Last week we added Argentina to our range of products, staying in South America we have now added its westerly neighbouring country, Chile. Chile is a long slither of a country on the west coast of Southern America with the South Pacific Ocean to the west and Peru and Bolivia on it’s north borders.

As Chile stretches for 2700 miles from North to South it’s climate varies significantly. In the north there is the desert and in the extreme south it is very glacial. Central Chile has a very Mediterranean climate and the Pacific Islands such as Easter Island experience a sub tropical climate.

Tourism has grown considerably since 2005 with many people choosing to visit the extremes of the country. In the north San Pedro de Atacama is very popular with foreign tourists who arrive to admire the Incaic architecture, the altiplano lakes, and the Valley of the Moon. In Putre, also in the North, there is the Chungará Lake, as well as the Parinacota and the Pomerape volcanoes, with altitudes of 6,348 m and 6,282 m, respectively.

Throughout the central Andes there are many ski resorts such as Portillo, Valle Nevado and Termas de Chillan which provide skiing conditions when The Alps are green. In the south visitors flock to Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park to visit the many glaciers. On the west coast lies Easter Island which is very popular for locals to take their vacation.

Driving Advice for Chile

Roads are generally good in Chile, however there are a number of expensive toll roads
The main road which stretches from north to south, Panaamericana, has many tolls so make sure you have plenty of cash
Motorway speed limits are 120 km/h
Make sure you drive on the right!
Do not drink and drive

We also have excellent car hire deals for Chile which can be obtained by visiting the link below.

Sat Nav Hire Chile

Car Hire Comparison Chile

Note: The above information is provided as a guide for our customers. We try our best to make sure the information is as accurate as possible at time of publish. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. If any of the above is incorrect please advise us and we will be happy to update.

We have recently added new mapping for Argentina to our product range. Argentina is becoming a more popular destination for tourists from the UK who want more form a holiday than sitting on a beach drinking cocktails. Argentina has something for everyone, cosmopolitan cities with a lively culture and amazing landscape including Patagonia and the Andes mountain range. Argentina is renowned for its steaks which are considered to be the best in world. There is also a thriving nightlife in Buenos Aires which will keep you partying to the early hours. Designer clothes can also be purchased at really affordable prices.

Argentina is a very large country comparable with India. It stretches 2,400 miles from its sub-tropical north to the sub-artic south. The climate in Argentina is very diverse, the south experiences very cold and sudden change of weather especially in places such as Tierra del Fuego and the rest of Patagonia. Buenos Aires has a very temparate climate with temparatures reaching 35 degrees celcius in the summer months of December, January and February.

Speed limits in Argentina vary form 60 km/h in the city to 120 km/h on the highways. Like the UK there are many cameras and speed traps so it is best to keep to the limit at all times. It is also important to pay attention at all times and especially at night as many of the roads are not lit and other road users do not always have adequate lights. The traffic in major cities such as Buenos Aires can be extremely bad and the Argentines often can ignore traffic signals so if you are going to drive in the city stay alert.

Our sat nav mapping for Argentina also includes Uruguay. The coverage includes the following:

Countries covered: Argentina (Street level coverage for 61% of the population, including but not limited to Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Chubut, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Neuquén, Río Negro and Santa Fe) and Uruguay ( Street level coverage for 48% of the population, including but not limited to Punta del Este and Montevideo)
Connector roads: 100% of connected network of major roads that allows you seamless navigation throughout Argentina and Uruguay, covering major towns and cities. All major roads connecting Argentina and Uruguay are covered.
Additional information: contains an additional 24,000km road coverage

Click here to rent a sat nav for Argentina

If you have not already hired a car for Argentina we recommend visiting our sister website which compares the lowest priced car hire in Argentina.

TomTom state that the coverage is as follows, street network coverage Bahrain 99%, Kuwait 99%, Qatar 99%, Oman 80%, Saudi Arabia 82%, UAE 99%. There are 183,620 Kms of roads covered through the entire region with 90,794 points of interest. House number coverage in Kuwait is 99% and in UAE is 36%. As well as being able to navigate from house to house you can also travel from country to country across border.

