Transport in Chile: what actually matters to know

From real experience

• In Chile, particularly in regions like Puerto Natales, individuals without a credit card for rental car deposits may find options with private, often Russian-speaking, renters who accept cash deposits. Traditional car rental companies typically require a credit card for the security deposit.
• In Chilean national parks, tickets must be purchased online via pasesparques.cl. On-site purchases are sometimes possible via Wi-Fi at park entrances, but can fail if SMS confirmation is required by the bank and there's no signal. For popular attractions like the Pehoe lake crossing, booking tickets 10 days or more in advance is recommended due to high demand. Sales for future dates might not be open far in advance; check the website 2-3 weeks prior to your planned visit.
• Purchasing Latam Chile tickets from Russia requires using aggregators or non-Russian bank cards. Check-in at the airport often relies on self-service terminals which may only be available in Portuguese/Spanish. Be aware that the airline frequently changes boarding gates without notice.
• Chile's climate varies significantly by region (Patagonia, Atacama, Central). Essential items include layers: thermal wear, windbreakers, gloves, and hats. Sun protection (high SPF, face masks) is critical at high altitudes. For LATAM domestic flights, carry-on size and weight limits are strictly enforced using sizers; travelers should wear bulky clothes to avoid excess baggage fees.
• Rental requirements for motor vehicles on Easter Island (Chile): Standard national driver's licenses (including Russian) are generally accepted for vehicle rental. There are no additional international permit requirements reported by current travelers.
• Information is sought regarding flight cancellations or delays with JetSMART. Specifically, users want to know if rescheduled flights depart on the same day, and in case of cancellation, whether the airline rebooks passengers or if passengers must make their own arrangements. The concern is to avoid delays that could extend for a full day.
• In Chile, domestic flights can be expensive. A 2-hour flight from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas cost $200. LATAM participated in the Cyber sale. LATAM's website pricing may vary based on the selected country and language; try changing these settings for potential savings. Sky Airline and Jetsmart might offer more affordable options. Accessing LATAM's website from Russia may require a VPN, but Sky Airline app purchases were successful without one.
• Uber has limited utility in San Pedro de Atacama due to the town's small size and regulatory environment. Travelers should rely on official local taxi services or pre-booked private transfers, as ride-sharing apps may be unavailable or unreliable for local transport.
• When crossing the land border between Chile and Argentina by car, entry and exit stamps are usually issued by both countries. However, exceptions can occur. In some cases, particularly on certain routes (e.g., Santiago to Mendoza), Chilean exit stamps may not be issued if immigration control is solely handled by the Argentine side. Chilean tourist cards might also be collected by Argentine border officials under bilateral agreements to streamline passage. Be prepared for potential variations in stamping procedures.
• Identify car rental agencies in Antofagasta, Chile, that accept non-embossed Mastercard or cash payments. The user requires a rental where the card is in their name but not necessarily embossed. Provide options that meet these payment criteria.
• Road access to La Parva in Chile can be restricted due to traffic management systems, such as the reverse lane system on the serpentine road, which operates on weekdays during winter. Visitors may be denied entry if they arrive on a day when these restrictions are in effect, even if their intention is just sightseeing rather than skiing. Check the schedule for road opening and traffic direction, especially on weekdays during the winter season, to avoid unexpected access issues.

Related topics