Chile car hire

Compact (Hyundai Creta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Chile.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Chile are Santiago (27% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Chile), Las Condes (27%) and Arica (18%).

Driving in Chile is on the right side of the road, and you won’t need an international permit as long as you’ve got your US-issued driver’s license. There are several toll roads in Chile to reduce traffic congestion, and you may get a small tag from your rental car company to pay the toll electronically; if not, you’ll have to pay the tolls in cash.

To rent a car in Chile, you’ll have to be at least 21 years of age and present a major credit card. However, if you’re renting a car in Chile and you’re 21 or 22, be advised that the insurance premium you’ll pay at the time of your car reservation will be double the normal rate.

Petrol prices in Chile are a bit more expensive than they are in the United States, so be prepared to budget accordingly to avoid emptying your travel funds into the tank. A gallon of petrol costs around 2,450 CLP (3.50 USD), whereas petrol in the US is priced at around 2.50 USD per gallon. Most petrol stations are full-service in Chile, so even though you can pay with a card, make sure you leave a few coins to tip the attendant.

The speed limits in Chile are strictly enforced by Chilean police, but they’re similar to the speed limits imposed on roads in the United States. The maximum driving speeds in metropolitan areas are 50-60 km/h (31-38 mph), the speed limit on rural roads is generally around 100 km/h (62 mph) and the speed limit on the expressway is usually 120 km/h (75 mph).