Car Hire in Buenos Aires

You can find car rentals easily in Buenos Aires, both in the city centre and at the airport. Compared to other international destinations, and indeed other modes of transport, it can be considered on the expensive side, but it does offer you the maximum flexibility when touring this vibrant country.

Many visitors to Argentina consider mixing and matching car hire with internal flights to make trips to areas such as Patagonia in the South, with its outstanding vistas across many miles of open space.

Normally you will find that driving licences from most western countries are accepted. As usual, car hire drivers need to be aged 21 or more and you will often find your credit card will be pre-authorised to the sum of around £4000 in case of accidental damage to your car. Car rental booked from overseas normally includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but not always, so do check your documentation. Likewise it is always good practice to check the limit of any liability cover (SLI) provided to ensure it protects you to a level you are comfortable with.

If you are unsure, do give the MoneyMaxim team a call as we will be happy to discuss your options and explain any terms you are not familiar with. Car hire excess insurance in Argentina, CDW and SLI are all available through the MoneyMaxim service, at a fraction of the cost of that sold at the car hire desk.

If you spend much time on the roads in or around Buenos Aires you are likely to come across police checkpoints where, if you are stopped (and more cars get waved through) your insurance and car registration papers, car hire paperwork and drivers' licenses are likely to be inspected. If you are close to a provincial borders then you could also find your car being disinfected for the grand sum of two pesos.

Local regulations to be aware of are that it's mandatory to have car lights on, even during daytime. The speed limits are 100 km/h to 130 km/h on motorways and main highways, 40 km/h on side roads and 60 km/h in Buenos Aires and other cities. Speed controls are commonplace, but the locals do drive aggressively and fast, ignoring both red lights and stop signs (marked PARE).

Be aware that when outside major cities you may find petrol is rationed - it's therefore good practice to keep your tank topped up.