South Pacific Search
Easter Island Travel Guide
Services
Visas and Officaldom
Most visitors require only a passport valid six months ahead to stay 90 days in Chile. Visas are not necessary for North Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, and most Europeans. Check this at any LanChile Airlines office.
A stiff entry tax or cobro por reciprocidad is collected upon arrival in Chile, with the amount varying according to nationality (U.S. passports US$130, Canada US$132, Australia US$56, etc.). This head tax is valid for the life of the passport and doesn't have to be paid again each visit.
Try to have the exact change in cash as the Chilean officials may not wish to give change. No vaccinations are required.
Media
No newspapers or magazines are published on Easter Island, so the easiest way to keep in touch is to subscribe to the Rapa Nui Journal. The Journal comes out twice a year, and contains an interesting mix of scientific studies, announcements, and local gossip—well worth the annual subscription price.
Radio Manukena broadcasts in Rapanui over 88.9 MHz FM weekdays 0800-1100/1400-1700 (in Spanish at other times). The local TV station, channel 13 Mata Ote Rapa Nui, is on the air Friday-Sunday 1900-0100. Both are owned by the municipality. Chilean television programs are on at other times.
Health
The island hospital, on Simon Paoa, is open 24 hours for emergencies. For nonemergencies, you must make an appointment a few days in advance. There's a pharmacy here. To see the hospital's dentist, come in person around noon to get on the waiting list for that day.
The private Consulta Médica (closed Sunday), on Atamu Tekena next to Hotel Orongo, also does consultations.
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South Pacific
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ISBN: 1566914116
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