Information Sheet Last Updated: September 2005
Roads and Car Travel
You will have more freedom if you have your own mode of transportation, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas of Argentina. Given the size of Argentina, the distance will probably be long, and road surfaces in the more rural areas are gravel or dirt so allow plenty of time.
You are most likely to rent a car to get around because buying a car in Argentina is impractical in the current economic climate. They are cheap to buy but very difficult if not impossible to resell. If you plan on traveling into the jungle or Patagonia, you may wish to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. Make sure that insurance is included. The cost of an accident is extremely expensive in Argentina due to a history of tourists rolling cars on the gravel. Take care on the roads and drive at a reasonable speed. There are potholes and rocks in the road and swerving to miss them at a high speed is very dangerous. Check the vehicle carefully with the rental agency for scratches and cracks in the windshield before you take off so you will not be blamed for them upon your return.
Discounts are available for a multi-day rental or weekly rental. You will need a credit card. Agencies take a print of the card as their guarantee instead of a deposit, but are honorable about not using it for extra charges. An international driver’s license is not essential but recommended and you will be required to show your home driver’s license. You must make sure that the renting agency gives you ownership papers of the vehicle because these have to be shown at police and military checks. If you plan to take the car over international borders, you must inform the rental company.
All motorists are required to carry two warning triangles, a fire extinguisher, a rigid tow bar, a first aid kit; full car documentation together with driving license and the handbrake must be fully operative. Fill up as often as possible when you get into more remote areas as gas stations become less frequent.
Car theft has become common in Buenos Aires, but much less so in the rest of the country. Park the car in busy, well-lit places where possible wherever you go. Always remove your belongings from the car and leave the empty glove compartment open when the car is unattended. In tourist areas, street children will offer to guard your car or outside restaurant areas in cities, there may be a man guarding cars. A tip is always expected and appreciated.