales-El Calafate route sell out fast during peak season (December–February).
Coordinate your permits. If you are hiking the 'W' or 'O' trek in Torres del Paine (Chile), you must book campsites 6–9 months in advance. The Argentine side (El Chaltén) does not require permits or site bookings for most trails.
Manage your border crossing. Carry your passport and your PDI (the paper slip you get when entering Chile) at all times. You will need to exit customs on the Chilean side and re-enter on the Argentine side; the bus driver will handle the bulk of the paperwork, but keep your documents in your hand, not your checked bag.

Can I bring fresh fruit across the border?: No. Chile has very strict agricultural laws. You will be fined if you try to bring fresh fruit, vegetables, or meat across the border into Chile from Argentina.
Should I exchange money before I go?: No. Use ATMs in major towns like Puerto Natales or El Calafate. Have some USD cash for emergencies, but use local currency for daily expenses.