I have been to Santiago 4 times in the past 14 months, and through that airport even more times. I have always pre-negotiated a taxi with one of the people yelling "taxi" (they are almost all airport authorized). Last month, I paid CL$11.000 - (exchange has been fluctuating from $1=700 to $1=750 over the past several months).

Duty free is limited but adequate - but if you see that special bottle of wine or pisco in town, just buy it there - you probably won't do any better at the airport. The AA lounge is adequate. If you have access to the LA lounge, its excellent.

I don't know if you are flying to Punta Arenas (or have some other air transport, etc)... If so, note the following. Lan Chile carry on can be STRICTLY ENFORCED and is not very generous. Lan is a very good airline. No other airports (nor the national side of SCL) has an airline lounge, but there is a chain called "Pacific Club" at 4 or 5 airports in Chile. Although their relationships with certain credit cards (primarily types of Citibank cards) has been in a state of flux, there are times when a Diners Club International will get you in. They are also Priority Pass-affiliated, but its cheaper (CL$10.000) for a single entry than dealing with Priority Pass unless you have the top P.P. package. I have been in the SCL (national) and PMC lounges. Adequate, complimentary drinks, slow (but included) internet, and really no snackiecakes.

How much do I like Chile? I am burning miles to go to a concert next month. I just booked my 3d annual December trip.

Disfrutelo.