Can You Take a Rental Car from Argentina to Chile?
November 6th 2026
By Jean Genevieve
Yes, you can take a rental car from Argentina to Chile if your supplier approves it in writing before pickup. Budget $65 to $330 for the permit, about $112 for cross-border insurance, and ask at least 14 days ahead.
Picture the counter at El Calafate airport. The agent says your car cannot leave Argentina. A counter cannot issue a border permit on the spot. A car rental Argentina to Chile trip works when you plan weeks earlier.
Can I take a rental car from Argentina to Chile?
Yes,you can take a rental car from Argentina to Chile if your supplier allows it and you apply before pickup. Some refuse Chile, and others limit certain vehicle categories or border posts. Your rental agreement decides. The Chilean National Customs Service admits Argentine plated vehicles for up to 180 days, per its published customs guidance, and rental firms add their own paperwork.
What does the Argentina to Chile border permit cost?
Most permits cost 65 to 250 dollars, and separate insurance adds about 112 dollars. The Ushuaia route, which crosses Chile by road, can reach 330 dollars. Get your exact figure in writing.
Original analysis: over a 7 day rental, a 100 dollar permit plus insurance adds about 30 dollars a day. Over 3 days it adds about 70.
Option | Extra cost | Notice | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
One car across | Permit plus about 112 dollars insurance | 72 hours to 10 working days | Chile legs of 4 days or more |
Two rentals | Two deposits, local insurance | Standard booking | Chile legs under 4 days |
Return in Chile | Permit plus one way fee | About 7 working days | Selected one direction routes |
Our estimate: under 4 days in Chile, two rentals usually cost less, and you can book a car rental in Chile separately. Past that, one car wins. These break even points are our math, not supplier quotes.
What documents do I need to cross the border?
Bring your passport, original licence, rental agreement, written authorisation, vehicle registration (the Cédula Verde) and proof of insurance valid in Chile. Follow the 14 Day Border Rule: suppliers want 72 hours to 10 working days, so 14 days covers the longest.
Confirm the supplier allows Chile for your vehicle category.
Request the permit at booking with your passport number and dates.
Buy third party liability cover valid in Chile.
Collect the authorisation at pickup. An International Driving Permit only translates your licence.
Clear Argentine customs (ARCA), then Chilean immigration control and customs inspection. Leave fresh fruit, meat and dairy behind.
Which border crossing should I use, and what goes wrong?
From El Calafate, Paso Río Don Guillermo takes about 2.5 hours. Paso Dorotea sits 20 minutes from Puerto Natales, and Paso Integración Austral links Río Gallegos with Punta Arenas. Ushuaia needs the permit because its only road crosses Chile. Ask before you pay:
Breakdowns: towing can stop at the border.
Closures: compensation differs, so get it in writing.
Winter: request snow chains at booking.
Fuel: Cerro Castillo has no petrol station.
Book your Argentina to Chile road trip with FinalRentals
FinalRentals shows cars and conditions side by side, with free cancellation and payment at the counter. Start with car rental at El Plumerillo International Airport in Mendoza for the Andes route to Santiago, or rent a car in Argentina elsewhere. New here? Read the driving rules in Argentina.
Ask the 24/7 team to confirm your car rental Argentina to Chile permit, then book your affordable car rental with FinalRentals and share your Chile dates.
Quick answers
Can I return an Argentina rental car in Chile?
Rarely. Most suppliers want the car back in Argentina. A few allow Chile drops on selected routes with a one way fee.
Can I take any car category into Chile?
Not always. Some limit crossings to SUVs, pickups or minivans.
Can I cross more than once?
Sometimes. Say so at booking, because permits usually name dates.
About the Author
Jean Genevieve is a travel and car rental content specialist at FinalRentals, creating practical travel content that showcases partner locations worldwide. Her work focuses on helping international travellers understand rental requirements, driving considerations, road conditions, insurance and self drive planning before they travel.