Although driving laws in Dubai are very similar to many other countries with so many people driving high powered cars on highways with up to 10 lanes accidents are inevitable and the statistics show Dubai to have one of the highest road death rates in the world. A few years ago traffic was unheard of in Dubai, but now growth has overtaken the development of the road network so at peak times there are jams that would not be out of place in London.

The TomTom device we will be supplying for hire in the Middle East will contain seamless mapping for the whole area. Prices for Sat Nav Hire Middle East start from £31.02 for the first week and just £63.33 for one month.

Hire a Sat Nav for The Middle East

Dubai

Our TomTom South Africa units contain recent mapping with 1000′s of point of interest making navigation very easy. There are a few places that are worth a visit which can often be off the beaten track with no precise address. Fortunately, this does not pose a problem when using the TomTom. There is an excellent feature when plotting your route that allows you to enter your GPS coordinates. How do I know the coordinates? you may ask. Most of the places that are in the middle of nowhere such as some game reserves and vineyards display their GPS coordinates on their website. If not, you can visit www.itouchmap.com where you can pinpoint a location on a map and it will give you the precise coordinates. Even better, if you email us your destinations after placing your order we will pre-program the places for you free of charge.

We can also provide you with car hire for South Africa and many other travel extras.

The minimum age to drive in Germany is 18 and don’t forget to take your driving licence to prove it. Cars drive on the right and pass on the left and seatbelts must be worn by all passengers. Children under the age of 12 or shorter than 1.5m are not permitted to ride in the front unless they use an approved safety seat or harness but if there an active airbag in the front then safety seats are not permitted. Doors must be kept unlocked while driving to help a rescue in case of an accident, if you are hiring a car then let the rental company check this out. Many cars these days have settings where the doors automatically lock when mobile which must be switched off. Vehicles must carry a warning triangle and first aid kit.

On the spot fines are issued by the Police in Germany and if you are caught short of cash they can impound your car. If you are fined because your hire car is not supplied with the neccessary safety equipment do not worry. Pay the fine and the Police will issue a receipt and your car hire company will reimburse you. Car rental companies always try to ensure that all the relevant equipment is supplied but at busy times of the year this may not be possible.

Speed cameras are rife in Germany so be aware. If your car is supplied with a sat nav or you bring one with you then most of them come with speed camera warnings and this option must be disabled. If you are driving a rental car and are caught by a camera then the ticket will be sent to your car rental company who will notify the Police and the fine will be forwarded to you. Non EU residents regularly have their cases dropped but this isn’t to be relied upon.

Speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows:

Within urban areas -  50kph or 31mph

Outside urban areas – 100kph or 62mph

Autobahns and expressways – 130kph or 81mph. This is a recommended speed limit but there is no general speed limit for cars or motorcycles.

The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in Germany are harsh. Heavy penalties are given and can include a suspension of your licence. Penalties are enforced with anyone demonstrating a blood alcohol limit as low as 0.03. Considering the high alcohol content found in most German beers it is recommended that you do not drive if you have drunk any alcohol.

Further information:

The use of mobile phones whilst driving is not permitted. Mobile phones may be used only if parked with the engine turned off or if it is hands free.

If involved in an accident then you must stop immediately, this also applies to any people in a vehicle not involved in the accident but could act as a witness. If anyone is injured then the Police and Ambulance service can be contacted from a telephone or mobile by dialling 112 or on Autobahns the nearest emergency telephone may be used. It is the law that first aid is given to any of the injured persons, your First Aid Kit will come in handy.

If involved in the accident you must exchange information with the other driver/s such as your licence, passport, insurance details and if applicable your rental information. As a tourist it would be suggested that you contact the Police so they can take a report which will help protect you from any future problems.

Finally, we would recommend that a GPS or Sat Nav would help you navigate around Germany and let you concentrate on driving safely without the added worry of navigating as well. If you don’t have a Sat Nav then you can hire a Sat nav for Germany from this website. Our prices are approximately 50% cheaper than hiring one from a car rental company and a lot cheaper than buying mapping that you might not need to use again.

There’s no better way to discover Portugal and in particular the Algarve than by hiring or taking your own car. There are plenty of hidden gems such as quiet beaches and quaint villages in the countryside if you are prepared to find them. A sat nav would come highly recommended and would really help you discover the true Portugal. If you don’t have a sat nav or you are unable to borrow one then you can hire a sat nav for Portugal from our website.

