Destinations / Argentina
Driving in Argentina as a visitor
Usually yes. Argentina expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Argentina expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Argentina expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Argentina accept?
Argentina recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Argentina ask for one?
Requested by all major desks; some toll roads are cash-only.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.