Destinations / Argentina
Driving in Argentina as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is commonly requested to drive and rent a car in Argentina.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Argentina expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h autopistas |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in ARS. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times on highways. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit (0% in some provinces). |
| Documents | Carry licence, IDP and rental papers. |
| Parking | City parking restrictions are strictly enforced. |
On the road in Argentina
At the pump
Stations (YPF, Shell, Axion) are full-service with an attendant (playero); main grades are nafta súper/premium (petrol) and gasoil/diesel, around USD 1.10-1.30 per litre, with cards usually accepted in cities though cash is safer rurally.
After a crash
Call 911 for police and ambulance; do not move vehicles if there are injuries. Complete the insurance accident form (denuncia), exchange details, and get a police report (constancia) which insurers and rental firms require.
Sources: gov.uk · rhinocarhire.com · tyremap.com · wander-argentina.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Argentina?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is commonly requested to drive and rent a car in Argentina.
Which translation format is used for Argentina?
Argentina uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Argentina ask for a translation?
Requested by all major desks; some toll roads are cash-only.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Argentina?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.