FAQ – Buying and Traveling with a Vehicle in Chile

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✅ Is there anything I can do in advance to speed up the process?

Yes, you can get your RUT number and even buy a vehicle remotely — but it requires:

• A trip to the Chilean embassy in your country

• Mailing original documents to us in Chile

• Waiting for embassy appointment availability

While possible, this process can be slow and complicated.

💡 Our recommendation:Arrive directly in Santiago and complete the process with us.This way, you can inspect and test drive the car, and avoid surprises.Every traveler has different preferences, so seeing the vehicle in person is best.

🚀 How can I speed up the process before arrival?

1. Decide what type of vehicle you want — SUV, van, or motorcycle.

2. Book our Premium "Find a Car" service to receive options and advice in advance.

3. Set up a Wise account or bring cash, so you're ready to pay quickly upon arrival.

✅ Can I sell a Chilean car in another country?

Yes, you can — but it's usually easier and faster to sell within Chile.

If you're outside of Chile, we can help with:

• A remote digital title transfer

• The buyer must have a RUT number

📄 How long does it take to receive the padrón (ownership document)?

• The padrón is issued about 8 weeks after signing the title transfer

• Delays may happen during holidays or due to Registro Civil backlogs

• You can travel within Chile immediately after buying the car

Options to get the document:

• Pick it up at any Registro Civil office in Chile

• Let us send it to you (if you bought through us)

• Use a digital ownership certificate online (valid for border crossings)

💸 What are the costs besides the vehicle price?

• Purchase tax: approx. 220,000 CLP

• Vehicle maintenance (if needed): 200,000 – 400,000 CLP

• Camper conversion setup: approx. 600,000 CLP

• Fuel costs depend on route and vehicle

• RCI insurance: approx. 45,000 CLP/month

🔁 How much money do I lose when buying vs renting?

On average, expect to “lose” $2,000 – $3,000 USD when buying and later selling.

This depends on:

• Brand and reliability of the vehicle

• Kilometers driven

• Travel season (high or low)

• How well the vehicle is maintained

💡 Reliable brands like Toyota tend to preserve resale value better.

🚙 What type of vehicle should I buy?

All setups can work — it depends on your travel plans and preferences.

SUV

• Easy to drive

• Strong engine and suspension

• Faster to convert

• Ideal for families or shorter trips

Van

• Great for long-term trips (6+ months)

• Allows full camper setup

• Diesel engines = better fuel economy

• Takes 3–10 weeks to convert

Motorcycle

• Best for solo and low-budget travelers

• Very economical

• Quick buying process

• Simple, adventurous travel experience

⏳ What's the minimum recommended trip length for buying?

We recommend buying only if you're traveling for 3 months or more.

For shorter trips (1–2 months), renting is usually better — less hassle with buying, converting, and reselling.

✍️ What are the RUT notary & SII fees?

• Notary paperwork: approx. 10,000 CLP(This is separate from our service fee)

💰 What are the fees and taxes when purchasing a car?

• Purchase tax: 1.5% of declared sale price

• Notary fee: approx. 60,000 CLP

• Registro Civil fee: approx. 60,000 CLP

• Total: 150,000 – 250,000 CLP depending on the deal

📆 How long does it take to get a RUT number?

Typically 1 to 5 business days, depending on how busy the SII office is.

🔧 How much does a mechanical inspection cost?

• Free: 2 inspections included for Full Service clients

• 55,000 CLP: If our mechanic joins you outside the shop

• Included in Premium Service: For inspections within 5km of our office

🌎 Can I cross borders with the vehicle?

Yes!

• Argentina: From day 1 with a seller’s notarized authorization

• Bolivia & Peru: After receiving the padrón

• Brazil: With a notarized authorization from the seller

✅ We also recommend getting a "Declaración Jurada" (sworn return declaration) at a Chilean notary.

🗂 Ask us for:

• Our real-time border crossing list

• A copy of the Chilean Aduanas law

⏱ How long does the whole process take?

For most travelers with a budget of 8.5M – 15.5M CLP and looking for an SUV or van:

⏳ It usually takes 1 to 1.5 weeks to find and buy a vehicle.

💡 The more flexible your criteria and the higher the budget, the faster it goes.

💵 What’s the budget needed to buy a car or van in 2025?

🚙 Small SUVs (Vitara, Jimny, RAV4, Forester)

10M – 12M CLP

🚙 Medium SUVs (X-Trail, 4Runner, Pilot, Outback)

12M – 15M CLP

🚙 Large 7-seat SUVs (Land Cruiser, Suburban, Tahoe)

19M – 25M CLP

🚐 Small vans (N300, L300, APV)

7M – 10M CLP

🚐 Medium vans (H1, Expert, Transporter, Vito)

12M – 18M CLP

🚐 Large vans (Sprinter, Boxer, Transit)

15M – 32M CLP

💡 On a tight budget? Consider a simple hatchback, sedan, or motorcycle.

🏁 Do I need to return to Santiago to sell the car?

Not necessarily. But Santiago is the easiest place to sell, with the most buyers.

If your trip ends elsewhere, that’s okay too — just know it might take longer to find a buyer.

🔍 What websites are best for finding cars in Chile?

We recommend:

• Chileautos.cl

• Yapo.cl

• Facebook Marketplace (Chile region)

🛡 What types of insurance are available?

• SOAP: Mandatory Chilean insurance (third-party)

• RCI: Required for international border crossings

• Full coverage: Optional — not common, but available (ask us)