Originally Posted by
UKdiver
I understand that foreigners who are not residents in Chile are exempt from VAT if they pay by foreign currency or foreign credit cards. Does that also apply to rental cars? What is the procedure for claiming the refund? Thanks in advance/
Exemption only applies to lodging establishments.
More specifically, only lodging establishments who have registered with the tax authority to offer it. Which means many smaller establishments can't offer it and even if registered, don't have to offer it if they don't want to. The rule is anyone in Chile as a tourist that has been in Chile 59 days or less (normal tourists are usually stamped in for 90 days) is eligible if they pay in USD CASH or FOREIGN CREDIT CARD. Taking a photocopy of your passport ID page and entry stamp is normal and required for tax record keeping purposes when one is taking advantage of this exemption.