| Author | Message | ||
     canadiense Unregistered guest |
I'd like to rent a car during my trip to Argentina. Will I require an international driver's permit, or will my Canadian driver's license be sufficient? thank you. | ||
| javier Garcia Poquet New member Username: Javiogarcia Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2006 |
With the Canadian will be ok. And check buying befor renting, shure will be cheapper. Contact if you need help. | ||
| F. Harrington New member Username: Tarheel Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2006 |
Canadiense: I have never had to present an international drivers lic. down there but it never hurts to have one. I wouldl not buy a car down there as someone suggested. There are too many red strings attached and you could get taken! | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 325 Registered: 12-2004 |
It is not a bad idea to just *check* as it was suggested. But I would definitely be cautious. You may find something really cheap... and a lemon. | ||
| javier Garcia Poquet New member Username: Javiogarcia Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2006 |
visit www.autofoco.com.ar divide it by 3. Or www.deautos.com Its easy to resell it at the end of the trip if you take care of the car. Myself will be one of the possible interested. I don´t know what means "too many red strings attached ". | ||
| Laura Zurro New member Username: Sapphos Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2006 |
What city are you planning to rent the car? Yes you can get away without an international drivers license although the consulates will tell you that you need it for the locations outside of Buenos Aires, but we rented in Mendoza with no problem and drove to the Chilean border as well. Price is pretty reasonable in Argentina, but in places like Mendoza you can end up with a pretty beat up car that's not fun to drive in the mountains. Regarding buying a car just for the trip, you usually need a DNI to register a car which means you need a visa other than a tourist visa. Anyone is happy to sell you the car but getting it registered is another story. One other thing, do not carry anything more than 100 pesos in your wallet in case you are stopped by "la policia". If you need "offer" to "pay" the ticket at the time you are stopped you won't want to have too much money in a visible spot, and if you have to offer to pay the ticket (basically you're putting the money in someones pocket) be careful how you do it so as not to offend - maybe offer "but I won't be here to go to the courts - can I pay it sooner maybe now?" I know this for a fact because we just went through it in B.A. this past trip and learned the hard way about what I'm explaining. Always be careful on Libertador Ave or Santa Fe Aveif you're heading towards the northern suburb or to pick up the highway - the police love to hang out there looking to stop whoever they feel like!  | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 328 Registered: 12-2004 |
Following up on Laura's post, what she refers to is called 'coima'. But don't ever mentioned this word to anyone engaging in the scheme because it will not sound proper. If police wants to get some money out of you they will give you indications in a very clear fashion or -as Laura just said- wait until you take the initiative through a simple, innocent question. And about those two avenues, I think the point is that once you cross the city limits headed north you are basically in another jurisdiction where enforcement lies on police from great Buenos Aires. Great Buenos Aires police has been known to have some more *issues* than the federal one which operates within the City. | ||
| Laura Zurro New member Username: Sapphos Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2006 |
Funny, the policeman was very nice (of course), asked who's car it was (duh it says Localiza on the back window so of course he already knew) and when he asked when we were leaving - whoops the day we would have to pay "just happened" to be a couple of days after our flight back to Miami so after about five minutes back and forth, my husband finally gently asked if there was some way to take care of it today...and all of a sudden the ticket price became a bit less, "but we don't have that much on us now he protested (gently of course) we only have *** so what should we do, at which point he finally gave in and took what we had - guess it was enough. By the way, the police don't make much of a salary there so it's not really unusual at all that this happens. My husband has traveled all over the world and said that it reminds him sometimes of places in Africa - albeit much more civilized. Argentina by the way, is one of his favorites of everywhere he's traveled. | ||
| Riyad Anabtawi New member Username: Riyada Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2005 |
Hi..Laura.. I have bought a car and I didnt need a DNI.. The buyer should apply for a CDI in the municipalidad, with any 2 witnesses to sign proof of residence.. In fact I bought my house here with just that. | ||
| Laura Zurro New member Username: Sapphos Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hi Riyad, yes it's pretty easy to buy a car without a DNI but where did you register the car in B.A. or outside and what did they ask you for as far as documentation? Are you on a tourist visa or are you on another type of visa? It's true too about the CDI it's very easy to get and even possible to get just staying at someones house and listing their address. p.s. nice website beautiful house | ||
| Riyad Anabtawi New member Username: Riyada Post Number: 14 Registered: 12-2005 |
Laura.. Thanks for your nice comments about my website.. Yes that is all I did when I first came here.. Infact I was on a tourist visa then. Documentation then was just a passport and my foreign drivers licences. Now I have a "precaria", sort of a permanent visa waiting approval.. ha ! some wait.. 5 years now..buroacracy rules ok here.. Cheers | ||
| Riyad Anabtawi New member Username: Riyada Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2005 |
By the way Laura, your website is absolutely fabulous! Great links there! Good job! Wanna exchange links ? Also my car is registered in Mendoza.. Riyad | ||
| javier Garcia Poquet New member Username: Javiogarcia Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2006 |
I have just call car register (registro del automotor) they tell me that if you are tourist or traveller you declare in any police station the place of living, this is call an address certificate (certificado de domicilio) the same in the car store, then with the passport and these two papers, the car register make the paperwork to the new owner. This is ok for those staying more than 2 months. Javier | ||
| Kris Sullivan New member Username: Llamalover Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2006 |
