Choosing
a Responsible and Knowledgeable
Guide in Patagonia, Argentina
Many fly fishing enthusiasts who fish worldwide (especially those
that plan to fish in Argentina and Chile) ask the question, "How do I find
a responsible guide or outfitter and what questions should I ask him/her in regards
to my fishing trip."
For
many anglers that plan to fish in Argentina or Chile, one question that comes
up frequently, "Can American guides work legally in Argentina or Chile guiding
anglers?"
Most
countries have immigration laws governing who can and cannot work in their country.
The United States as an example does not permit foreign nationals to work in any
part of the country without the proper papers (e.g., work visa or green card).
This paper has to be secured before entering the U.S. In Argentina and Chile similar
laws also applies as in the U.S. "Anyone entering Argentina or Chile with
just a tourist visa cannot work in that country." So if an American guide
enters either country with his passport stamped with just a tourist visa he is
not allowed to work in that country.
Chile
and Argentina Tax and ID Numbers
How then can an American guide or non-citizen of Argentina or Chile
work legally? To work legally, the person who wants to guide in Argentina and
Chile would have to have a temporary work contract approved by the government
of that country. Someone or some establish business of that country would have
to offer the work contract. The person or business would have to be registered
with the government and have a R.U.T. Number. The R.U.T. Number is used in Chile
as an identification number and tax number. It is very similar to a Social Security
Number in the USA. Without this R.U.T. Number you practically cannot do anything
with regard to work or business. You cannot buy property, open a bank account,
open a business, get a job, or even get a drivers license. In Argentina the laws
and requirements are similar except that they call their Identification Number
C.U.I.T. for businesses and C.U.I.L. for those who work for others.
In the past many American guides have gone to these countries,
working the fishing season and returning to the U.S. Some guides have been contracted
by reputable lodges or outfitters and others, have returned to those countries
to start their own business and take groups of anglers to fish in those countries.
There are a few of these guides that come to Argentina and Chile and work illegally
and conduct business as if they are licensed and bonded. Generally they keep a
low profile so as not to draw government attention which could pose a major problem
for themselves and their clients.
Working
as a Lodge, Outfitter or Travel Agent
In order to work legally, the lodge, outfitter or travel agent is
required to have a R.U.T. (for Chile) or C.U.I.T. number (for Argentina) and possess
a business license number that is registered with the federal, state and local
government of that particular country. They are required to have invoices or bills
of sale with their business name, address, and respective tax number printed on
them. If any one proposes to be an outfitter and does not have these qualifying
requirements he is not conducting a legal business and should not be used in contracting
a fishing trip to the respective countries. Many fishing agents and travel agents
in the United States represent legal outfitters and lodges in Argentina and Chile
and are for the most part, reliable businesses that can be used in arranging a
fishing trip to Patagonia.
A
Responsible Guide or Outfitter
Today in Argentina and Chile you will find many lodges
operating in a legal responsible fashion with qualified licensed guides who are
bonded and insured by the government. Some speak English very well and others
speak enough to get by, but many speak only their native langu
age.
There are many Guides Associations in most parts of Argentina and some parts of
Chile. In order to be a guide in Argentina you have to be approved by passing
a course, which is sponsored by various government organizations such as the National
Parks Service, National Tourist Board, and State controlled Guides Association.
For example in the Providence of Chubut, which is the Esquel Fishing Destination
of the Argentine Patagonia, you have a large association of qualified guides.
All are licensed and insured and will be able to show you their identification
card with their picture on it. If they do not he/she is not the person you would
want to contract with as being responsible for your fishing trip.
For the Angler who wishes to be sure about his guide or outfitter
being legal, can simple ask for the above information. A responsible guide or
outfitter will be happy to respond affirmatively if he is legally able too.
About
Patagonia Adventures
Kent
Schoenauer with his wife Vicenza as long as Eric his son
are business owners of Patagonia Adventures since 1983
and operate adventure travel and fly fishing in Argentina
and Chile. Kent provides fishing trips to both countries
and has a fishing lodge, the Alto Puelo Lodge located
on the Rio Puelo at the Argentina/Chile border.
For further questions about this report,
Kent or Eric Schoenauer can be contacted by telephone
at 011-54-2944-492513 or Email at eric@argentinachileflyfishing.com.
Copyright
© 2006-2012 - All Rights Reserved - Patagonia Adventures