Crossing the Chile-Argentina border by rental car

Hi there, I’m spending a few days in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and would like to cross the Argentine border to make a loop toward Salta and then return to Chile to drop off the rental car. I’ve heard that crossing the border can be tricky! Is it possible with a rental company’s authorization? Which company, and at what cost? Thanks for sharing your experiences! Best regards, Arnale

Hi there,

To cross the Chile-Argentina border, you need an "exit permit." The rental company handles this authorization. Not all of them do it, but I know Avis and Budget do. Back in 2017, it cost me 140,000 pesos before tax (around 140 €). For the border crossing you mentioned in the north, I’m not sure. But the one I took at Portillo, between Santiago and Mendoza, went smoothly without any issues.

Fred

Thanks for the info... I’m still looking into this to avoid as many bad surprises as possible at the border near San Pedro (Route 27 in Chile and 52 in Argentina). Thanks again and have a great evening. Arnale

Bit of a late reply😕... rental companies are used to crossing into Argentina and back... they provide all the necessary documents... no issues crossing the border either way, going or returning.... I did this in 11/2025

OK, thanks! Have a good day

The rental company provides a whole stack of documents that the customs officers stamp with pleasure, and the border post you mentioned makes you lose 1 hour but doesn’t cause any issues.

OK, thanks and have a good evening