The majority of the motorways in Portugal have toll booths and most major credit cards are accepted. Usually they are the best roads to drive on as they are well maintained with plenty of stops along the way for petrol or food. The newly built Mediterranean Coastal Motorway which runs from Lisbon all the way to Monte Carlo promises a picturesque and enjoyable driving experience following the Mediterranean Coast.

Other information

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers in the vehicle.

Children under the age of 12 or less then 4 feet 9 inches tall must use an approved booster seat and/or harness when in the car.

A hi-vis vest must be stored in the vehicle at all times and worn if the car needs examining or repairing at the roadside.

A warning triangle must be placed behind the vehicle if you have made an unscheduled stop at the roadside due to mechanical or other problems.

If you have only passed your driving test in the last 12 months then you speed must be limited to 90kph or 55mph and a yellow “90″ disc should be displayed on the rear of the car.

Mobile phones are only permitted for use in a vehicle with a hands free kit or bluetooth headset.

Parking must be made in the same direction of the traffic where parking facing oncoming traffic is illeagal. In Lisbon Blue Zone parking discs are available from the local Police free of charge.

If you are hiring a car and it is not supplied with all the neccessary safety equipment you may be presented with a fine from the Police. Do not worry, ensure you get a receipt from them and your car rental company will reimburse you.

The drink driving limit in Portugal is 50mg per 100ml of blood, this is less than the UK. If in doubt please do not drink and drive.

Urban area speed limit – 50kph or 31mph

Major road speed limit – 100kph or 62mph

Motorway speed limit – 120kph or 74mph

Useful Phrases

Fronteira – Border

Gasoleo – Diesel

Itinerario principal – Main Road

Limite de velocidade – Speed limit

Portagem – Toll

Sem chumbo – Unleaded petrol

A sat nav would be invaluable. Not only does it ensure you are heading in the right direction but also it will give you an excellent indication of how far and how long you are to the nearest town or your destination. If you are interested in hiring a sat nav for Australia then please take a look at our website.

Kangaroos and cattle can be a hazard on country roads and colliisons are commonplace. The wildlife is most abundent at cooler times so try avoiding driving at night.

If you are planning an extended stay in Australia to make the most of this beautiful country then you might want to consider taking some internal flights coupled with hiring a car in a few different destinations. From looking at a map it is quite easy to think that some places are a lot closer to each other than you think so always do your research first to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your journey.

Other information

Vehicles give way to the right, to help you in built-up areas these priorities are clearly signposted.

Always park on the in the direction your car is facing.

Trams in Melbourne can only be overtaken on the left and you must wait behind one if it stops to allow passengers on and off. Observe road markings at right turns so not to obstruct the trams.

Minimum driving age is Australia is 17.

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers when travelling.

First and foremost don’t forget that the Spanish drive on the right hand side of the road. As you leave the airport you will see plenty of signs reminding you to drive on the right. If you have a sat nav then most of them these days will also remind you of this.

There recently has been a crackdown on indicating when driving on motorways and the Police are strictly enforcing fines. Please ensure you indicate when overtaking and again when pulling back into the same lane.

Like most countries Spain also has toll roads, if you are using a sat nav and planning your route it will ask you whether you wish to avoid toll roads. A sat nav comes highly recommended, especially as the roads in Spain are forever changing as the country continuously being developed. If you don’t have one then you can hire a sat nav for Spain and many other countries from Zintech. If you prefer to use a conventional map then make sure it is a recent edition and you take some time to plan your route in advance.

Accidents unfortunately do happen and if you’re involved in one then you must do the following. Exchange your details with the other party and call the police so you can obtain a police report. If you are driving your own car then inform your insurers immediately (don’t forget to take a contact number away with you) and the same goes for the car hire company if you are renting.

Further Information

All passengers are required to wear seatbelts at all times.

All spectacled drivers are required to carry a spare pair of glasses in the vehicle at all times otherwise they could be fined.

Headlight converters are required if you are driving a car to Spain from the UK. For more information please look here.

A Bulb Kit is required in your car at all times.

2 Warning Triangles are neccessary for breakdown or accidents. Place one in front of the car and one at the back.

A high-vis vest must be kept in the car and used appropriately if exiting your vehicle (motorways).

Children under the age of 12 must use an approved booster seat or harness if sitting in the front of the car.

