Can I drive in Chile with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Chile as a tourist, you need either: a valid Australian driver's licence (which can function as a Chilean' class B license', for non-commercial, small vehicle driving during the length of your tourist visa), or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Chile, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Chile: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
To drive in Chile as a tourist, you need either:
- a valid Australian driver's licence (which can function as a Chilean' class B license', for non-commercial, small vehicle driving during the length of your tourist visa), or
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you do not have a valid Australian licence, you need to get your IDP before leaving Australia.
Source: Smartraveller: Chile, page updated 25 May 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Chile
Hiring a car in Chile? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Other licences in Chile
| Licence | In Chile | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Chile
- British passport: Chile entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Chile
- Australian passport: Chile
- Italian citizens: Cile
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Chile with an Australian driver's licence?
No. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Chile as a tourist, you need either: a valid Australian driver's licence (which can function as a Chilean' class B license', for non-commercial, small vehicle driving during the length of your tourist visa), or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Chile, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Chile with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive in Chile as a tourist, you need either: a valid Australian driver's licence (which can function as a Chilean' class B license', for non-commercial, small vehicle driving during the length of your tourist visa), or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)”
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.