Introduction
Chile, a land of striking contrasts and breathtaking landscapes, is an ideal destination for a road trip adventure. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the icy fjords and glaciers of Patagonia in the south, Chile offers diverse terrains that promise an unforgettable journey. The country’s well-maintained roads and scenic routes, such as the famous Carretera Austral, allow travelers to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. From the vibrant culture and historic sites of Santiago and Valparaíso to the stunning vistas of the Andes and the Pacific coastline, Chile’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it perfect for those seeking both adventure and discovery on the open road.
Car Rental Tips
Book in Advance
Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.
If you proceed directly to the car rental store without booking, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.
*If you are already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.
Required Documents
Passport, Driver’s License, IDP(Optimal), Credit Card
International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one.
If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com (Japanese site only).
Note: If you are Australian citizen, entering Chile will needs a visa. It could be applied on this website: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/
Car Choices
The choice of your car depend largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.
- City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)
If you are a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.
Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.
- 4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly
Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.
- Traveling in a group of 6 or more
It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.
Online Booking Process
We are endeavoring to make your booking as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.com, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.
Insurance
What Insurances Are Available?
*For Autopilot Cars:
- Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
- Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
- Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.
International car rental booking will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Theft Protection, and Third Party Liability Insurance.
The deductible is the maximum amount of money you’re liable for in the event your rental car is damaged or stolen as long as you follow the conditions of your rental agreement. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.
When and How to Purchase Insurance
There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.
Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.
How to Choose Insurance
If you are traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:
- Firstly, repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.
- Secondly, in case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.
- Thirdly, the wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.
Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.
Picking Up the Car
Check Before Departure
Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for pre-authorization.
Proceed to the Car Rentals
If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.
If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.
If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.
Inspect the Car
When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.
Payment
Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you are paying online or purchasing a tour package.
Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.
Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!
Traffic Rules and Signs
Drive on the Right
In Chile, the vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and cars are equipped with a left hand steering wheel. Please pay attention and spend some time to adjust if your country differs from that.
Speed Limit
The speed limits in Chile are:
- 50kph in urban areas
- 100kph in rural areas
- 100-120kph on motorways
Phone while Driving
You should only be able to use a phone with a hands free device. And it is also illegal to use a headphone to listen to music or smoke while driving.
Driving Age
In Chile the legal driving age is 18 years old. But you can only rent a car when you have reached 21.
Drinking While Driving
The legal limit for blood alcohol has recently been reduced to 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. This is much lower than the UK and Europe and means that for most people, one glass of wine or a small glass of beer will take them over the limit. On that basis we recommend that you do not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive as the penalties are severe.
Right Turn on Red
You cannot turn red on a stop signal in Chile unless otherwise posted.
Bus and Taxi Lane
When driving in Santiago it is important to know that on each of Santiago’s main roads there is one lane that is provided for buses and taxis only. They are separated by a yellow median and may not be used by normal cars. Also, pay attention during rush hours as some of the main roads change their driving direction during peak hours and traffic only runs in one direction on all lanes.
Common Road Signs
Source and for more: https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Drive-Smart-Chile/Chile-Road-Signs.aspx
Highways and Tolls
Road Conditions
Main roads in Chile are paved and are generally in good condition. However, you may wish to consider a four-wheel drive vehicle for driving in the countryside.
Driving in Chile means experiencing a whole range of driving conditions, from snow and ice to hot sandy deserts. Between June and September, winter weather sometimes temporarily closes Chilean/Argentine border crossings high up in the Andes, including the main Los Libertadores crossing between Santiago and Mendoza, which is a spectacular roller coaster of a road.
Toll Roads
Toll roads in Chile are:
- Autopista Central and Costanera Norte in Santiago area
- Autopista del Sol from Santiago to San Antonio
Payment is made electronically via a transponder which should be fitted to all hire cars, or by purchasing a daily pass.
For more details please visit http://www.tag.cl/
Refueling and Parking
Remember that distances between destinations in Chile can be large so make sure that you refuel at gas stations when you can as they can be few and far between.
Gas Stations
Fuelling in Chile is very convenient, filling station attendants work at almost every petrol station. They will fill up your car, clean your car windows and control the oil and water level if desired.
The fuel price is about 1.28 euros per liter currently. You can visit this website to look for the price both of unleaded gasoline and diesel: https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Drive-Smart-Chile.aspx
Parking
- Free Parking Space
Except you are in major cities, parking is more or less random. You can find people parking on roadside or in some ridiculous places. But we suggest you to find marked parking spaces or a public parking lot to avoid trouble.
- Paid Parking
Some parking lot is paid. Usually with an assistance who would guide you through your parking and payment, also guard you vehicle. The fees are cheap and reasonable.
- Where You Cannot Park
Don’t park at places for the disabled, at building entrances and exits, or places marked with no-parking signs.
Accident Handling
If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.
- Police: 133
- Fire: 131
- Ambulance: 132
Scratch
Ensure the safety of personnel→Move the vehicle to the side of the road without obstructing the traffic→Call 133→Take photos or videos of the condition of the vehicle →Register the accident by police and keep a proper record of the accident→Contact the rental car company and insurance company.
Theft
Call 133 → Police take notes → Insurance report → Verify information → Payment
Malfunction
Call the rental car company → They will send someone nearby to tow your car or change a tire.
If the rental car company is unable to help you, contact a towing service with the help of the police. Car repairs are very expensive sometimes, so it is important to have insurance.
Returning the Rental Car
To return the car, just drive back to the rental car company, but pay attention to the following things:
Refuel Before Returning
Usually, the basic rule for returning a car is to refuel the gas before returning it to the rental car company.
