This thorough guide will provide you with all the insight needed to make an informed and enjoyable car rental experience in Chile. Utilize this resource for quick and reliable advice.
Yes, Spanish travelers can legally drive in Chile with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may apply.
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. Accepted cards include Visa and Master.
Age requirements:
Drivers must be between 18 and 90 years old. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur an additional fee of US$ 10.00 per day.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore both international and local car rental options to find the best deal and service tailored for your trip from ES to CL.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Hertz
Locations:
52Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Alamo
Locations:
34Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Europcar
Locations:
212Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking a balance of quality and cost
Hertz
Locations:
77Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Keddy by Europcar
Locations:
72Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
Avis
Locations:
93Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Affordable rentals and diverse vehicle options
Hertz
Locations:
18Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
United Rent a Car
Locations:
21Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentals
Chilean Rent A Car
Locations:
24Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local explorations
Flexways
Locations:
9Prices:
$$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 Chile
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and manual 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 Spanish 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 manual transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del MarMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Atacama Desert, PatagoniaSUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Torres del Paine, Easter Island, Andes Mountains
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Chile offers breathtaking landscapes and cities, from the vibrant capital Santiago to the serene Atacama Desert. Explore the diverse regions efficiently with rental cars.
To legally drive in Chile, you must have at least basic liability insurance. Additional coverage is recommended to protect against unforeseen expenses in case of accidents or theft. Insurance options and their inclusions may vary depending on the rental company, so it's essential to choose a plan that fits your travel needs.
Covers repair costs for damage to the rental car in case of a collision. Note that this usually comes with an excess/deductible amount.
Provides coverage in case the rental vehicle is stolen.
Covers damage caused to other vehicles, property, or individuals. This is often required by law.
Covers medical expenses for injuries to the driver and passengers in the rental car.
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
Travelers from Spain can save significantly on car rentals in Chile by planning ahead, comparing prices, and being mindful of fuel policies.
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.
While many traffic regulations are similar between Spain (ES) and Chile (CL), some distinctions exist, primarily in speed limits, overtaking rules, and alcohol consumption limits.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 50 km/h, highways: 120 km/h
Urban areas: 50 km/h, highways: 100-120 km/h, variable by region
Driving Side
Drive on the right-hand side
Drive on the right-hand side
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.03% BAC
0.05% BAC
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all passengers
Mandatory for all passengers
Parking Rules
Parking is restricted in urban areas during peak hours
Parking availability and restrictions vary significantly by region
