How to Rent a Car in Argentina

Car rental in Argentina is something most tourists don't think about or even care about. But they do matter. A rental car is a very important part of a road trip for most travelers. It adds to the enjoyment and allows you to visit points of interest without worrying about how you'll get there, how you'll pay for it, or how you're going to get it back once you get there. In this guide, we'll talk about some key points in making sure you pick the right car hire in Argentina.

The first thing you need to know is that there are a few differences between car rentals in Argentina and in the U.S. and Canada. Most of these differences are related to the level of care given to the car while it is in the possession of the company. Specifically, here are the main differences:

There are no deposits required when renting a car in Argentina. In other words, you don't have to put down a down payment to rent a vehicle. Some companies may ask you to make a security deposit, but it is usually only around $100. Remember, if your rental car is damaged beyond repair, you will not be able to claim on your insurance policy. That's why it is important to confirm that everything was done according to your plans and that nothing went wrong on the road trips.

In the case of road trips, it is usually advisable to pay the entire rental (cash and cashier's check) at the beginning of your rental period to ensure that there are no issues later. That way, you can avoid paying extra fees on penalties or possible hidden costs later. In any case, if you decide to pay the deposit in advance, you can use that money towards paying for damages you might incur during your road trips.

The rental firms in Argentina do not generally allow you to drive your own vehicle. You must either rent a car with a rental driver or use one of their shuttle buses. Since there are a large number of foreign visitors to Argentina, there are a number of potential problems with getting around with a foreign national - including getting lost or misdirected. In some cases, the driver may be unable to communicate with you or may not be able to find the right address and make you go the wrong direction. A good idea is to read the small print on the documents you bring with you: the price of gasoline, for example, has a clause that says you can only use the gas station for that particular date and time.

When renting a car in Argentina, it is important to have an international auto insurance policy. This is especially important in remote parts of Argentina where crime and theft are widespread. In addition, you will want to have a driver's license and a photocopy of your birth certificate and passport if you plan to stay at a hotel while traveling. Without these documents, you could face fines or even jail time for driving on a foreign road trip without proper authorization.