Ship Car To Santiago
Shipping a Vehicle to Santiago from the United States
When arranging to ship a vehicle to Santiago there are several considerations you need to be aware of when making your plans. You will have paperwork to complete and will have to produce valid identification and vehicle documents as well as pay for international shipping fees. Santiago has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers as well as humid winters. With close to a million vehicles traveling on the roadways in Santiago at any given time, drivers need to be aware of traffic delays due to congestion and try to plan your travel throughout the area accordingly.
New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.
Cost & Time Examples For Shifting Your Car
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $1300 | 5+21 days |
| City Limits to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $2000 | 5+24 days |
| Santiago to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $1300 | 5+21 days |
| Local Area to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $2000 | 6+24 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Santiago | $550 | $2000 | 6+24 days |
| Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Local Delivery | $575 | $1300 | 6+21 days |
| Santiago to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $1300 | 6+21 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to City Limits | $775 | $2000 | 7+24 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Santiago | $800 | $1300 | 6+21 days |
| Locla Area to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $2000 | 7+24 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Motor Vehicle Regulations
You need to know the Motor Vehicle Regulations for Santiago before you plan to ship. There are very strict regulations on relocating vehicles into the country. These are the regulations for hauling your vehicle:
- Physical presence of owner including diplomats is required for clearance.
- Foreigners can only import a vehicle that is new.
- Businesses can import new large trucks.
- Foreign diplomats are exempt from paying duties and taxes on new vehicles.
- Chilean diplomats can no longer import a vehicle under their exemption status.
- Returning Chileans who have been out of the country over 12 months can import one new or used car or small truck but are subject to pay tax and duties.
- The weight of the vehicle must be on the Bill of Lading along with vehicle description.
- An international driver's license must be obtained in the United States prior to importation of vehicle to Santiago
- Subject to 6% duty and taxes at19% of CIF.(Cost, Insurance, Freight)
Required Paperwork
- Certificate of Title and Registration – for new or used vehicles
- OBL/AWB - Original
- Commercial Invoice or proof of purchase – applies to new vehicles
- Declaration - for used vehicles; sworn notarized statement, list value & all technical items
- Insurance Certificate – stating amount of premium paid
Prior to Shipping
Before you ship your vehicle you will want to make sure you have a written total quote from the transporter to haul your vehicle to Santiago. Your quote needs to contain the original relocating origin and the destination in Santiago. Since Santiago does not have any ports, you will need to make plans with the transporter to unload your vehicle and have it driven into Santiago unless you plan on meeting the freight shipper and driving yourself, or have hired someone else to pick the vehicle up and drive into Santiago for you.
There are also regulations on the condition of any vehicle being imported to Santiago. Prior to shipping, you will need to make sure that you clean your vehicle out well. Empty the trunk and the interior of the vehicle of any personal items you may have inside. Make sure there is nothing on the exterior that can separate or fall off during hauling. You’ll also need to empty the gasoline and any other flammable substances, and either disconnect or remove the car battery. Your transporter will be able to advise you on any other area of your vehicle that may need repaired or taken care of before moving. If you need further information on what is allowed when transporting your vehicle, or for assistance with other Santiago customs questions, you can contact Embassy of Chile in Washington, DC.
Cost and Types of Moving
The final cost you will pay for hauling will depend on the weight of your vehicle, the distance from the port of origin to the port of entry in Santiago, and the type of shifting you decide on. Other things to consider will be whether you pick the vehicle up at the port of entry, or if you hire a company to deliver it to Santiago from the port. Delivery will be added into your final cost when you make the reservation with the transporter.
The two main types of vehicle shipping are:
It is generally the choice made by most when hauling their vehicle to another country. With this method, vehicles are driven directly on the carrier ship at the point of origin and driven off at the destination point. This is the simplest and most inexpensive way of shipping a vehicle to Santiago.
Your vehicle will be hauled inside of a container on a carrier ship from the United States to the closest port to Santiago. While it is a bit more expensive than Ro-Ro Shipping due to having to have more stability for safety reasons while hauling your vehicle, it is a great value when you want to relocate other items with your vehicle.
Prior to relocating your vehicle, you will need to gather all of the paperwork for exporting from the U.S Customs and Border Protection Agency. When you contact them they will give you all of the information pertaining to exact paperwork necessary for exporting your vehicle to Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Santiago, Chile?
Shipping a vehicle to Santiago typically costs between $1,800 and $4,200 depending on vehicle size, shipping method, U.S. departure port, and seasonal demand. Most shipments leave from ports such as Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles and arrive at San Antonio or Valparaíso before inland delivery to Santiago. Container transport costs more but adds protection, while RoRo shipping is often cheaper. You can review typical international pricing factors in this international car shipping guide.
How long does it take to ship a car to Santiago from the United States?
Transit time from the U.S. to Santiago usually ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. Ocean transport to Chilean ports such as Valparaíso typically takes 18 to 30 days, followed by customs clearance and inland transport to Santiago. Timing varies based on departure port, vessel schedule, customs processing, and port congestion. West Coast departures often move slightly faster due to Pacific routes, while East Coast shipments may take longer due to canal or routing logistics.
Is Roll-on/Roll-off shipping available for shipping to Santiago, Chile?
Yes, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is one of the most common ways to ship a car to Chile. In RoRo shipping, the vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized cargo vessel and secured inside the ship’s deck. This method is typically 20 percent to 40 percent cheaper than container shipping but requires the vehicle to be operable and free of personal belongings. Learn more about RoRo pricing and logistics in this RoRo shipping cost guide.
What documents are required to ship a car to Santiago, Chile?
Exporting a vehicle to Santiago requires several key documents, including the original vehicle title, bill of sale (if recently purchased), passport copy, and shipping authorization forms. U.S. Customs also requires export clearance under federal export regulations. Chilean authorities may request additional documentation for import eligibility and registration. Accurate paperwork helps prevent port delays and extra storage fees once the vehicle arrives in Chile.
Can my car be delivered directly to my address in Santiago?
Yes, many shipments include inland delivery to Santiago after the vehicle arrives at the nearest Chilean port. After customs clearance, carriers arrange truck transport to the final address using services similar to domestic door-to-door auto transport. Delivery timelines depend on customs release, distance from the port, and scheduling with local transport carriers, but most deliveries are completed within 2 to 5 days after port pickup.
Can I ship personal items inside my car when shipping to Santiago?
In most international vehicle shipments, personal belongings inside the vehicle are not allowed or strongly restricted. RoRo carriers usually require vehicles to be empty for safety and customs reasons. Even container shipments may limit items due to customs inspections, weight limits, and insurance coverage restrictions. If belongings must be shipped, they usually need to be declared and packed separately to comply with international cargo regulations.
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Google 
Instagram 
Dave C. 
Courtney J. 
Jeff D. 
Maria L. 
