For cheap flights to South America, make sure you book early. After booking your flights to South America, make sure your passport is valid. Remember to check if you need a visa to enter your destination country; this depends on your passport type. Although credit cards are often accepted, carrying cash in the local currency or US dollars is recommended. This can help in emergencies or when travelling through remote areas. English is not widely spoken in South America, so it will be helpful to learn key phrases in Spanish or Portuguese and to download some apps for translation.