Car Hire in Argentina: What to Know Before You Drive

Drive on the right

Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road in Argentina. Visitors accustomed to left-hand driving should take extra care during the first part of the trip.

• Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
• Uncontrolled junctions: where there is no contrary sign or special priority rule, traffic approaching from the right generally has priority.
• Roundabouts: vehicles already circulating on the roundabout generally have priority over vehicles entering.
• After turning: consciously return to the right-hand side if you normally drive on the left.
• Traffic behaviour: leave enough space for unexpected braking or changes of direction, particularly in busy urban areas.

Speed limits in Argentina

Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. National rules set different maximum speeds according to the type of road.

• Urban streets: generally up to 40 km/h.
• Urban avenues: generally up to 60 km/h.
• Rural roads: cars and light vehicles generally up to 110 km/h.
• Semi-motorways: cars generally up to 120 km/h.
• Motorways: cars generally up to 130 km/h.

These are national maximum limits, not a guarantee of the limit on a particular road. Provincial, urban and signed limits may be lower and always take precedence.

Driving in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is very different from driving Argentina's open national routes. Traffic is heavier, junctions are frequent and you need to watch several lanes of traffic at once.

• Plan the route before moving: complicated junctions and one-way streets are easier to manage when you already know your next turn.
• Lane discipline: check mirrors carefully and expect other vehicles to change position quickly.
• Motorcycles: check mirrors and blind spots before changing lane or opening a door.
• Pedestrians: take extra care at crossings and busy junctions.
• Congestion: leave additional time when travelling to airports or returning a rental vehicle.

Parking in Buenos Aires and other cities

Parking rules vary between cities and even between streets, so check signs and kerb restrictions rather than relying on where other vehicles are parked.

• Use marked or recognised parking facilities where practical.
• Check whether parking is metered or controlled by a local payment system.
• Do not block garages, crossings, bus stops or junctions.
• Keep valuables out of sight whenever the vehicle is unattended.
• Theft from unattended vehicles, including hire cars, is a known risk, so avoid leaving luggage visible inside the car.

Driving in Patagonia

Patagonia rewards having your own car, but distances are large and conditions can change quickly.

• Long empty stretches: plan fuel, food and rest stops in advance.
• Strong winds: reduce speed and keep both hands on the wheel when conditions become gusty.
• Wildlife: stay alert on open roads, particularly around dawn and dusk.
• Gravel: some scenic routes include unsealed sections. Check whether these are permitted under your rental agreement.
• Winter: snow and ice can affect routes and may require winter equipment.

Ruta 40

Ruta Nacional 40 is one of Argentina's best-known road-trip routes, running through very different landscapes and driving conditions.

• Do not treat the entire route as a continuous high-speed highway.
• Check the condition of the section you plan to drive before setting off.
• Allow more time for mountain, remote or unsurfaced sections.
• Check fuel availability when planning a long stage.
• Confirm that your rental category is appropriate for any unsealed roads on your itinerary.

Rules worth knowing before a long drive

• Seat belts: all occupants should use the seat belt provided.
• Children: under national rules, children under 10 must travel in the rear using an approved child-restraint system appropriate to their size and weight.
• Mobile phones: do not use a hand-held communications device while driving.
• Warning equipment: cars must carry required safety equipment including portable warning triangles and a fire extinguisher.
• Documents: keep your driving licence, rental documentation and relevant insurance information available.
• Police controls: roadside checks are common on major routes, so make sure the vehicle documentation supplied by the rental company remains in the car.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Argentina recognises qualifying foreign driving licences under relevant international road-traffic conventions, but the documents needed depend on where your licence was issued.

• Bring your original valid driving licence.
• Carry your passport or other immigration identification required for your stay.
• Check the exact requirements imposed by your rental provider before travelling.
• UK licence holders: current UK government guidance says to carry a 1949 International Driving Permit together with your UK driving licence.
• If your licence was issued elsewhere, check the requirements that apply to that licence rather than assuming the UK rule applies to you.

If you are involved in an accident

• Stop in a safe position where possible and use the hazard lights.
• Check whether anyone needs medical assistance.
• Contact the police when required and follow local instructions.
• Contact the rental provider promptly and follow the accident procedure in the rental agreement.
• Take photographs and record relevant details where it is safe to do so.
• Do not arrange repairs yourself unless authorised by the rental provider.

If the hire car breaks down

• Move the vehicle away from moving traffic where this can be done safely.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Use the portable warning equipment supplied with the vehicle where appropriate and safe.
• Keep passengers away from live traffic.
• Contact the roadside-assistance service supplied by the rental provider.
• In an emergency, police can be reached on 911 or 101, ambulance on 107 and fire services on 100.