🇦🇷 Drive Argentina with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Argentina?
Recommended for All Visitors
Most visitors driving in Argentina should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Argentine authorities expect a licence they can read — an IDP provides the certified translation. Most rental companies ask for one at pickup, and police may request it at the checkpoints that are common on major routes.
Police Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are routine on Argentine highways and at provincial borders. Keep your licence, IDP, passport, and rental documents within easy reach — checks are usually quick when your paperwork is in order.
Driving Rules in Argentina
Drive on the Right
Argentina drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Strict Alcohol Limits
Argentina's national Alcohol Cero law sets a zero (0.0) blood alcohol limit on national routes, and many provinces apply the same zero-tolerance rule. Checkpoints are common — the only safe approach is not to drink at all before driving.
Toll Roads (Peajes)
Argentina has toll roads on many major highways, especially around Buenos Aires. Tolls are paid at booths — keep cash handy, as some lanes are reserved for the TelePASE electronic tag.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 40–60 km/h. Rural routes: 110 km/h. Motorways (autopistas): up to 130 km/h. Limits are posted and enforced with radar on major corridors — watch for sudden reductions near towns and police checkpoints.
Mandatory Equipment
Cars in Argentina must carry safety equipment including warning triangles and a fire extinguisher. Rental vehicles normally come fully equipped — confirm everything is present before driving off.
Renting a Car in Argentina
Argentina has rental desks at major airports and in city centres. Here is what you need to know.
Required Documents
Most visitors need a valid IDP alongside their home licence and passport. A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Typical Costs
Rental prices are usually quoted in US dollars; compact cars typically start from around US$35–55/day. Full coverage with a reduced excess adds a daily fee. Book early for the January–February summer holidays.
Top Rental Companies
Localiza — major South American network with wide coverage. Hertz — airport and city locations. Avis — established presence in major cities.
“We picked up our rental in Buenos Aires and drove out to Mendoza wine country. Having our IDP made the pickup completely hassle-free, and the police checkpoints along the way were never a problem. Argentina by car is the way to go.”
Read our guide: Patagonia Road Trip: Driving Argentina’s Wild South
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Argentina IDP FAQ
Most visitors driving in Argentina should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. It provides the certified translation local authorities expect, most rental companies ask for one, and police may request it at checkpoints.
Argentina has toll roads (peajes) on many major highways, particularly around Buenos Aires and on busy intercity routes. Tolls are paid at booths, so keep some cash handy; some lanes are reserved for the TelePASE electronic tag.
Argentina does not operate European-style low-emission zones. Expect occasional police checkpoints on major routes instead, and keep your licence, IDP, passport, and rental documents within easy reach.
Argentina drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and follow posted give-way signs at intersections.