Budget car hire in Santiago

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Your Guide to Renting a Car in Santiago (Chile):

Renting a car in Santiago, Chile, can be an excellent way to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Bookingautos is here to help you find the best car rental deals from both international and local companies. Here's what you need to know about renting a car in Santiago:

Requirements for Renting a Car

  • Valid driver's license from your home country
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required
  • Minimum age of 21 (some companies may require 25)
  • Credit card for deposit

Driving in Santiago

Santiago's traffic can be challenging, especially during rush hours. Be prepared for congested roads and aggressive drivers. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and signs before hitting the road. Parking in the city center can be difficult, so consider using public parking lots or garages.

Popular Destinations

With your rental car, you can easily explore attractions both within and outside Santiago. Visit the historic Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city, or take a day trip to the beautiful Viña del Mar on the coast, just a 1.5-hour drive away.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

  • Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
  • Inspect the car thoroughly before driving off and document any existing damage
  • Consider purchasing additional insurance for peace of mind
  • Familiarize yourself with the car's features before leaving the rental agency
  • Keep important documents and emergency numbers handy

By choosing Bookingautos for your car rental needs in Santiago, you'll have access to a wide range of vehicles and competitive prices. Our comparison service ensures you get the best deal possible, allowing you to focus on enjoying your Chilean adventure. Whether you're planning to explore the vibrant city streets or venture into the stunning landscapes beyond, renting a car gives you the freedom to create unforgettable memories at your own pace.

Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations

Where to Park Your Rental Car in Santiago, Chile

Finding suitable parking for your rental car in Santiago can be challenging, but several options are available. Here are some recommended places to park:

Parking Garages

  • Mall Parking: Many shopping centers offer secure parking, such as Costanera Center and Parque Arauco.
  • Public Parking Lots: Look for "Estacionamientos" signs throughout the city.

Street Parking

On-street parking is available in many areas, but be aware of the following:

  • Use parking meters where available
  • Look for blue lines indicating paid parking zones
  • Avoid areas with yellow lines or "No Estacionar" signs

For longer stays, consider parking at your hotel or using park-and-ride facilities near metro stations. Always lock your car and remove valuables to ensure safety. Be mindful of rush hour traffic when parking in busy areas.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Sixt

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

29 € / Day

Best price

21 € / Day

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January
€224
February
€202
March
€186
April
€283
May
€315
June
€280
July
€277
August
€650
September
€548
October
€692
November
€524
December
€833

* Data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.

In August rental companies located in Santiago (Chile) rent much more cars than in the rest of the year. This month marks the smallest range of cars on offer and the highest rental prices. In such a high season, when the number of available cars is minimal, you should arrange a rental as early as possible. This will allow you to get the best rental option at the most favorable price.

The best time to rent a car in Santiago (Chile) is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €25 for a Compact car.

Convertibles are especially popular in summer. It is difficult to find a free car for rent, and you will have to pay more than usual for a trip with a breeze. Renting Mini Couper Cabrio during Summer period can costs €222 per day.

Nearby car rental offices

Nearest airports

Punta Arenas Airport
18 km / 11.2 miles

Nearest cities

Punta Arenas
0 km / 0 miles
Puerto Natales
193 km / 119.9 miles

Daily rental price depending on classes of cars

4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day

Bookingautos offers a wide range of cars of any class. In Santiago (Chile) you can rent a convertible, SUV, sedan, minivan, as well as a business class car. Our rental fleet consists of new cars manufactured in 2024 year.

You can choose a car of any required category. The following classes are in particular demand among customers:

  • Cabriolet;
  • Business Class;
  • SUV;
  • Minivan.

Also available other models and you can rent them in Santiago (Chile) at a convenient time and on favorable terms.

In recent years in Santiago (Chile) the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent KIA E-Niro in Santiago (Chile) by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.

List of required documents

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download Google maps for offline access

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

Santiago (Chile) 1

Book a car 6 weeks in advance

Santiago (Chile) is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Santiago (Chile). The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.

Which car to choose

The compact model is relevant for city trips in Santiago (Chile). It can be Citroen C1 or Ford Fiesta. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Audi A4 Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €35 per day;

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Santiago (Chile) may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

  • Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Santiago (Chile) 2

Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Santiago (Chile) for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Santiago (Chile) 3

Unlimited mileage

Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.

Santiago (Chile) 4

Compare conditions of different rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Santiago (Chile), you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

When renting a car in Santiago (Chile), you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.

Santiago (Chile) 5

If we talk about the best companies in Santiago (Chile), then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.

Car pick-up procedure

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Car rental reviews: Santiago (Chile)

Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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