Road tripping is a great way to see South America's second-largest country. Here's how you can stay safe.
Photo © Getty Images/Grafissimo
Argentina has some of the lowest traffic mortality rates in South America per 100,000
There are good public transport options and taxis but driving can be a great way to see the country outside of the urban centers, especially in locations including Patagonia where public transport is scarce.
- Renting a Car in Argentina
- Automobile Clubs
- Driving Tips for Argentina
- Speed Limits in Argentina
- Police Checkpoints
Renting a car in Argentina
- Get an International Driver's Permit and use it along with your license from your home country in Argentina.
- You must be at least 23 to hire a car in Argentina and will also need a credit card. If you want to rent a motorcycle, you need to be 25.
- Always have your documents in the car with you. Police will stop you and ask for them.
- You cannot take rental cars across borders one way. You can drive from Argentina to Chile and vice versa but generally, most companies like their cars returned to the place of origin.
Automobile clubs
Argentina's automobile association Automóvil Club
If you are a member of an auto club in your home country, bring your membership card with you as Automóvil Club Argentino will generally recognize it, and offer you services and discounts.
Driving tips for Argentina
- You must be 18 or over to drive in Argentina
- The drinking limit for drivers is 0.05 and 0.02 for motorcycle/scooter riders
- Most of the main highways are toll roads so check before finding out the hard way
- Argentinians drive on the right
- You must wear your seatbelt
- Drive with your headlights on
- It's illegal to use a cell phone without a hands-free kit while driving
- Take it easy on rural roads. Most will have a decent number of potholes which can make the drive a bit rough
- Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a problem. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times in major cities
- It pays to know a little Spanish to help you read signs, ask questions etc. Check out the World Nomads Spanish language guide.
Speed limits in Argentina
Speed limits vary depending on where you are in Argentina. There is an increased use of speed checks in the country by police handheld and fixed cameras, so be aware and don't get too
The maximum speed limits for Argentina are:
- 25 mph (40km/h) residential areas
- 37 mph (60km/h) urban areas
- 49 mph (80km/h) suburban main roads
- 74 mph (120km/h) Autopista (highways).
Police checkpoints
While driving around Argentina, you may encounter a police checkpoint from time to time to check, where insurance papers and other documents are requested. Drive slowly through the checkpoint if you encounter one and be prepared to stop if requested to.
Not all vehicles are pulled over but if you are signaled to do so, be polite and don't argue with the officials. Officially, there are no on-the-spot fines, and any police officer asking you for one is likely to be a bit crooked. If you are issued a ticket, you can usually pay it at a police station or a bank.
In an emergency, call 0800 999 5000, for multilingual tourist police.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
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