The key to used-car imports in Chile: the Iquique Free Zone
Chile, as a rule, does not allow general imports of used vehicles. Apart from very limited exceptions such as returning residents, the legal route for a used car into Chile is through a free trade zone — and the center of that trade is the Iquique Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Iquique, ZOFRI) in the north.
A vehicle brought into ZOFRI incurs no duties or taxes while it remains in the zone. From there, two paths open up. First, it can be sold and registered within the northern extension regions such as Tarapacá and Arica, at reduced rates compared with a normal import. Second, it can be re-exported to neighboring countries — Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru — leaving Chile untaxed on the Chilean side. In practice, Iquique serves as a hub for used cars headed to South America's landlocked markets.
Chile drives on the right, so left-hand-drive vehicles are the standard — and every Korean used car is LHD.
Shipping from Korea
We have shipped from Incheon to Iquique by container; our recent shipment took about 60 days at sea. Container freight works on the basis of two or more vehicles per container — for single-unit orders, we check the available loading options and costs at the time of inquiry.
RoRo (car carrier) service from Korea is also available to Chile. However, sailings are not regularly scheduled and rates vary — contact us and we will check the current schedule and rate for you.
Import rules at a glance
(Rules and rates can change — confirm the latest requirements before ordering.)
- Steering: LHD standard — every Korean car fits
- Mainland general import: used cars are in principle not allowed (limited exceptions apply)
- Into ZOFRI: duty-free and tax-free while stored or traded within the zone
- Sale within the northern extension zone: reduced rates apply
- Re-export to neighboring countries: no Chilean taxation (destination-country taxes apply there)
- Procedures: handled through ZOFRI-registered dealers or local customs agents
When we ship, we courier the original B/L, the Korean Export Declaration, and our inspection sheet.
Popular Korean models in Iquique
- Small trucks: Kia Bongo (K2700) — we have shipped this model to Iquique; strong small-business and delivery demand
- SUVs: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento — durability and parts supply
- Vans: Hyundai Starex (H-1) — transport and commercial use
Real shipment: Kia Bongo 3, Incheon → Iquique
How buying works
Our standard six steps: send your budget, vehicle type, and destination → we send photos of vehicles within your budget → choose your car and we inspect it → pay by international bank transfer (T/T) → we ship → original documents by courier. Before payment you receive the official Vehicle Performance Record plus photos and video, and we report every step in real time.
Start your import
Whether you sell within the northern free zone or re-export to Bolivia or Paraguay, tell us the models and quantity you have in mind. We will quote the current container and RoRo options together. WhatsApp: +82-10-5595-9890
Considering importing a vehicle from Korea? We reply within 24 hours.
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