Travel Guide > South America > Chile > Santiago
Santiago (or Santiago de Chile) is the capital of Chile, with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. Alongside Buenos Aires and São Paulo, Santiago is one of the leading economic hubs of South America. But Santiago is also stunningly beautiful, its modern skyline set against the backdrop of the snow capped Andes mountains.
Most international flights arrive in Santiago at Aeropuetro Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez. LanChile is the national carrier of Chile, but many other major airlines fly into Chile as well.
Some travellers arriving by air are required to pay a "processing fee." This processing fee is in response to fee levied against Chileans travelling abroad, and will match the amount of the fee charged to the Chileans. Citizens from the USA pay $US 100, Citizens from Canada pay $US 55 and citizens of Australia pay $US 30. This fee can be paid in US dollars, Chilean Pesos or with travelers' checks.
The Santiago Metro has five operating lines. Two subway lines (Line 4 and 4A) and an extension of Line 2 were inaugurated during late 2005 and 2006. The system is under expansion, and extensions are going to be built on Lines 1 and 5 throughout 2009. Maps of the lines can be found at the official subway website.
This is version 9. Last edited at 5:39 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+58). 5 articles link to this page.

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