Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Cash / Currency → Chile
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-23
Cash / Currency is restricted for travelers entering Chile; declare above the personal allowance.
Details
Cash / Currency requires declaration at customs (and in some cases an import permit) when carried by travelers into Chile. Servicio Nacional de Aduanas applies a personal-allowance threshold per item category; quantities above attract duty + the destination's VAT/GST rate (19%) plus, for select categories, an additional excise tax. Pacific Alliance / Mercosur / CAFTA-DR / USMCA / Andean Community preferential treatment for member-state goods. Travelers should consult Servicio Nacional de Aduanas for the current quantity threshold + documentation requirement before departure.
Leaving with this item
Chile requires declaration when leaving with cash and bearer-form negotiable instruments above USD 10,000 equivalent.
Practical advice
Carry Cash / Currency in carry-on where applicable (medication / lithium battery / valuables). On arrival, walk the Red Channel and declare on the customs form. Servicio Nacional de Aduanas computes duty + VAT at the published rate. Have the purchase receipt + (for medication) the original prescription available.
Customs authority
Servicio Nacional de Aduanas · https://www.aduana.cl/