Renting a car in Santiago is easy, but make sure you're familiar with stick shift-automatic transmissions are uncommon in Chile. To rent a car, you must be over the age of 21, have a driver's license from your home state, and have your passport and a credit card available. The speed limit is a maximum of 60 km/hr in and around cities, and up to 120 km/hr on highways.

If you're planning to rent a car when you arrive, it's convenient to pick it up at the Pudahuel airport, where visitors to Santiago arrive. However, if you're going to rent a car for a day trip or only part of your stay and you want to pick it up in the city, try the Providencia, Vitacura, or Bellavista locations listed below.

Many car agencies offer various types of vehicles, from compact cars, to 4 wheel drive SUV's for trips to the mountains. Look around for the best rates, and don't be afraid to let the companies know that you're comparison shopping. They'll come up with a good deal for you.

Alameda
Diego de Velasquez 2087, Providencia
Phone: 2/415-7071
Website (in Spanish):

Alamo
Av. Francisco Bilbao 2486, Providencia
Phone: 2/235-3061
Website

Atal
Av Costanera Andres Bello, Providencia
Phone: 2/235-9222
Fax: 2/236-0636

Budget
Bilbao 1439, Providencia
Phone: 2/362-3232; 2/362-3200
Website

Chilean
Bellavista 0183, Bellavista
Fax: 2/737-9650
Website

Dollar
Av Kennedy 8292, Vitacura
Phone: 2/202-5510
Website

Hertz
Av Andres Belo 1469, Providencia
Phone: 2/235-9666
Fax: 2/236-0252
Website

 Santiago Overview

   Highlights:
   Neighborhoods
   Museums
   Architecture
   City Tours

   The Necessities:
   Lodging
   Shopping
   Dining
     Local Food
   Entertainment
     Nightlife

   Travel Info:
   Transportation
     Car Rental

   Weather

   Side-Trips