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Chile Car Rental Tips
Read these useful tips, reminders and precautions before renting a car in Chile:
Crossing borders
If you plan to rent a car in Chile, be aware that driving is restricted to Chile. You may purchase a permit in order to drive into Argentina that must be requested 10 days in advance.
Crossing the border between Chile and Argentina border takes more time and patience than doing so in Europe.
It's very difficult to find a car rental company that will authorize their vehicles to cross to Bolivia or Peru due to the high probability of car theft in those countries, as well as the complicated relationship between Chile and these countries.
General Chile Car Rental Information
Renting a car is usually cheaper in Santiago than anywhere else.
Small companies usually have CDW insurance with a deductible (amounts usually runs between US$200 and US$700). This amount determines your maximum financial responsibility in case of an accident. Most small companies do not have offices in cities besides Santiago.
If you are traveling with a larger group and had intended on renting a large van or minibus, Chilean law requires special drivers license for 9 or more passengers vehicle
For longer trips on unpaved roads in Chile, a pick-up truck is recommended instead of a jeep. Trucks are more stable on the road and easier to drive than jeeps.
Chilean Driving Regulations
You must have a driver's license from your country of origin in order to drive in Chile, and an international driver's license is recommended especially for car rental.
Insurance companies may not cover damages resulting from an accident if the driver cannot provide an international license, so if you don't have one be sure to check this with the rental agency.
If you are pulled over, police may ask for your international drivers license, however, there should be no problem if you do not have one.
More information on international driving permits can be found at www.idlicense.com
Always try to find a safe parking spot and do not leave things inside your vehicle if you can avoid it. If you cannot, be sure to store things in the trunk.
Also, remove the panel of your radio every time you leave your car alone if you have the option.
Tolls on Chilean Roads
Chilean roads are quite good. There are, however, many expensive tolls.
Panamericana, the main road that goes from the North to the South of Chile, has many tolls, so be sure to have plenty of cash in order to pay them.
Santiago has recently introduced new and safer roads that require driver's to pay an electronic toll. This means that drivers do not stop, instead the toll is accounted for by a debice called a TAG. If you rent a car in Santiago, many car rental companies will have an additional charge for the previously installed device, that allows drivers to dive through the tolls as many times as you need.
This charge is usually an additional $5/day and may or may not be included in the rental cost.
Driving in Patagonia
If while in Chile you intend to rent a car and drive in Patagonia, the best alternative is to rent a pick up truck because of its higher clearance. A 4x4 is even better.
It is possible to travel in Patagonia in a sedan, however this requires slower driving and less weight.
You may also want to bring along 2 spare tires and a spray for emergency flat tires.
Everything is more expensive in Patagonia and car rental is no exception.
List of Car Rental Companies in Chile
Most Chilean car rental companies provide the option of airport car pickup. Browse the following list of rent-a-car providers in Chile:
Hertz Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car
United Rent a Car
Econorent Car Rental
Alameda Rent a Car
LYS Rent a Car
Advantage Rent a Car
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