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Driving
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Driving in Chile
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Most rent the vehicle in Santiago. Therefore we start with some advice on how to face traffic in this capital of 5 million people.
Santiago
Santiago traffic is not for the faint of heart, or inexperienced drivers. If you decide to join the fray, drive defensively to deal with the aggressive Chilean way of driving, and do not expect any slack. It's important to plan any route you have to drive beforehand. Santiago's streets are confusing, poorly sign-posted, and strewn with potholes. On some of the major thoroughfares, the driving direction will change depending on rush hour traffic, and on days with smog warning levels Pre-emergencia or Emergencia even vehicles with catalytic converters (rental cars, too!) can be banned from driving depending on their license plate numbers (announced in the media).
Speed
In town, the speed limit is 60 km/h, outside max. 100 km/h / 120 km/h - and you wouldn't want to drive any faster anyway, given the state of most roads. Speeds are often checked, esp. on highways and freeways, punishment is harsh and involves a frequently tiresome bureaucratic procedure.
Toll charge
On the major arterials leading out of Santiago as well as on some portions of the Panamericana, you have to pay toll at a station (approx. USD 4.00, double that on weekends.) The Panamericana is currently being expanded north and south of Santiago and within the capital to turn it into a modern two-to-three-lane freeway with the addition of more toll stations.
Santiago's new city highways dispose of an electronic toll system which
collects the fees with the aid of a special equipment
called TAG mounted on
the windshield. Rental car operators either charge a fixed
daily lump sum of USD 6 approx. for all cars rented
in Santiago or they charge the real tolls afterwards on
the customer's credit card.
Gas
Gas (93, 95 or 97 octane) is about 1,40 USD per Liter, and it gets more expensive the
further you get from the capital. Diesel is about 1 USD per Liter.
Off Panamericana
Before you drive off into the unkown, it is a good idea to inquire about road conditions. Most secondary roads are not paved, and gravel roads of widely varying quality can deteriorate, especially from long rains. Less experienced driversshould be especially cautious on such roads. It is a good idea to carry a second spare tire for longer tours on gravel.
Security
When parking the vehicle, make sure that nothing is left visible from the outside, esp. in cities. The parking lot attendants cannot always be trusted. Find secure parking for your car at night.
IMPORTANT:
Always carry car documents, passport, and driver's license with you! If you have questions or run into problems, turn to one of the numerous police stations (Carabineros, see Police.)
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Your contact person |
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Elizabeth Petri
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ContactChile
Gestiones Interculturales |
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Huelén 219 piso 2
Providencia
Santiago de Chile
Ph./Fax: (56-2) 264 17 19
E-Mail: info@contactchile.cl
How to find our office
Business hours:
Mon - Fri 9 am to 5.30 pm
Sat 10 am to 1.30 pm
(Sat Housing only)
Local Time:
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Current Exchange Rates
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1 EUR = 620 CLP
1 USD = 480 CLP
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Driving in Chile
