Scam in ChileOnline bookings
Higher flight prices on English-language airline pages in Chile
How it works
English-language airline pages may charge in US dollars at a higher price than the Chilean pages charging in pesos. This is a pricing difference, rather than a described fraud.
Warning signs
- The booking page charges in US dollars.
- You have only checked the English-language version.
How to avoid it
- Compare the same flight on the airline's Chilean page.
- Compare the full price after converting currencies.
- Check baggage allowances before paying.
If it happens to you
- Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
- Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2018How changing your flight booking site 'language' can score you cheap fares | Nine.com.auA traveller reports finding much cheaper LATAM fares from Santiago to Easter Island after switching to Spanish and using a Chilean VPN location, so the account does not isolate language as the cause.Read on News
- TripadvisorEaster Island ForumWhy flight ticket from SCL to Easter island so expensive? - Easter Island Forum - TripadvisorTravellers discuss booking cheaper LATAM fares through the Chilean site, while a destination expert attributes the difference to fare buckets available at the Chilean point of sale.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the higher flight prices on English-language airline pages scam in Chile?
English-language airline pages may charge in US dollars at a higher price than the Chilean pages charging in pesos. This is a pricing difference, rather than a described fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The booking page charges in US dollars. You have only checked the English-language version.
How do I avoid higher flight prices on English-language airline pages in Chile?
Compare the same flight on the airline's Chilean page. Compare the full price after converting currencies. Check baggage allowances before paying.
Where in Chile does this happen?
Airline booking websites.
How common is this scam in Chile?
Occasional. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.
Who can I report it to?
Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.
What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?
Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.
Reviewed by @snuck