This guide aims to provide all the essential information tailored to Canadian travelers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in Chile. Be sure to check the summary table at the end for a quick reference to the key points.
Yes, Canadian travelers can legally drive in South Africa with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may vary by rental company.
Form of ID:
A valid passport
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-21 may incur a fee of US$ 22.23 per day.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore both well-known international chains and local rental options to find the best fit for your needs. Each offers unique benefits tailored to different travel preferences.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands

Hertz
Locations:
73Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Alamo
Locations:
40Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Europcar
Locations:
159Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a balance of quality and cost
Hertz
Locations:
102Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
7Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Avis
Locations:
122Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Affordable rentals and diverse vehicle options
Hertz
Locations:
13Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
United Rent a Car
Locations:
20Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
Chilean Rent A Car
Locations:
23Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local explorations
Flexways
Locations:
9Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your trip more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in USA
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Santiago, Valparaiso, ConcepcionMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Andes MountainsConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Easter Island, Torres del Paine, San Pedro de AtacamaCompare with Confidence on QEEQ
Chile boasts incredible landscapes and diverse destinations ranging from the Atacama Desert's vast arid beauty to the bustling capital of Santiago and the stunning Patagonia region. Travelers can enjoy scenic routes and explore charming towns with one-way car rentals to maximize their adventure.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Chile, but for peace of mind on your trip, additional coverage is highly recommended. Insurance requirements in Chile may differ from those in Canada, and the coverage included in your rental package might be limited, so it's important to choose the right protection to avoid unexpected expenses in case of accidents or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collisions or accidents.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to third parties and their property.
Provides coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout Chile. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Smart planning can help Canadian travelers save significantly on their car rentals in Chile. With fluctuating prices based on season, demand, and location, timing and research are key.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in Chile.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Traffic regulations in Canada and Chile differ significantly in signage systems, speed limits, and alcohol tolerance levels. However, there are some similarities in general road courtesy and safety practices.
Signage System
Uses international signage standards, primarily in Spanish
Uses bilingual signage (English and French), compliant with North American standards
Speed Limits
Measured in kilometers per hour (km/h), varies by region
Measured in kilometers per hour (km/h), widely standardized by province
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.03% BAC (strict enforcement)
0.08% BAC (varies by province)
Driving Side
Right-hand driving
Right-hand driving
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all occupants
Mandatory for all occupants
Mobile Phone Use
Prohibited unless hands-free
Prohibited unless hands-free
Common questions for travelers from Canada renting a car in Chile