Argentina is one of the most underrated countries in South America, with many people visiting places like Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls,or Argentine Patagonia, for example, yet missing out on the many hidden gems the country offers. Argentina is HUGE; in fact, it is the second largest country in South America, following Brazil, so of course, getting around takes some time.
That said, renting a car in Argentina is one of the best things you can do if you plan to visit. From Argentina’s thriving lake district to the rugged red and rocky landscape of the northern Salta region, Argentina is a country that will genuinely blow your mind in terms of diversity. What if we told you there has never been a better and more affordable time to book a rental car in Argentina? But more on this later!
Argentina has so much to offer that having the freedom of a rental car will seem priceless when you recognize all the experiences and opportunities available. That said, there are a few things to be aware of when renting a car in Argentina.
In this article, we will explore the most frequently asked questions, explain why this is the cheapest time to visit the country, and opt for a rental car and give you an idea of some of the fantastic sights that are available to you with the freedom and flexibility of having a rental car in Argentina.
So, let’s get started!
What you need to know about driving in Argentina
Roads can be unpredictable
While the majority of the roads in Argentina are of excellent quality, chances are you will want to explore further afield, and many historic sights and hidden gems are off the beaten path. In fact, parts of the famous Ruta 40 (Argentina’s answer to Route 66) are corrugated gravel, which is not ideal for a 2WD rental car. In this case, plan your route carefully and opt for a 4WD if you plan to explore rural Patagonia or Ruta 40.
Gas stations can be rare
If you plan to explore Patagonia or other rural parts of Argentina, it is wise to fill up enough fuel and carry extra jerry cans if you have a long stretch without a gas station. From personal experience, sometimes you can drive hundreds of kilometers to the ‘next’ gas station, only for it to be closed, so it is best to be prepared for the unexpected and don’t get caught off guard in the middle of nowhere.
Watch out for wildlife
Argentina is a haven for wildlife, and you must be careful when driving everywhere. With an abundance of guanacos and rheas in particular, which can always be spotted roadside, Argentina provides a safari-like experience, especially in Argentina Patagonia.
Yet, you need to be careful as these animals often run out before you. It is advised not to drive in these regions at night to avoid unexpected encounters with the local wildlife.
Some areas are remote and vast
For example, places like Argentine Patagonia or The Pampas have long, vast highways that sometimes send you to sleep. If you plan to drive these routes, It may be wise to add a driver so you can share the time behind the wheel, as these sections can be somewhat dull and tiresome – yet lead you to incredible places!
A car is necessary in Patagonia
If you were considering visiting Patagonia without renting a car in Argentina, you may want to think twice. While local buses and tours take you to the region, they do not take you everywhere, and this means you will see very little outside of the main tourist towns unless you plan to do a different tour each day – an expensive option.
Renting a car in Argentina is essential for exploring Patagonia, and there is no better feeling than driving to the end of the world (Ushuaia/Fin del Mundo) at your own pace.
Driving on the right
Like ‘most’ countries in the Americas (Suriname and Guyana still drive on the left-hand side), Argentinian vehicles drive on the right. If you are coming from the UK, Australia, Ireland, or Japan, for example, it may take you a day or two to master the new way of driving, but if you plan to drive in Patagonia, you will have all the space and zero traffic to practice.
Route Options
There are many routes to take in Argentina, and chances are you won’t be able to take them all, so choose carefully. For instance, the Wine Route goes from Mendoza to Cafayate, Ruta 40 is one of the longest roads in the world, The Route of Seven Lakes passes by stunning alpine lakes, while Patagonia is one of the most scenic routes Argentina has.
Why rent a car in Argentina?
Freedom
Argentina has many exceptional places to visit, which can be a hassle with public transport. Tours and flights can be expensive, but if you have time, there is no better option than renting a car in Argentina to get around. Having the freedom to change your plans, visit new destinations, or even pull over on the side of the road to take photos or enjoy a roadside snack is priceless, and you will thank yourself later for opting for the freedom to do this.
It’s Cheaper
Let’s face it: people travel from all corners of the globe to explore Patagonia and beyond, and tours to these regions can be pretty pricey. Renting a car allows you to explore Argentina at your own pace and makes prices very affordable for tourists because of the current inflation. Argentina has an official exchange rate and a ‘Blue Dollar’ exchange rate, which allows tourists to get more for their money.
By paying for your car rental with a visa/Mastercard or cash withdrawn from a Western Union (not an ATM), you will avail of these excellent exchange rates and enjoy huge savings on your rental, among everything else in Argentina.
*Disclaimer: Argentina’s currency is highly volatile, so constantly change the latest exchange rates beforehand. The Blue Dollar is the current tourist exchange rate, which can change unexpectedly.
