Question 1

What is the "Unofficial National Park Fee Collectors" scam in Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

The Rapa Nui National Park entry fee is approximately $80 USD and must be paid officially at Mataveri International Airport (IPC) upon arrival or at the CONAF office in Hanga Roa. Individuals who approach tourists at the entrance to Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, or other park sites claiming to collect the fee on behalf of the park are not authorized. Money paid to these individuals is simply stolen — the tourist will still be turned away or fined at the official checkpoint. Pay the park fee only at Mataveri Airport on arrival or at the CONAF office on Avenida Policarpo Toro in Hanga Roa. Keep your wristband or receipt visible at all times inside the park. Refuse any collection attempt at roadside or site entrances.

Question 2

What is the "Currency Exchange Overcharging and Short-Changing" scam in Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Easter Island uses the Chilean Peso (CLP), but USD is widely accepted in tourist-facing businesses. Some vendors and informal currency changers apply exchange rates 15–25% worse than the official rate when accepting USD, and short-change tourists who are unfamiliar with Chilean banknote denominations. ATMs on the island are limited to two machines in Hanga Roa, and they periodically run out of cash or reject foreign cards. Withdraw Chilean Pesos from the Banco Estado ATM on Avenida Atamu Tekena before heading out for the day — it is one of the two machines on the island and typically the more reliable one. Always count change immediately. If paying in USD, confirm the exchange rate in writing before completing the transaction. Bring sufficient Chilean Pesos from Santiago as a backup.

Money & ATM Scams in Easter Island

Unofficial National Park Fee Collectors

Currency Exchange Overcharging and Short-Changing

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