Chile Driving Tips

Click on one of the options below to view more information:

• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Vehicle Restrictions
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Visa Information

Car Hire Depot information in Santiago

DriveAway offer unbeatable rates with our reputable suppliers in Santiago. These suppliers are all located at the Santiago Airport terminal building and downtown depots located in the city.

Driving Distances in Santiago

• Concepcion – 500kms (9 hrs/ 40 mins)
• Talcahuano – 520kms (10 hrs)
• Valpariso – 135kms (2 hrs/ 30 mins)
• Antofagasta – 1290kms
• Puerto Montt – 1045kms

Licence Requirements

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Spain;

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road.
• Pass others on the left hand side of the road.
• All occupants in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• Mobile Phones are not permitted while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Obey all road signs and traffic signals.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents, road tax documents and insurance documents.

Vehicle Restrictions

In the city of Santiago a vehicular restriction known as 'restricción vehicular' becomes effective during the time of the day and days of the week. Restrictions apply to vehicles defined by the last digit on the registration plate. Restrictions zones are heavily monitored, motorists driving a restricted vehicle within the zone face being fined.

Child Safety Seats

Children aged under 4 years old must be seated in an appropriate child restraint. Any children under 12 years old should be seated in the back seats wearing a seat belt.

Speed Limits

The following are the speed limits in Chile, unless signed otherwise;

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 50km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Chile is 0.05g/100ml. Fines will be imposed to drivers over the limit, and possible imprisonment.

Tolls

There are three motorways in Chile where a toll is payable;- Costanera Norte, Autopista del Sol and the Chile Highway 5. The three all operate using electronic tolling by having a transponder fitted to the windscreen of the vehicle. Vehicles hired, ask the supplier depot prior to collection for tolling options.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Belgium are very similar to other European countries but with slight variance:

• Regulatory Signs (eg. Speed Limits) instruct motorists what they must and should not do. These signs will vary in shapes, sizes and colour, but most generally you will find them with a white background, red border and a symbol or text in the middle.
• Warning Signs (eg. Changes in road conditions) warn motorists any potential hazard, obstacle or condition up ahead. These signs are generally yellow in colour with a black symbol in the middle.
• Information Signs (eg. Directions) provides motorists with direction information, street/road name/number, places of interest...etc. Signs with a green background provide information to roads/streets, suburbs and cities, while brown or blue signs are used for facilities and attractions.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Chile:

• Australian passport holders need a tourist permit to enter Chile for the purpose of tourism.To apply, visit Tramites Consulares Online and select Visa. When filling out the form, select the relevant tourism visa type. Maximum stay period is 90 days. Contact the Consulate of the Republic of Chile in your local state for additional information regarding visa's.
• On arrival into Chile, an administrative fee is payable, accepted in cash only.
• A passport with at-least 6 months validity is required.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: March 2022.