This guide provides all the essential information to ensure your car rental experience in Chile is smooth and enjoyable. At the end, there's a quick reference guide summarizing the key details for easy planning.
Yes, Mexican travelers can legally drive in Chile with the proper documentation. Age restrictions and additional document requirements may vary by rental company.
Form of ID:
A valid passport is required.
Driving licence:
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX. Some rentals may support XpCard.
Age requirements:
The minimum age to drive is 18, and the maximum age is 99, depending on the rental company. Specific age policies may vary.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore a variety of car rental options in Chile, from well-known international chains to local providers offering unique services tailored for Mexican travelers.
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 local driving conditions
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 exploring different regions in Chile
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 the same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for a full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with the 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, ValparaisoMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
Atacama Desert, PatagoniaSUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Easter Island, Torres del Paine
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Chile features stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, perfect for travelers from Mexico exploring South America. From the bustling streets of Santiago to the serene Atacama Desert, car rentals allow visitors to experience the country's diverse offerings at their own pace.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in Chile, but for peace of mind, additional coverage is highly recommended. Insurance requirements and terms vary, so understanding what's included in your rental agreement is crucial.
Covers damage to the rental car from collisions, reducing your financial responsibility.
Provides coverage in case of theft of the rental car or its parts.
Covers damage caused to other parties or their property during an accident.
Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
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 Mexico to Chile can optimize their car rental savings by planning ahead and choosing the right options. These tips ensure a smooth and budget-friendly experience.
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 rules in MX and CL share similarities but also have distinct differences in areas such as speed limits, road signs, and alcohol tolerance.
Right Turn on Red
Allowed after a full stop at certain intersections
Generally not allowed
Speed Limits
Urban roads 60 km/h, highways 120 km/h
Urban roads 50 km/h, highways 100 km/h
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.03% BAC
0.08% BAC
Mobile Phone Use
Hands-free devices only
Hands-free devices only
Seatbelt Laws
Mandatory for all vehicle occupants
Mandatory for all vehicle occupants
