Don’t be caught short

Airlines and guidebooks often fail to warn travelers about the (sometimes substantial) entry and exit fees and taxes that some countries charge. These fees vary widely from country to country, over time and according to the nationality of the traveler. What can be most surprising about these fees is that often they are payable only in U.S. dollars (cash, of course), despite the traveler’s nationality. I’ve heard that sometimes only the exact amount due is accepted (no change is provided).

During planning for an April ’02 trip to Chile, I discovered that Americans were charged an entry fee of $61 each upon arrival (the fee has since been raised). This fee had to be paid in U.S. currency. Our airline for this trip, American Airlines, did not mention this fee whatsoever until shortly before landing in Santiago — certainly too late for those unprepared for it!

Fortunately, there was an ATM dispensing U.S. dollars in the airport. A Mexican citizen on our flight, traveling to Chile from Mexico, had to pay about $15 for his entry fee; however, he wasn’t expecting the fee and was carrying only Mexican pesos. He got to visit the airport ATM.

The good news about Chile’s entry fee is that, once it is paid, you can return to Chile without being charged additional entry fees for the remaining life of your passport.

While planning for a February ’04 trip to Costa Rica, I discovered that Costa Rica charged Americans a departure tax of $26 each. (I’m not sure what other nationals were charged.) Since airline ticket prices often include a long list of fees and taxes, I hoped that this tax was included in the cost of our tickets. The ticket agent for our airline (US Airways) was not aware of the departure tax and was unsure if it had been included. We assumed the worst and carried the extra cash with us throughout our visit to Costa Rica.

None of the people we spoke with there seem familiar with the tax. The situation became very clear upon our arrival at San José’s airport for departure. We each were required to pay the $26 tax (in cash) before being allowed to check in for our flight. Once again, an ATM dispensing U.S. dollars was available. We observed several passengers being completely surprised by the departure tax.

The moral of this story is to take responsibility and do your homework before your trip. Don’t assume that these fees will be included in your airline ticket cost or in other payments. Don’t assume that anyone will notify you about these fees until you’re required to pay them.

The real concern isn’t that countries charge entry and exit fees but that these fees are not sufficiently publicized. It’s difficult to understand why neither airline in the examples above didn’t better inform their passengers of the fees.

The website of the embassy of the country you’re planning to visit should have current information about any entry and exit fees/taxes they impose. I’ve found Lonely Planet guidebooks to be a reliable (if sometimes a bit dated) source for identifying these costs.

If all else fails, be sure to have an ATM card that works overseas and a stash of U.S. dollars in your money belt for surprises.

STEPHEN O. ADDISON, Jr.
Charlotte, NC