Checklist for Driving in Argentina. Should You Rent A Car? Rules of the Road
Requirements for foreign drivers in Argentina
The landscapes in Argentina are about as spectacular and multifaceted as they come, with beaches, forests, mountains and glaciers, making it the perfect country to explore by car, as you can take it all in at your own pace. A lot of tourists enjoy driving along the roads to admire the breathtaking countryside,usually in a 4x4 vehicle, as the roads can become completely inundated. To rent one of these cars you will need to have an international driver's licence that is valid at least for three years.
The landscapes in Argentina are about as spectacular and multifaceted as they come, with beaches, forests, mountains and glaciers, making it the perfect country to explore by car, as you can take it all in at your own pace. A lot of tourists enjoy driving along the roads to admire the breathtaking countryside,usually in a 4x4 vehicle, as the roads can become completely inundated. To rent one of these cars you will need to have an international driver's licence that is valid at least for three years.
Checklist for Driving in Argentina
- Valid driver's license (required)
- Vehicle registration document (required)
- Proof of insurance (required)
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, lug wrench, and a tire jack (required)
- A contract from the rental company (recommended)
If your driver’s license is not in English or doesn’t have a stamped photograph, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Please note that the IDP is only a translation and you must bring your original drivinternationaler’s license with you. For driving licenses from countries not part of the international driving license treaty, an official translation of the license in English must be presented with the original license.You can visit https://www.idltrip.com/ to apply for an International Driver’s License. The cost of getting International Driver Licence: https://www.idltrip.com/Price
If you live in Argentina permanently, you must apply for an Argentine license. To get your Argentine driving license, visit the Dirección General de Transportes with your resident visa, your passport, your DNI and your national driving license. Fees of 50 pesos apply. The duration of your Argentine license will be equivalent to the duration of your visa. If you are a permanent resident, the duration of your license in Argentina will be 5 years (renewable).
Should You Rent A Car?
It is more practical to use public transport in the big cities,especially in Buenos Aires. Most times, public transit, taxis, or walking will be far cheaper, efficient, and less stressful than renting a car. However there are some parts of Argentina that can only be accessed by car, so if you are planning to travel around, you might wish to consider renting a vehicle. Some activities, such as the Route of the Seven Lakes just outside Bariloche would be hard to do without a car. Renting a car also gives you time to explore at your own pace and go on treks that might be hard to get to otherwise. Most rental cars are stick shifts in Argentina. If you only drive automatic, book your car well in advance.
The minimum age for driving in Argentina is 18, so even if you've passed your driving test at 17 back in your home country, you will have to wait until you're 18 to get it in Argentina. There are also age restrictions for car rentals, which you can check with the rental companies.Most car rental companies require the license to be held for at least 2 years with no major endorsements. *Attention! Some car rental companies would have different requirements. You can rent a car if you are over 21 and a motorcycle if you are over 25. If you're under 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee. If you're 65 or older, you may have to pay a senior driver fee.
Rules of the Road
Be vigilant and remain calm while driving. Tailgating is standard, as is road rage. Familiarize yourself with the laws and how strictly (or not) they are enforced to give you a better idea of what to expect on the road.
Some parts of Argentina also face problems with road safety. Road mortality remains very high, and extreme caution also is required with regards to violence and crime.It is thus highly recommended to drive with windows down and doors locked.
- Headlights: You must keep your lights on when driving at all times. If they are off, even during the day time, it is illegal.
- Wear a seatbelt: Seat belts are obligatory and everyone in the car must wear one, though this is commonly ignored in Argentina.Children under 12 must be suitably restrained in vehicles and only those aged 12 and up and can ride in the front seat.
- Speed limits: Speed limits vary. In urban areas, it is generally 40 to 60 kph (25 to 37 mph). In rural areas, it is 110 kph (68 mph), and on highways, it is 120 to 130 kph (74.5 to 81 mph).
- Left turns: Left turns are not allowed on main roads unless explicitly stated.
- Road signs: Many of the road signs are internationally used pictograms (such as an octagonal, red stop sign). All road signs are in Spanish.
- Alcohol: Note that when driving in Argentina, the legal limit for alcohol in one's blood is 50mg per 100ml of blood, which is less than in some other countries. You will be charged and arrested if you are found to be over the limit.
- Cellphones: Only hands-free talking on a cell phone is permitted while driving.
- Toll roads: Many of the main highways in and around cities are toll roads. Tolls can be paid with cash at toll booths along the roads.
- In an emergency: If you need to reach emergency services in Argentina for any reason, call 911.
