USD100 for an on the spot, no questions asked, airport visa is a bargain.

Consider that to be TRULY reciprocal a US passport holder wishing to vist Chile should have to:

* Pay USD100 to the Embassy PLUS around USD20 handling fee to the one and only commercial agency authorised to process such visa (cannot apply direct to Embassy). Both fees non-refundable, even if application is rejected.
* Wait longer than a month, before leaving the US, for a personal interview at the Chilean Consulate.
* Present photos, payroll slips, proof of house ownership, car registration, letter of invitation to Chile if not paying for own ticket,...