**Figure 2 – Figure 4**
**Panama**
If you hold a U.S. visa, entering Panama is a breeze—no visa required! Friendly immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay, but rest assured, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. However, keep in mind that Panama has a relatively high cost of living, especially for travelers accustomed to budget-friendly destinations.
The official currency is the U.S. dollar, alongside the Panamanian balboa (which is pegged 1:1 to the dollar). ATMs typically dispense up to $250 per transaction. Almost all expenses can be covered using your XY card, making cash withdrawals almost unnecessary.
Pro tip: Before boarding your flight from Panama to Medellín, Colombia, ensure you have genuine flight information handy, including a confirmed booking number. Authorities will verify this in their system, and unfortunately, the entry process at Medellín’s airport tends to move at a glacial pace!
**Colombia**
Once visa-free only for U.S. visa holders, Colombia now extends its hospitality to everyone without requiring a visa. While this makes travel easier, be prepared for higher living costs in bustling cities like Medellín and Cartagena. The local currency is the Colombian peso. In Medellín’s Laureles district, cash is king, so carry some on hand. Elsewhere, cards are widely accepted.
For transportation, hail rides through Didi’s international app or Uber—it’s far safer than street taxis. Medellín also offers a metrocard for its cable car system, though I found ride-hailing more convenient due to the metro’s often crowded conditions.
When departing Colombia, don’t forget to claim your $30 tax refund at the airport! Though not strictly enforced, having your flight details ready is still a good idea.
**Peru**
U.S. visa holders enjoy seamless, visa-free entry into Peru. Cusco remains an affordable gem, while Lima strikes a reasonable balance between price and quality. The Peruvian sol is the local currency, and ATMs generally allow withdrawals of up to $25 per transaction. Word to the wise: while I’d heard ATM withdrawals were once free, there now appears to be a small fee attached.
Cards are widely accepted throughout Peru, so there’s no need to carry excessive cash unless you’re venturing deep into the rainforest. If heading off the beaten path, confirm payment methods ahead of time.
Ride-hailing services like Didi’s international app and Uber are cheap and plentiful, though cancellations do happen occasionally. Keep this in mind when planning your journeys.
**Bolivia**
A Bolivian visa sets you back $30 and can be processed conveniently in Cusco (as demonstrated in my earlier video). Despite its low cost of living, Bolivia operates primarily in cash. Bring U.S. dollars to exchange for local currency upon arrival, as it’ll save you money compared to exchanging within the country. Booking hotels directly on-site rather than online often yields better prices too!
Transportation options include taking street taxis, though pricing can feel chaotic. Otherwise, rely on Medellín-style cable cars for efficient and scenic commutes.
**Chile**
Entry into Chile was refreshingly smooth, even when arriving via Atacama with a travel agency. Some travelers report being asked for a small fee (around 30 yuan), but we encountered no such requests during our visit.
That said, Chile ranks among South America’s priciest countries. Thankfully, most establishments accept cards, sparing you the hassle of frequent ATM trips—though beware of hefty withdrawal fees. For safe and reliable transport, stick to apps like Uber; avoid hailing taxis from the street altogether. A cautionary tale: a friend in Santiago fell victim to fraudulent charges after trusting a rogue driver, losing a staggering ￥6000!
**Argentina**
U.S. visa holders face two visa options: an electronic visa costing $400 or a paper version priced around $200. During bus entry, authorities requested only our first-night hotel confirmation. Applying for Argentina’s e-visa involves uploading passport photos, which work best in a 9-grid format to reduce file size.
Prepare yourself for sky-high living costs, particularly in remote areas like Ushuaia. Planning an Antarctic expedition? Double-check whether your cruise ship stocks any missing gear—it might actually be cheaper onboard than in Ushuaia itself. As a side note, dining in Ushuaia leaves much to be desired…
Currency fluctuations make both card transactions and cash exchanges less predictable. Avoid converting large sums unnecessarily. Finally, for getting around, Uber reigns supreme, supplemented by occasional private car hires.
