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Here is some helpful information to make your life on the road easier. REMEBER: Always carry your passport, the vehicle documents, and your driver’s license with you.

CHILE

Recommendations on entering Chile

 

Security
Emergency telephone numbers:

  • Emergency Medical Service (SAMU): 131
  • Firefighters: 132.
  • Carabineros: 133
  • Policía de Investigaciones (PDI): 134
  • Andean Rescue Corps: 136
  • Maritime search and rescue: 137
  • Air Search and Rescue Service: 138
  • Police information: 139

 

Chilean driving license:

In Chile, there are different types of licenses, which are obtained at the Municipal Traffic Department by taking a theoretical and practical exam. You can find more information here.   

Driving direction:

People drive on the right side in Chile and seat belts are mandatory per each passenger.

Maximum speed limit:

What are the maximum speed limits?

In urban areas the limit is 50 km/h.
In rural areas:
             • Roads with one lane in each direction: The limit is 100 km/h
             • Roads with two or more lanes in the same direction: the limit is 120 km/h
In both urban and rural areas, vehicles must not travel at more than 30 km/h in school zones during the hours when students enter and leave school.

Insurance: in Chile, obligatory motor vehicle insurance SOAP or SOAPEX is required by law.

Chilean National Road Network maps:

To find useful route maps for travel within Chile, you can visit the website of the Ministry of Public Works http://www.mapas.mop.cl/

Information on campsites:

  • CampingChile – CampingChile is the largest camping directory in Chile, with updated information categorized by region or locality.
  • Solocamping – on online portal with campsite in South America, including Chile.

 

Chilean border crossing:

To know the daily status report on Chilean border crossing such as border opening and closing, working hours, weather condition, etc. follow the Unidad de Pasos Fronterizos (Border Crossing Unit) channel on WhatsApp here. Also, you can visit their website here. 

Information on custom regulations in Chile:

Admission permit or temporary exit of tourist belongings – allows travelers or tourists to enter or leave the country goods that are not considered within the concept of baggage and that, due to their quantity and nature, makes it presumed that they will not be commercialized. The procedure can be performed throughout the year.

Extension of permission for temporary entry of foreign vehicles to Chile – allows tourists to obtain authorization to extend the period in which a foreign vehicle can legally stay in Chile. The procedure can be performed throughout the year.

Permission to enter or temporarily leave a vehicle from and to Argentina – allows Chileans and foreigners with temporary or permanent residence in Chile to request the temporary entry or exit of a vehicle and their luggage from or to Argentina. The process is free of the payment of duties and taxes for cars that return to the country of origin before 180 calendar days (maximum period to be free). 

Disposal or free disposal of imported vehicles under customs exemptions – allows obtaining authorization for the free disposal or reversal of the imported vehicle under customs exemption. With the certification of reversal issued and the money order cancelled, the interested party is authorized to go to the Civil Registry Service and request the lifting of the restriction that affects the vehicle. Once the restriction has been lifted, the sale of the disaffected vehicle can be made. The procedure can be performed throughout the year. 

Certificate of vehicle value (for entry to Chile) – allows obtaining the estimated valuation of new or used vehicles when they need to be imported into the country from abroad (imported). The price reported allows to verify the declared value and, thus, determine the final value of the vehicles. The procedure can be performed throughout the year. 

Permission for temporary importation of vehicles – allows obtaining to permit or to enter Chile making use of a private vehicle for a defined and extendable period: If the license plate of the vehicle is Chilean, Argentine or Bolivian, the authorization is for a maximum of 180 days. If the patent plate is from another country, the authorization is granted for a maximum of 90 days.

Tax on importation when buying on the internet:

Things you should know before buying goods online from abroad – in Chile, the process is becoming simpler and more practical, but before making a purchase, you should consider some requirements for bringing your purchases into Chile. Customs protects you by preventing the entry of counterfeit, illegal, or uncertified goods into the country. 

When do I have to pay taxes if I buy online from abroad? – Buying online from foreign online stores involves importing goods and therefore entails paying taxes. If it is verified that your purchases are occasional, non-commercial in nature and have a value of up to $41 US dollars, they will be exempt from paying customs duties and VAT.

Useful mobile apps to download

iOverlander app (a mapping tool by and for overlanders) to find routes, gas stations, campsites, workshops, sites, stores, and any information and opinions about overland travelling in different countries.

Google map for iphone or android gives you real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by knowing where to eat, drink, and go in any part of the world. Also, it helps you calculate the cost of  gas, toll, 

Maps.me is a free mobile app that lets you use offline map of any part of the world. Once you download the maps you think you will need before leaving home, you do not need wifi to navigate the maps.

Polarsteps is a travel app that tracks and plots all your steps while your phone is in your pocket and allows you to share it with your family or friends. It is a free mobile app and will track your route even when you’re not connected to the internet