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Puerto Montt Travel Checklist

Puerto Montt Travel Checklist

The Lakes District Chile Travel Guide

Required Preparations

Plan your trip with this detailed guide, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Detailed Planning Timeline

Organized steps for your travel preparation.

1

-6 Months Before

Documents & Flights

Passport validity check (6 months after your return). Research visa requirements and apply.

Major Bookings

Book international flights (peak season for prices). Reserve major tours (Navimag, Cruce Andino).

Insurance & Driving

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance World Nomads. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).

2

-2 Months Before

Internal Travel

Schedule flights within the country or long-distance buses (popular routes).

Accommodation & Itinerary

Reserve accommodations for entire trip. Plan detailed itinerary with daily activities.

Health & Home

Set up pet sitting or house-sitting. Get recommended vaccinations.

3

-4 Weeks Before

Confirmations & Copies

Confirm all bookings (flights, accommodations, tours). Make digital and physical copies of documents.

Financial & Connectivity

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates. Arrange mobile phone roaming or local SIM research.

Packing & Supplies

Start packing lists and acquire missing gear (waterproof jacket, hiking boots, Travel accessories).

Reservations

Make these bookings ahead of time for a smoother trip.

Advance Bookings

  • International and domestic flights.
  • All accommodations (hotels, hostels, cabañas).
  • Major tours, like the Navimag Ferry, Cruce Andino, or multi-day excursions.
  • Rental car, especially if a specific type or size of vehicle is needed.

Research Points

Information gathering points for a higher quality visit.

Pre-Trip Knowledge

  • Weather: Understand the prevailing weather patterns for your travel time of year to pack appropriately.
  • Cultural Norms: Learn basic etiquette and common Spanish phrases for interactions.
  • Safety: Review the latest travel advice and local safety tips for Puerto Montt and the Lakes District.
  • Budget: Grasp expenses for your chosen travel style to manage your spending expectations.

Home Preparations

Steps to take at home before setting off.

Home Security

  • Secure your home by locking windows and doors.
  • Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to collect them.
  • Pay any bills due during your trip to avoid late fees.
  • Arrange for plant care or pet feeding unless you have a house-sitter.

Digital & Financial

  • Set up out-of-office replies for email.
  • Configure out-of-office replies for voicemail messages.
  • Notify your emergency contact of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
  • Ensure emergency contacts are reachable.

Final Checks

  • Reconfirm all your reservations for flights, accommodations, and tours.
  • Make copies (digital and physical) of all required documents.
  • Let your bank and credit card company know companies of your travel dates.
  • Charge all electronics, including cameras, phones, and power banks.

Departure Information

Be sure to account for baggage allowance and customs regulations when acquiring souvenirs.

Arrival & Departure

These steps guide you smoothly from your arrival point to your first destination, and for a smooth departure.

Upon Arrival

  • 1
    First Steps

    Clear immigration and customs. Be certain to conclude the SAG declaration for crops. Keep your Visitor Card (TUM) secure; you must have it for leaving.

  • 2
    Orientation

    Locate ATMs or currency exchange services to obtain local currency. Find a local SIM card vendor if you want to use one for phone and web access.

  • 3
    Initial Purchases & Transport

    Withdraw local currency from an ATM. Consider buying a LOCAL sim card if desired. Utilize pre-booked transfers, licensed airport taxis, or shared shuttles to accommodation.

Departure Preparation

  • Souvenir & Shipping

    Factor in luggage weight limits if you purchase many souvenirs. Inquire about courier services for larger items. Understand the customs regulations for your home country.

  • VAT Refunds

    Chile does not have a general VAT refund system for tourists on goods purchased. Therefore, do not account for this.

  • Departure Timing

    Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights plus ONE.5-2 hours for internal flights. For buses, arrive at the terminal 30-45 minutes before departure.

Return Journey Readiness

Confirm Schedules

Confirm your flight, bus, or ferry schedules the day before departure.

Double-check for any last-minute changes or delays.

Prepare Documents

Have all required travel documents ready, including your passport, boarding pass, and Visitor Card (TUM).

Keep them easily accessible for check-in and security.

Final Funds

Ensure you have enough local currency for last-minute purchases or airport/bus terminal transfers.

Account for any exit fees, as required (though rare for air travel from Chile).

Return Trip Reminders

Confirm travel schedules (flight, bus, ferry) the day before. Have all documents (passport, boarding pass, Tourist Card) ready. Keep local currency for last-minute needs.

Additional Considerations

Final thoughts for a well-rounded and protected journey.

Lodging Insights

  • Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or consider camping to scale back lodging expenses.
  • Book accommodations with kitchen facilities to self-cater meals, which considerably reduces cost of food.
  • Opt for cabañas or apartments with kitchens; these provide more space and the capability to prepare meals, especially for families.
  • Many restaurants cater to children; supermarkets stock familiar items for self-catering.

Health & Safety Reminders

  • See a travel physician for recommended vaccinations before your trip.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during active days. Stick to bottled water where quality is uncertain.
  • Use sun protection diligently, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Exercise general caution in crowded areas and protect your valuables.

Emergency Contacts Review

Keep these numbers handy for any urgent situations.

Services

  • Police (Carabineros)133
  • Ambulance (SAMU)131
  • Fire Department (Bomberos)132
  • General Emergency911 (use specific numbers if achievable)

Document Safety

  • Make copies (digital and physical) of all required documents (passport, visa, insurance).
  • Store copies separately from the originals to safeguard against loss or theft.
  • Report any loss or theft to local police immediately to obtain a police report (denuncia).
  • Communicate with your country's's embassy or consulate in Santiago for emergency travel documents if needed.

Final Considerations

Passport validity and visa necessities are main. Travel insurance protection.

Always keep copies of documents and communicate your itinerary with trusted contacts.

Puerto Montt Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation