🇦🇷 Drive Argentina with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Argentina?
Recommended — Not Legally Required
Argentina's official guidance (argentina.gob.ar) is that a national driving licence issued by a country that is a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna road traffic conventions is valid in Argentina on its own. The international permit is reserved for drivers whose home country does not issue a licence. So if you hold an ordinary licence from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, and most other countries, the law does not ask you for an IDP. We still recommend one for a practical reason: rental desks expect it, and it settles a question in seconds at the checkpoints that are routine on major routes.
Police Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are routine on Argentine highways and at provincial borders. Keep your licence, passport and rental documents within easy reach — plus your IDP if you carry one. 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.
Documents at the Desk
Your home licence and passport are the documents you must have. Most Argentine rental desks also expect an IDP and some write it into their terms — check your booking before you fly. 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.
Read our guide: Patagonia Road Trip: Driving Argentina’s Wild South
Get Your IDP for Argentina — From $29
Argentine law does not require one if your national licence comes from a 1949 or 1968 convention country. It is worth having because rental desks expect it — that is the honest case for it.
Digital delivery in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours). Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Argentina? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Argentina IDP FAQ
Not as a legal matter. Argentina's official guidance (argentina.gob.ar) is that a national licence issued by a contracting party to the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions is valid in Argentina on its own, and reserves the international permit for drivers whose home country does not issue a licence. It is still recommended in practice: rental desks expect one, and it settles a question quickly at the police checkpoints that are common on major routes.
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, passport, and rental documents within easy reach — plus your IDP if you carry one.
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.