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TAG is an electronic unit that allows vehicles to be detected and charged by surveillance portals on Chilean highways. Since foreign travelers are not enabled to register their local vehicles for the TAG system, it can be particularly challenging for them to use highways, manage payments, and avoid fines. Here’s an quick guide on navigating Chile’s toll roads and managing outstanding debts without TAG as a foreigner.

On many expressways, you’ll encounter traditional toll booths where cash or credit cards are welcomed. However, on four specific highways – Autopista Central, Autopista Costanera Norte, Autopista Vespucio Norte Express, and Autopista Vespucio Sur – cash payments are generally not accepted. Even if you just passed one sole portal, you’ll be charged a day pass of about 12 US dollars, which is why we recommend avoiding them altogether.

TAG-only Highways in Chile

If you intentionally or by error used one of the four above-mentioned highways, or if you didn’t stop at the toll booth on one of the other motorways, you will be registered and identified through camera surveillance. Eleven days after and upon entering your number plate, your debt will be visible on PasasteSinTAG. Since foreign credit cards usually don’t work for online purchases in Chile, the most convenient payment method would be in person at any Unimarc (supermarket) or Servipag (financial services). You previously have to generate a payment code by checking out your cart. If outstanding toll debts are not paid within 30 days, they convert into a vehicle-associated fine.