Even if the time is up, and there may not be a convenient gas station, it’s okay to drive for a while (about 5 kilometers or so) after refueling.
If you tried to return the car after the due time without refueling, or if you drove an excessive long distance after refueling, we will calculate the remaining time and charge you an additional fee.
Inspect the Car
When you arrive, we will have a representative inspect your vehicle for damage. If it had any damage, additional payment would be made.
Reconcile the Fee
When you return the car, the staff will check and record the vehicle and print the settlement list on site. Please check the list carefully, and if you have any unknown charges, you can raise them in person or call customer service to solve the problem.
Keep the Contract and Document
After returning the car, it is recommended to keep the contract and receipts in a safe place in case of needs.
Help after Trip
Traffic Citation
How to Pay Fine Ticket:
There are two main methods to pay a fine: ATM transfer or manual payment.
We recommend you to pay the fine as soon as possible, otherwise you may have to pay a late fee. If you can’t deal with it right away, tell the car rental company when you return the car, and you can let the company charge your credit card directly, but it usually requires a service fee.
Insurance Claim
If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Credit Card Checkback History
- The Car Rental Contract
- Car Damage Deduction Bill
For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of insurance company:
https://www.qeeq.com/term?info=axa_policy&browser_open=1
Unknown Charges after Trip
If you received an unexpected deduction when you return to your home country, it might be that your violation fee is paid by the car rental company, but usually the deduction amount will be more expensive than the violation fee because that includes the management fee charged by the car rental company. If you don’t know what the violation was, you can contact our customer service for help.
Classic Routes
North and the Atacama Desert
- The Route of the Stars
The Route of the Stars is a 110km (68 miles) journey from La Serena to Pisco Elqui, perfect for stargazers seeking a celestial adventure over 3 to 5 days. Begin in La Serena, admiring the starry skies, then travel east into the Elqui Valley along la Ruta de las Estrellas. Spend a night in Vicuña, exploring observatories and solar-powered eateries. Visit Montegrande, the hometown of Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral, before heading to Pisco Elqui. Here, enjoy stargazing, pisco tasting, and trekking in the Cochiguaz and Alcoguaz valleys. The Atacama Desert’s clear skies make summer the ideal time for this stellar road trip.
Central Chile, Santiago and Valparaiso
- The Central Coast
The Central Coast road trip spans 235km (145 miles) from Matanzas to Zapallar, offering a 3 to 5-day journey filled with sea, sand, and surf. Starting in the trendy town of Matanzas, head north to explore Isla Negra’s artistic charm, Quintay’s whaling history, and El Canelillo’s picturesque beach. Visit the vibrant twin cities of Valparaiso, known for art and culture, and Viña del Mar, famous for beaches and gardens. Continue to the serene Ritoque, then conclude in Zapallar, a lush cove popular with Chile’s elite. Valparaiso’s urban funiculars, or ascensores, make exploring its steep streets easier.
Rapa Nui
- Touring the Easter Island
On the island, a single main road forms a circular route, often considered as two distinct sections. The first section runs from Hanga Roa to Anakena through the island’s center, spanning just over 16 kilometers. This paved road, built in 1996 during the airport runway expansion, is in excellent condition. The second section also leads to Anakena via the southern coastal path. While the road is well-maintained up to Ahu Tongariki and the Rano Raraku detour, the stretch to the beach is rough but navigable. Numerous dirt paths provide access to archaeological sites, though they can become challenging to traverse after heavy rain.
The South, its Lakes and Volcanoes
- The Budileufü Heritage Route
The Budileufü Heritage Route is a 100km (62 miles) journey around Lago Budi, offering a 2-3 day exploration of Indigenous culture in south-central Chile. Formed after the 1960 Valdivia earthquake and tsunami, Lago Budi is surrounded by vibrant Mapuche villages. This scenic road trip from Puerto Saavedra to Puerto Dominguez and back provides an immersive experience into the Mapuche culture, Chile’s largest Indigenous group. Visitors can stay in traditional thatch-roofed ruka homes, purchase artisan crafts like pilwa bags, and savor Mapuche cuisine, highlighted by the smoky merkén chili pepper.
Patagonia and Antartica
- The Carretera Austral
The Carretera Austral, Chile’s Ruta 7, offers a breathtaking 1200km (745-mile) journey from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, ideal for a two-week exploration of Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. This remote route, partially unpaved, requires car ferries to navigate certain sections. Starting in Puerto Montt, the road winds through temperate rainforests and national parks like Pumalín and Queulat. Coyhaique, the region’s largest city, is perfect for resupplying before heading to the marble caves of Puerto Río Tranquilo and the wildlife-rich Parque Nacional Patagonia. Discover the unique village of Caleta Tortel with its wooden boardwalks, and conclude in Villa O’Higgins, a gateway to the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Adventurous travelers can continue to Argentina’s Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and El Chaltén from November to April.
Useful Information
Emergency Contact
- Police: 133
- Fire: 131
- Ambulance: 132
Websites
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.chile.travel/
- Visa for Australian: https://www.consulado.gob.cl/servicios/e-visa-para-australia
- Embassies of Each Country: https://www.embassypages.com/chile
Car Renal Companies
- AVIS: 1-800-352-7900
- SIXT: 1 (888) 749 8227
- Budget: 800-218-7992
- Thrifty: 1-800-283-0898
- Hertz: 1-800-654-5060
- ACE: (877) 822-3872
- Dollar: 800-235-9393
- Yesaway: 1 424-800-4990
