Driving in Chile as a France National

Chile stretches 4,300 km from desert to glaciers, offering the Carretera Austral, Pan-American Highway, and diverse landscapes. The TAG toll system, extreme geography, and varied climate require careful planning. An IDP is required.

Key Things to Know First

IDP Required

Chile requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in France before departure.

How to get an IDP

Same Side of the Road

Both France and Chile drive on the right. No adjustment needed.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Rule	France	Chile	Change?
Traffic side	Right-hand traffic	Right-hand traffic	Same
Speed unit	km/h	km/h	Same
IDP required	—	Yes	Yes
Min. driving age	18	18	Same
Emergency number	112	131	Different
Road difficulty	Moderate	Moderate	—

Speed Limits in Chile

Urban

50-60 km/h

Rural / Open road

80-100 km/h

Highway / Motorway

100-120 km/h

Documents to Carry in Chile

Original driving licence from France — must be valid and unexpired
International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Chile. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Chile before departure
Vehicle registration / rental agreement

Emergency Number in Chile

131

Primary emergency number in Chile. Save it before you drive.

Emergency numbers for all countries

Full Chile Driving Guide

Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Chile.

Read the complete guide