Last Updated on November 18, 2024 by Kristin
Whether you plan to hike the majestic Andes mountains of Patagonia, take in a tango show in the bustling cultural capital of Buenos Aires, or drive the famous ruta 40, Argentina is one of the most exciting destinations in the world to discover. While renting a car in Argentina is relatively straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have an easy and hassle-free trip.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Argentina
Book your rental from home.
It will be cheaper to book your car before you get to Argentina. The further ahead you reserve your car, the better the chance of landing a deal. That’s because you can ask AutoSlash to watch out for price drops.
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You should get an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If your license is only in English, an International Driving Permit is a good idea. It’s inexpensive and easy to get an IDP, which basically is just a translated version of your driver’s license, but you need to apply before you leave on your trip. You can get this booklet through the American Automobile Association (AAA), but the process must be done weeks in advance of your trip.
Watch out for inflation and changing prices.
Argentina has one of the highest inflation rates in the world, so it’s important to keep an eye on prices when paying for car rentals in Argentine pesos. The rapid change in the local currency’s value can make it hard to understand prices and the dollar equivalent of what you’ll be paying at any given time. The good news is that tourists using foreign credit cards can access to a favorable exchange rate known as the “tourist dollar” when visiting Argentina. This is another reason to book in advance and keep a close eye on price changes before the trip.
Check for road closures and disruptions.
Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in Argentina, which may lead to roadblocks on highways or local city streets throughout the country. While protests tend to be common in larger cities like Buenos Aires, road closures and detours can also occur elsewhere. Before renting a vehicle in Argentina, be sure to check local news sources to see if any roadblocks or demonstrations are planned along your route.
Check the rental contract for off-roading restrictions.
One of the best road trips in Argentina is Ruta 40 (shown above), which runs from the red rocks of northwest Argentina all the way down to the snow-capped mountains of Patagonia. Some sections of the road are unpaved, which is great for scenic views but not ideal for a rental car. In many cases, driving on unpaved roads with a rental car is a huge no-no. Doing so could void your agreement and leave you with hefty repair charges if anything happens to the vehicle. So before heading off the beaten path in a rental, make sure your agreement allows it.
Arrange for border crossings in advance.
If you plan to drive from Argentina to the neighboring countries of Chile, Brazil or Uruguay, be sure to notify the rental company several days in advance to secure a special permit to cross the border. This typically carries an extra fee, which varies depending on the location and rental car company but can cost more than $100. This is especially important to remember in the resort town of Ushuaia, where you must cross into Chile to access other parts of Argentina.
Inspect the vehicle carefully.
No matter how excited you are to get behind the wheel of your vacation car in Argentina, take time to protect yourself from potential false damage claims by inspecting the car and taking note of dings, dents and scratches. Document everything with photos at the time you pick up and return the car.
Rent an automatic car in advance.
Do you know how to drive a car with a stick shift? The vast majority of car rentals in Argentina have manual transmission. If you don’t specifically request an automatic transmission, the vehicle will have a manual transmission. If you need an automatic vehicle, it can be easier to find one at an airport location. But be aware that you may pay more to avoid the stick shift.
Understand how insurance works in Argentina.
Your U.S. auto insurance policy likely will not cover your rental in Argentina. If not, you may be able to use a credit card with primary coverage to cover the cost of any damages to the vehicle, but check the limits and whether this coverage applies abroad. Argentina car rentals include limited liability coverage, but you should check carefully to see what collision coverage is also included and what the limits are.
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Be careful with one-way rental fees.
Argentina is a large country, and overland trips often span very long distances. For that reason, many travelers driving in Argentina consider a one-way car rental to avoid the long trip back. Know that these rates can often be much more expensive than round-trip rentals. Before planning your itinerary, be sure to check on additional fees for one-way rentals.
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