It’s Necessary
Going around Argentina is doable by public transport if you need to get from A to B, and do not plan to see places in between. However, if you want to get off the beaten path or explore areas like the Salta Region or Patagonia, you will need a car to get to the best places. Patagonia, in particular, is a region where a rental car is an absolute must unless you plan to stay in a handful of tourist towns and then leave.
You will most likely want to visit penguins in the wild, go hiking, visit the lakes in the lake district, and marvel at the many volcanoes, which cannot always be done by public transport. Having a rental car in Argentina will prove to be invaluable!
You can go camping
If you didn’t already know, Argentina is a country whose culture revolves around camping and the outdoors. So much so that almost every town has its municipal campsite, many of which are free and provide all necessary facilities. In addition to this, there are many beautiful places to camp in Patagonia and the Lake District, which can only be accessed by car.
Having your rental car will allow you to set up your camping gear wherever you like, just as the locals do, and get to know an essential aspect of Argentinian culture.
Flexibility
In general, renting a car gives you the ultimate flexibility to go anywhere you please, yet in Argentina, there will be many times when you just have to stop for photos, something you could not do on a bus. Argentina is jam-packed with incredible landscapes that you will most likely stop multiple times before arriving at your destination to spot wildlife or capture unique scenes.
Traveling by tour or local buses will never allow you this much flexibility, which makes Argentina so unique, so don’t miss these opportunities.
Where to Book a Rental Car in Argentina
If you are looking for the best deal – and of course we all are, then you should go to Discover Cars, who take the hassle out of checking each rental company’s websites, terms, conditions, and prices. This is one of the best ways to compare prices to see which rental company best suits you and what is included or excluded in each policy without wasting time trying to find information on each website.
There are plenty of rental companies in Argentina to choose from, including Hertz, Alamo, UMove, and Sixt, and you will almost always spot the car rental kiosks as soon as you arrive at the airport. By booking in advance on Discover Cars, you can take the hassle out of comparing prices on arrival and instead have everything in place to start your trip stress-free.
In Argentina, third-party insurance is mandatory, but it is always advised to opt for full coverage insurance, which can be done via Discover Cars at the time of purchase. Any additional extras can always be added later when picking up the car, depending on what you require for your trip.
Requirements to rent a car in Argentina
When renting a car in Argentina, there are a few things to plan, prepare and consider. Here are a few of the top requirements for car rentals in Argentina.
- Valid Driving License
- Credit/Debit Card in Drivers Name
- At least 18 but preferably over 25 for most rental companies (fees for young drivers may apply)
- Third-Party Car Insurance is required by law in Argentina
- Valid Passport
The Blue Dollar Exchange Rate Explained
As mentioned, there is no better time to rent a car in Argentina, thanks to the blue dollar exchange rates. There are a few things to be aware of when it comes to spending money and withdrawing cash in Argentina, which will help you save money on your car rental and throughout your road trip.
First, you should know that inflation is extremely high in Argentina right now and remains volatile, yet this means that currencies like the USD or Euro, for example, are sought after and valuable in Argentina. With this in mind, tourists are given a particular exchange rate known as the Blue Dollar Rate, which essentially gives you a little more than the official exchange rate (this amount constantly changes).
To get this rate, there are a few things to do and not to do. Firstly, never withdraw money from the ATM. Instead, it is best to transfer money to a local Western Union and withdraw from there – they are located across Argentina.
Secondly, Master card and Visa now offer tourists the Blue Dollar Rate, making payments much easier, especially if you cannot get to Western Union or must pay by card.
The difference is that Mastercard will refund you the difference days or even weeks later, while Visa will instantly give you the Blue Dollar rate at the moment of purchase. A tip when renting a car in Argentina is to use a Visa card, but also take out cash from a Western Union since cash is necessary in many rural parts of the country.
This way, you will get the best deal possible on your rental car in Argentina.
The 5 Best Car Rentals in Argentina
1. Hertz Argentina
Hertz is arguably one of the best car rental companies to choose from in Argentina because of its reputation, quality service, and variety of cars to suit all needs. The great thing about Hertz is that they have 30 years of experience in Argentina, a wide range of locations to choose from, and all-inclusive rates to give you the best deal while being hassle-free.
Here are some things to know when renting with Hertz Argentina.
- Their policy includes insurance and unlimited mileage without deductions for collisions.
- Drivers must be at least 18; 18-20-year-olds will pay a young driver fee, while 21+ pay no extra fee.
- Crossing the border is permitted with preauthorization.
- A one way drop off fee is applicable if you want to return the car to a different city
- 24-hour emergency service is included in the policy
2. Alamo
Alamo Argentina is one of Argentina’s best car rental companies due to its ongoing deals and promotions. From free days to discounted rates, Alamo has a great deal going on, so it is wise to look online before booking your rental.
With locations nationwide, you can start your trip anywhere from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or even Argentina’s pristine lake district. There are a few things to be aware of when renting from Alamo Argentina.
