Practical answers for your trip planning
Understanding the booking process helps you secure the right vehicle for your journey. Here you will find answers about how to reserve a vehicle, what information you need, and what happens after you complete your booking on our website.
Enter your pickup location, dates and times on the homepage. You will see available vehicles with specifications and rates. Select the vehicle that suits your itinerary, fill in driver details, and pay the booking advance online by card. You will receive a confirmation email with your voucher immediately.
Yes. Contact us at [email protected] with your booking reference. Changes to dates, pickup location or vehicle type depend on availability. Some modifications may affect the total rate or require a new booking advance.
You need the main driver's full name as it appears on their driving licence, email address, and a valid card for the online advance payment. You will also select pickup and return locations, dates and times during the booking process.
Payment is split into two parts. The booking advance secures your reservation, and the balance is settled when you collect the vehicle. The method for the balance depends on the specific vehicle you have selected.
The booking advance is a portion of the total rental rate paid online by card when you complete your booking. The exact amount is shown during checkout. This advance secures your reservation and confirms your booking with the local rental company.
The balance is paid at pickup when you collect the vehicle. The accepted payment method for the balance - debit card, credit card, or cash - depends on the specific vehicle you have booked. This information is clearly stated during booking and on your voucher. Check your voucher before you travel so you know which method to bring.
No. You pay the booking advance online to secure your reservation. The balance is always settled at the rental counter when you pick up the vehicle. Cash cannot be used for online payments, only for the balance at pickup if the vehicle permits cash settlement.
A security measure is applied by the local rental company when you collect your vehicle. This is independent of the booking advance you have already paid to 4Drive Chile.
It depends on the specific vehicle. Some vehicles require a credit card at pickup for security purposes, while others accept a debit card. The requirement is stated clearly during booking and on your voucher. If a credit card is not required, the rental company may place a hold on your debit card. Make sure your card has sufficient available funds or credit limit to cover any hold amount.
The security hold placed on your card at pickup covers the excess amount you would be responsible for in case of damage or theft. This amount is blocked on your card but not charged. It is released after you return the vehicle without damage, typically within 7 to 14 days depending on your card issuer.
Contact your bank before you travel and request a temporary increase to your card limit. This allows the rental company to place the required hold without exceeding your available balance. Alternatively, check if the vehicle you want to book accepts a credit card for the hold.
You must present valid documents at the pickup counter. Requirements are checked by the local rental company and must be met before they hand over the vehicle.
You need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, your passport or national ID, the card used for the online advance payment or the card specified for balance payment, and the booking voucher sent to your email. An International Driving Permit is recommended and may be required by the rental company, so bring one if you have it.
Minimum age is typically 21 years, but this varies depending on the vehicle. Larger 4x4 models and some high-clearance vehicles may require the driver to be 23 or 25 years old. Age requirements are shown on the vehicle listing during booking.
Yes. Additional drivers can be added at the rental counter when you pick up the vehicle. This is a paid optional service. The second driver must present their own valid driving licence and meet the same age and document requirements as the main driver.
Vehicles are provided by local rental companies at each location. The exact pickup method and location are confirmed in your voucher and depend on which company handles your booking.
Pickup takes place at a rental counter, at the airport terminal, or by delivery to your hotel, depending on the company handling your booking and the location you selected. Your voucher includes the exact address, contact details, and instructions for the pickup. If you have questions, email [email protected] before your pickup date.
You present your documents and voucher. The rental company verifies your details, processes the balance payment and security hold, and prepares the vehicle. You will sign the rental agreement, which lists the vehicle condition and any pre-existing damage. Inspect the vehicle carefully before you drive away and ensure all damage is noted in the agreement. Optional services such as child seats or written permission to cross into Argentina can be added at this time.
One-way rentals between different cities are possible depending on availability. Select your return location during the booking process. One-way fees may apply and will be included in the total rate shown before you pay the advance.
Chile has varied road conditions and specific regulations. Knowing these before you travel helps you choose the right vehicle and plan safe routes.
Yes, but you must obtain written permission from the rental company. This is a paid service arranged at the pickup counter. You cannot cross into Argentina without this document. The permission includes vehicle registration details and authorisation for border crossing. Plan ahead if your itinerary includes Argentina, as not all vehicles are eligible.
Paved highways such as Ruta 5 connect major cities and are in good condition. Toll plazas accept card or cash. Gravel roads are common in Patagonia, Torres del Paine, and mountain areas. The road to El Tatio Geysers from San Pedro de Atacama is about 95 km of unpaved surface requiring high clearance. Andes passes may have snow from June to September. Choose a 4x4 or SUV with adequate clearance if your route includes gravel, mountain roads or winter travel.
Chile has right-hand traffic. Urban speed limits are typically 50 to 60 km/h, and highways allow 100 to 120 km/h. Always carry your driving licence, International Driving Permit, passport, rental agreement and insurance documents. Fuel stations include Copec, Shell and Petrobras. Plan fuel stops on long routes, especially in remote areas where stations are widely spaced.
Plans can shift. We handle changes and cancellations according to clear policies that depend on timing and circumstances.
Email [email protected] with your booking reference and cancellation request. Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel and are outlined in your booking confirmation and in our terms and conditions. Review these terms before you book so you understand the policy.
Early returns do not generate automatic refunds. If you know in advance that your plans have changed, contact us at [email protected] to discuss options. Refunds for early return are assessed case by case and are not guaranteed.
For questions not covered here, visit our contact page or send an email to [email protected]. We are available Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, GMT-3. Additional details about accepted payment methods can be found on our payment methods page.