Getting Around Chile
Buses
There is an excellent network of public buses in Chile, but bear in mind that distances are vast and it can take a long time to reach your destination.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available in all major towns and cities. In more off the beaten track locations you may need to use local public transport or make special arrangements with your travel expert.
Car Hire
Hiring a car is one of the best ways to get off the beaten track and explore the places public transport does not reach (or at least doesn't have a suitable service for those short on time).
There are a good number of car rental companies throughout Chile and cars can be hired from most major airports.
Driving
Driving varies depending upon which region of Chile you are in. Off the main routes, many roads are grit tracks, unlit and narrow. The main highways around the major cities tend to be of a good quality as they are mostly toll roads - ensure you keep some loose change for tolls.
There is a 100km per hour speed limit on highways and 50 km per hour limit in urban areas.
Driving standards are poor. Accident rates, particularly in Santiago, are high. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times.
Do not venture off major highways with basic or small rental vehicles. Secondary roads are sometimes poorly maintained and/or poorly lit. Driving on mountain roads can be dangerous due to the lack of guardrails. Police (Carabineros) presence is very visible on highways. Have vehicle documentation ready.
Traffic congestion in downtown Santiago is common during peak hours. Certain major arteries alternate traffic direction during morning and evening rush hours. For up-to-date information, contact the traffic police (Carabineros) at 139. For maps, you may contact the Chilean Automobile Association (Automóvil Club de Chile), Las Tranqueras 1753, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile (country and area codes: 56-2/ tel.: 431-1000/ Web site: www.automovilclub.cl).
Taxis can be booked and prepaid at the airport. Major hotels will arrange to meet travellers upon arrival. Shuttle minibuses are also available. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Agree to a fare before embarking. Taxis with illuminated signs indicating their destination are "collective" taxis. These follow a fixed route and are shared by up to five passengers.
To combat high levels of pollution in winter (June to September), restrictions on driving in central Santiago (within the ring road) are imposed. The last digit of the licence plate number determines which days of the month a vehicle cannot be driven. These lists are published in newspapers. Temporary bans may be imposed on up to 60 percent of city traffic when levels of pollution are extremely high.
Those intending to travel outside the country in a rental vehicle should ensure they have written authorization from the agency. The authorization must be requested from the car rental company at least three to five days before the trip, and a processing fee applies. If using a private vehicle, the owner must also provide the driver with proper authorization.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Trains
Chile's once extensive national rail network has seen better days, and services are now very limited.
Outside Santiago and Valparaiso, it is possible to travel from Calama to Bolivia by rail.
A newly modernised service also runs south from Santiago to Talca, Chillan and Temuco.
Boats
Valparaiso is Chile's most important port, and it is possible to travel by boat from here.
Far more common is the twice-weekly Navimag ferry service which travels south from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas, allowing travellers to see the Chilean fjords from a working passenger ferry.