If you are in a hire car and some of the above safety equipment is missing then you might be fined if stopped by the police. Don’t worry, the car rental compnay with reimburse you.

The blood alcohol limit in Spain is stricter than in the UK – 50mg per 100ml of blood. If in doubt don’t drink and drive.

Mobile phones are not permitted while driving, even if hands free.

Parking is not permitted if the pavement is painted yellow and any illeagally parked cars will be towed away.

Residential area speed limit – 20 kph or 12 mph

Built up area speed limit 50 kph or 31 mph

Open road speed limit 90 kph or 56 mph

Major road speed limit 100 kph or 62 mph

Motorway speed limit 120 kph or 74 mph

Useful Phrases

Abierto – Road open

Carretera de peaje – Toll road

Ceda el paso – Give way

Cerrado – Road closed

Despacio – Slow

Desviacion – Diversion

Estacion de peaje – Toll booth

Gravilla – Loose chippings

Obras – Roadworks

Peligro – Danger

Priordad – Right of way

Prohibicion – Prohibited

Salida – Exit

Unleaded fuel – Gasolina sin plomo

Diesel – Gasoleo

Driving in the main cities of Italy isn’t for the faint hearted. We recommend you park in the suburbs then make your way via public transport but ensure you leave your car in a proper parking zone. The fines in Italy are expensive and can sometimes take months to filter their way through from the car hire companies.

The road signs in Italy are are not always clear and can leave you with little or no warning of your needed direction, especially on motorways. Advanced planning is recommended with a map or better still you can hire a sat nav for Italy from our website for total peace of mind. Sat nav’s aren’t usually pre-bookable from the car hire companies so don’t take the risk and take one with you. Our prices over 50% cheaper as well, please take a look at our price comparison table.

Not all roads in Italy are a pleasure to drive on and some road conditions can be quite rough. This can lead to damage of the underside of your car so try and avoid these roads if possible. It would be wise to check with your car insurer if you are covered for this type of damage. If you are hiring a car it isn’t uncommon to find that this type of damage isn’t covered so again, check first.

Italy’s winters are known to be quite cold, especially in the mountainous areas where snow chains are highly recommended. Another recommmendation would be to use winter fuel or a fuel additive to prevent your vehicle’s petrol from freezing which could leave you with a very expensive bill.

If you have a collision accident or there has has been a theft then you should immediately contact the police who will provide you with a police report. You should then contact your car insurers or your car hire company to inform them of the incident.

Further information:

All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear a seat-belt at all times.

Front seat passengers must be a minimum of 12 years of age or sitting in an appropriate child restraint.

A warning triangle should be placed at the rear of a vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.

A high vis vest must be kept in the car at all times.

If visibility is low during the day then headlights must be on (dipped).

When driving on motorways or dual carriagways headlights must be on (dipped).

When driving through tunnels headlights must be on (dipped).

If your rental car isn’t supplied with all the neccessary safety equipment and you are issued with a fine speak to your rental company. They always strive to provide everything but it is not always possible but will provide you with a refund if fined.

Mobile phones can only be used if you are using it hands-free.

Parking usually takes place on the right hand side of the road and is indicated by blue zones. A parking disc may be required which can be purchased from Service Stations and are valid in most towns.

Useful Phrases

Destra – Right

Incrocio – Crossroads

Lavori in corso – Roadworks

Nord – North

Rallentare – Slow down

Senso unico – One way street

Senso vietata – No parking

Sud – South

Svolta – Bend or turning

Tornate – Winding road

Uscita – Exit

Unleaded petrol – Benzima

Diesel – Gasolio

For those customers who are travelling to London for the first time here are some things to know about the Congestion Charge.

The congestion charge came into effect in February 2003 with the aim to lower the levels of traffic in London and also encourage more people to car share an duse public transport. The times at which you need to pay to drive into London are 0700 to 1800. There are no charges outside of these hours and also at Weekends and Public Holidays. The daily charge is £8 if you pay on the first charging day and £10 if you pay on the first charging day after travel. It is definitely not a good idea to avoid paying as you will be issued with a £120 non payment penalty charge.

For more information or to pay your Congestion Zone charges please click here

If you have any advice on driving in London please feel free to leave a comment for our other users.