- During fall and winter time, the smog levels in Santiago are extremely high and the government try to control this. Certain cars are restricted from driving in Santiago between 7.30am and 9pm. The restriction depends on the last cipher on the license tag and usually affects cars without catalyser.
- Remember that distances between destinations in Chile can be large so make sure that you refuel at petrol stations when you can as they can be few and far between.
- 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.
- Some of the roads in the capital Santiago have electronic free-flow tolls.
- The emergency services number is 133 for the police, 132 for an ambulance or medical services and 131 for the fire department.
- Parking is generally easy in most of Chile but beware that parking spaces may be narrower to what you are used to.
- You will come across parking assistants in Santiago and all over Chile. Some of them are employed by the municipality. They assist drivers in parking their cars, whether it’s necessary or not and watch your car while you’re gone.
- Those, who are officially employed, receive a specified parking tax that is determined by the municipality.
- All motorway signs are in Spanish.
- The conditions of the major roads in Chile are generally good but the country suffered from an earthquake in 2010 so this may have affected many roads.
- Smaller roads in rural areas may be in bad condition so take extra care when driving on these roads and look out for potholes.
- Care should be taken while driving in the mountains because the roads tend to have many tight switchbacks and may not have guardrails.
Sixt has 2 branches in the capital city of Santiago including one at the Santiago de Chile airport.
Sixt wishes you a pleasant a safe trip when using our car rental service in Chile.
Now you have read our tips for driving in Chile why not check out some of the other great destination we have covered including Bulgaria, Dominican Republic and Hungary.
* Please note: All information was correct at the time of publication.