Driving is on the right with overtaking on the left. Traffic signals are the same as in most countries though the drivers are very aggressive. Running red lights is commonplace. On main roads left hand turns are not allowed unless specifically stated. When arriving at an intersection in Greater Buenos Aires cars honk their horns and the first one to honk gets right of way.
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In the country areas you should drive carefully in case there are any potholes or rocks in the road. Driving at night should be avoided where possible due to the lack of visibility. When you get to rural areas you should expect to find gravel and even dirt paths so plan accordingly. A four wheel drive car is usually a good idea and you should always travel with a good map. Quite a few tourists have rolled their cars on gravel and accidents can be expensive to fix due to the current economic climate. To drive in Argentina the following are requirements: a fire extinguisher, two warning triangles, a rigid tow bar, a first aid kit and a working handbrake. Before you collect and return your car you should check for any scratches or damage. Having a credit card is usually the preferred way of making bookings. Be sure to advise us if you plan to take the car across the border. At police check points they may spray the underside of your car with a pesticide and expect a small amount of money for it.
Watch out for auto theft in cities such as Buenos Aires and avoid it by parking your car in a well lit area. Around Buenos Aires the police sometimes set up road blocks in order to extract bribes. In some tourist areas small children will offer to guard your car for a tip.
Do not move your car, unless it is in a dangerous position which might lead to another accident, and wait for the police to arrive. In the meantime swap insurance information and addresses with the other driver. Don't argue with the police and be polite and patient. If you have a camera handy take pictures of the accident for police and insurance purposes. You should give a copy of the police report to your insurance company. When you have an accident the local rental companies usually charge you $6,000 (1,080 Euros) then return it when you return the car.
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Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Motorway signs have a green background.
The price for petrol is three pesos per litre, or two and a half pesos per litre in the north. Some towns have fuel rationing. Because Argentina is so huge you should fill up at gas stations as often as you can. Remember that when you get into the Andes Mountains fuel consumption rises rapidly. If you are driving in the Andes having a reserve canister of gas with you is advisable.
The drinking limit is 0.05%, but this is 0.02% for motor bikers and 0% for bus and truck drivers.
You need to have your licence and an international driving permit can be helpful. Other documents which it is a good idea to have are your passport, some proof of insurance (including third party fire and liability insurance) and your vehicle ownership papers which can be requested at border stops.
Yes, as long as it is in a Roman alphabet language. Otherwise you need an international driving licence.
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Fuel – Nafta
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Highway – Autopista
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Mountain pass - Paso
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Buenos Aires residents - Porteños
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Police checkpoints -Controles policiales
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Paved unlit two lane road – Ruta
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Stop - PARE
There are toll roads on most of the main highways, because many of the highways are privately owned. Check maps and local information before you go.
40 kilometres per hour on side roads.
60 kilometres per hour in built up areas.
100 -120 kilometres per hour on highways and roads outside the city.
The conversion from kilometres to miles per hour is one kilometre = 0.62 miles per hour. Therefore 60 kilometres is 37 miles per hour.
To drive in Argentina you need to be 18 years old, though most companies don't let you rent a car unless you are at least 21 years old.
The emergency services number is 101 for the police, 107 for medical and 100 for fire. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires can be called on 54 11 5777 4354 or 54 11 5777 4873 out of 9-5 working hours and on weekends.
Parking on the street is based on a first come first served basis in most areas, with meters and multi storey car parks also in use. You should not park on a side of the road where you would be facing traffic and do not obstruct the routes to hospitals of fire stations.