What to see & do with your IDP in Chile?
Chile is a country that invites exploration, and having your own vehicle opens up some truly unforgettable routes. With an international driving permit in Chile, you’ll enjoy more freedom to discover its breathtaking regions—whether you’re chasing glaciers, sipping wine, or tracing the coastline.
Carretera Austral:
This legendary road cuts through Patagonia from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins. It’s a rugged mix of gravel, paved segments, and ferry crossings. The journey rewards you with views of glaciers, temperate rainforests, and remote villages like Puyuhuapi. A 4×4 is often recommended, and flexibility is key.
San Pedro de Atacama:
This desert town is the gateway to some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. Drive out to Valle de la Luna, the Tatio Geysers, and expansive salt flats. Because of the region’s altitude and remote setting, renting your own vehicle offers both independence and safety.
Chile’s Wine Country:
A self-guided drive through the Colchagua and Maipo Valleys lets you experience vineyard tastings without the rush of a group tour. Start your route from Santiago and detour into quiet countryside towns known for artisanal food and scenic vineyards.
Lakes Region:
Around Puerto Varas and Frutillar, expect alpine lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and European-style architecture. This area is ideal for leisurely drives between natural reserves and lakefront villages, especially in the spring and summer.
Valparaíso and the Pacific Coast:
A short drive from Santiago takes you to the artistic port city of Valparaíso. Along the way, stop in Viña del Mar for beach views or sample fresh seafood in Quintero’s fishing ports. The coastal road is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
With your international driving permit in Chile, these destinations become more than just places—they become part of an adventure built on your own schedule.
Time to travel around Chile
Chile shares borders with several fascinating countries, each offering unique landscapes and cultures within driving distance. With an international driving permit, you can extend your trip beyond Chile’s borders and enjoy cross-country routes through the Andes or down the coast.
Border crossings typically require vehicle documents, and an international permit can make customs checks easier—especially in rural or multilingual areas.
Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Chile
Driving in Chile as a tourist is allowed with a valid foreign license for up to 90 days, provided you’re entering on a tourist visa. However, travelers whose licenses are not in Spanish—or who plan to rent a vehicle—should strongly consider carrying an international driving permit. This simple document translates your home license into multiple languages, including Spanish, making it easier to communicate with rental agencies and traffic officers.
Most car rental companies in Chile, particularly in cities like Santiago, Temuco, and Punta Arenas, expect drivers to show both their original license and an international permit at pickup. Without one, some agencies may refuse service, especially if your license uses non-Latin characters or lacks photo ID.
Checkpoints are common, especially in northern desert regions and along remote southern roads. Police may ask for identification and driver documentation. If they can’t interpret your license, delays are possible. Having a translated permit speeds up the process.
Chile enforces a set of driving laws that travelers should be familiar with:
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
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Rural roads: 100 km/h
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Highways: 120 km/h
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Seatbelts required for all passengers
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Zero-tolerance for alcohol (BAC of 0.03% or less)
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Mobile phone use only allowed with hands-free
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Toll roads are widespread—carry cash or an electronic pass
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Headlights must be on during daytime when outside city areas
For official traffic regulations, you can visit Chile’s Ministry of Transport
Explore rules, safety tips, and more in our complete Chile Driving Guide.
Yes, travelers from the U.S. or the UK can drive in Chile using their valid domestic license for up to 90 days, as long as they enter the country on a tourist visa. However, while Chilean law allows driving with a foreign license, many rental agencies and authorities prefer or request an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your license is not in Spanish. The IDP provides a standardized translation of your license, which can make interactions with police or border officials smoother—particularly in rural areas or during roadside checks. For added convenience and to avoid any rental issues, carrying an IDP is strongly recommended.
While not always mandatory under national law, many car rental companies in Chile require an International Driving Permit (IDP) at the time of pickup. This is especially true if your domestic license is not printed in Spanish or uses non-Roman characters. Even if you’re eligible to drive as a tourist, rental agencies often rely on the IDP to verify your eligibility more easily. The IDP acts as a supporting translation of your original license, helping avoid misunderstandings. You can apply directly through our website for a quick and secure process.
To enter Chile as a tourist, you typically need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your arrival date. Most travelers from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the EU do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You may be asked to show proof of return or onward travel, accommodation details, or evidence of sufficient funds during your stay. Entry requirements can vary, so it’s a good idea to double-check before your trip. Travelers driving into Chile from neighboring countries should also have valid vehicle documentation, insurance, and a translated driving license or IDP.
Most travelers from North America, the EU, the UK, and several other countries do not need a tourist visa for Chile if staying 90 days or less. However, if your nationality does require a visa, fees typically range from $50 to $150 USD depending on your country of origin and the type of visa issued. Chile has also introduced an E-visa system for eligible applicants, allowing you to apply and receive your visa electronically before arrival. You can begin the E-visa application process through our secure platform.