Let’s take a look
- The kilometers are limited, so check this in advance
- The minimum age is 21 to rent a car
- A credit card and a valid driving license are required
- A return tax is required when delivering the vehicle to another drop-off location.
- Mandatory minimum insurance is included in the policy.
3. Sixt Argentina
Sixt is a global car rental chain popular choice for those renting cars in Argentina. Why? They pride themselves on having exceptional service, various quality cars, and no hidden fees, allowing you a hassle-free trip.
With office locations in the main Argentinian cities as well as a global reputation for being reliable and efficient, it is clear that booking a car rental in Argentina with Sixt could be one of the best decisions you can make.
Here are a few things to note about booking with Sixt Argentina.
- The car rental includes excess damage, but you can add protection packages to reduce the excess.
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have had their license for at least two years, where applicable.
- Credit cards are required, and cash or debit cards are not accepted.
- Cross border is allowed to Chile only, with ten days’ notice, subject to a fee.
- One-way rentals are allowed for a fee; international drop-offs are not permitted.
4. Flexways Argentina
With a global presence in over 40 countries worldwide, there is no doubt that you may have heard of Flexways before. Located in Argentina, the company has locations across the country, including Puerto Montt, Ushuaia, Cordoba, and Jujuy, to name but a few.
As well as offering great deals, Flexways has the unique advantage of being the first car rental company to offset 100% of the carbon footprint generated by all its customers. If that isn’t a reason to book with them, we don’t know what is!
With that in mind, here are a few things to know when booking with Flexways Argentina.
- Insurance coverage and unlimited mileage are included
- The minimum age to hire a car is 25
- Flexways has a no-cross-border policy
- Additional driver is included in the policy
- One way drop off is permitted with prior notice, and a fee is required
5. UMove Argentina
This Argentine-owned company is an excellent choice for a car rental in Argentina for many reasons. With locations across the country in Bariloche, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and Tucuman, to name but a few, you will have the flexibility to start your trip wherever you please.
Here are a few things to know about renting a car with UMove Argentina
- Rentals include free unlimited mileage and insurance (Collision and Theft)
- Weekend rentals must be a minimum of two days
- Addition driver costs $1500 per day
- Drivers can be a minimum age of 21 with a fee, while those over 23 do not incur a fee
- Only credit cards are accepted for security deposits
FAQs About Renting A Car In Argentina
Is it necessary to rent a car in Argentina?
Yes, Argentina is a HUGE country with a lot to explore. Seeing as much as you can in your time can prove difficult if you rely on public transport, which cannot reach many regions. Having a rental car will give you freedom and flexibility and provide an unbeatable local experience, but in all honesty, having a car is undoubtedly necessary to see the places that make the country so special and unique.
If you want to experience hidden gems, having a car is necessary. From previous experience driving around the ENTIRE country, many of the country’s most mind-blowing landscapes are unexpected and sometimes pop up around the corner. You can only experience this with the flexibility of having four wheels.
Is it safe to drive in Argentina?
Yes, Argentina is a safe country to drive in, but there are certain parts of the country to be aware of. You should always avoid certain parts of cities like Rosario, Buenos Aires,and Cordoba, so always stick to the tourist areas and park in a guarded parking area if visiting these cities. Outside the cities, Argentina is rural, wild, and very safe, so there will not be much to worry about, apart from the odd crazy bus driver running out of fuel or wildlife on the road.
- In cities, drivers can be very chaotic, while in rural areas, you may not meet much traffic at all, so always take your time and expect the unexpected when driving in cities. It is advised to read the road rules for Argentina before embarking on your road trip, as this can differ from country to country. In Argentina, your car must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, a lug wrench, and a tire jack – so check beforehand.
What are the best places to drive to in Argentina?
Depending on how long you have, there are many routes to consider when renting a car in Argentina,and the longer you have, the better. Patagonia is an incredible region to explore by rental car, and by doing this, you can reach Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica on your own four wheels. The Lake District is a fantastic place to embark on a road trip, with bustling towns like Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes to base yourself.
For hiking opportunities, you cannot miss driving to El Chalten and El Calafate. At the same time, places like the wine region of Cafayate and the desert town of Purmamarca in the north are exceptional places to explore. In addition, wine lovers cannot miss out on a visit to Mendoza – home of Malbec wine!
What is the first thing to know when renting a car in Argentina?
When renting a car in Argentina, it is compulsory to have third-party insurance, so always check that this is included in your rental,and if not, always addit to your policy. Your credit card coverage maybe eligible, so check with your credit card company and have documentation to prove you are covered in this case.
In addition, take plenty of photos and videos of your rental car before leaving the premises, and always read the terms and conditions of your contract very carefully to avoid any misinformation or potential issues during your road trip.
