To buy a coffee truck in Chile, decide early between a powered truck (Sprinter/Ducato) for mobility or a carro de arrastre trailer for lower cost and easier municipal siting, then budget CLP 15–40 millones (vehicle 10–25M, build 5–15M) and a 6–12 week build. Prioritize a sanitary-ready layout: stainless worktops, handwash sink with hot water, potable tank 80–120 L, grey tank 20% larger, extractor hood, washable walls, floor drain, and gas installations certified by SEC, plus a 6 kg ABC extinguisher. Size power for a 2–3 kW espresso machine, grinder, fridge, and POS; choose a silent inverter generator 5–7 kVA (<60 dB) or lithium battery + 3–5 kW inverter with shore power. Secure suppliers (local roaster, water filtration with TDS 75–150 ppm) and service intervals. Paperwork: inicio de actividades and electronic boletas at SII, resolución sanitaria from SEREMI de Salud (vehicle VIN, layout, water tests, inspection), seguro SOAP, revisión técnica, permiso de circulación, and patente municipal in the comuna you will trade. Operations: obtain municipal location permits or private-site contracts, integrate Transbank/SumUp, and price CLP 2,500–3,500 per cup; at 120–180 cups/day, target break-even within 6–9 months. Lead times: permits 2–4 weeks. Choose proven builders in Santiago, Valparaíso, or Concepción for compliance.