My husband and I are planning our trip to Argentina and Antarctica. This is exciting! We will leave on Jan. 1 and be gone for 2 months. We have roundtrip plane reservations from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires. We plan to fly to Ushuaia from BA, take our Antartica trip and then rent a car in Ushuaia to tour Torres del Paine and the other national parks in the Lake District in Chile. Is there a way to avoid the expensive drop off charges when returning the car to BA? Do rental companies need drivers to return cars to BA from Ushuaia? Can we drive a rental car on the gravel roads such as Route 40? We're just starting the planning process and would appreciate your comments. Thanks. Kris from Los Angeles (California) | ||
| Beverly Adams New member Username: Beverly Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hi Kris, I've only lived here two years (in Esquel, Chubut), and we've rented a car just for short trips around the area. (we rented from Avis). A couple things we learned...the free mileage is very limited, I think ours was 200Km, which goes by very quickly and if you plan to taking the car to Chile, you'll need to rent a car that is licensed to to to Chile. Our Avis agent only had one car insured to go to Chile, so it would be best to check it out thoroughly before you rent. Our gravel roads aren't very good, so if you rent a car, you'll need to plan on more time for slower travel. Hope that helps. Beverly | ||
| Beverly Adams New member Username: Beverly Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hello again, Another thing to consider. During the high season (Dec-Mar), it may be very difficult to just walk into a car rental place and rent a car, because they don't have a lot of cars available, you may want to consider making an advance reservation. | ||
| Annabel McNaught-Davis New member Username: Annabel_0410 Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hi Guys, Great site - very helpful. Basically was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to help me out by answering a few questions... I've been to Argentina quite a few times before and have decided I now need to buy a car there. In the past I have always just had a tourist extended visa - can you own a car in Argentina without living there full time? I have a friend's address where I could register the car - is this all you need? Also what is a CDI and a DNI? Just need to be sure. Would be really grateful for any advice on the best way to start! Gracias. Annabel  | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 713 Registered: 12-2004 |
Welcome Annabel! In case noone else answers, pm Riyad or Laura (movingtoargentina) because they have experience with this. | ||
| Riyad Anabtawi Member Username: Riyada Post Number: 88 Registered: 12-2005 |
Annabel I am now an expert at this! CDI is like a unique number (Like a Social Sec. #) and you obtain that at the local AFIP, the IRS here, you need 2 witnesses to prove your residence. And you need this number to be able to purchase real estate or car. Otherwise you will not be able to buy those things. DNI is Documento Nacional de Identidad. (ID) You do not need DNI to buy anything here, but you do need a CDI. And you do not need to live permanently here to buy anything. You could very well purchase the car and have it parked in your friends house while you are away. Hope this helps Riyad | ||
| craig shell New member Username: Craig Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2006 |
I was speaking to ARCA and they told me you do not need a DNI # to purchase real estate but you need a DNI# to sell you real estate ? Is this the case? | ||
| Jeremy Vogler New member Username: Jvogler Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi, I'm looking for some advice on buying a car. I plan on spending 6 months in Bariloche. Would I be better off buying in Bs.As. (in terms of car price and selection, etc.) or will I be likely to find something reasonable in Bariloche? I'd appreciate any input you might have. Thanks, J | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 798 Registered: 12-2004 |
My gut feeling only. If you are going to be all that time in Bariloche, buy from locals. Try Nahuel Automores Dirección: V.A.O'Connor 963 0 Phone: 54(2944)435963 AUTOBARILOCHE SAN JOSE Dirección: V.A.O'Connor 820 0 Phone: 54(02944)426281 Miguel Pena Dirección: Gallardo 745 0 Teléfono 1: 54(02944)423800 Autosur Patagonia Dirección: Frey y V.A.O'Connor 0 0 Teléfono 1: 54(02944)435374 Would not know if data is up to date. I think there are plenty of dealers down there. | ||
| Jeremy Vogler New member Username: Jvogler Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi Roberto, Thanks for the advice and the contacts. This is a great site. J | ||
| David Womack New member Username: Womack Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi, I'm considering renting a car in Calafate when we travel in a couple of months. Will I need special documentation or a fee to cross into Chile with the rental car? | ||
| Beverly Adams New member Username: Beverly Post Number: 12 Registered: 9-2006 |
You don't need special documentation personally, but the car needs to be insured to travel to Chile. Make sure to tell your car rental agency that you plan to take the car across the border. They have the special insurance and paperwork that the car needs, and may only have a few cars available that are licensed to travel to Chile. Reserve early. | ||
| john keegan New member Username: Jono Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hello there guys, just searching for some straight talkin advice. Me and my girlfriend are heading to argentina tomorrow for what we hope is the begining of a six month stay in south america. From past experiences we have decided that we would like to buy a car as it is the best way to get around and be your own boss. We dont have alot of money so we'd just be buyin an old heap and drive it till it blew up or we were heading home again (some other lucky backpacker might inherit it). I have got a full european drivers licence as well as an IDP. However i was wondering what documents i need to make the car legal on the road and wether i need insurance or even what type. We also plan to visit chile, peru and bolivia, do we need additional documentation if we want to drive through these countries. We arrive in B.Aires but will be heading out into the countryside as we have some farm work lined up, would it be easier to buy out there? | ||
| Bedford Alvis Brown New member Username: Bedford_brown Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2006 |
At present I am in college taking Diesel Technology courses.My majors are Diesel Electronics and Machine Shop, (Rebuilding Diesel Engines as well as gas engines.)as well as correcting electronic problems. The question is are there american or German companies in Argentina that I could go to work for and what kind of money would I earn in the above noted field?... I understand you are asked lots of questions. Any information you might be able to send me will be greatly appreciated...Thank You | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 831 Registered: 12-2004 |
John and Bedford, welcome! 1. how to buy a car in Argentina (Thank you, Riyad). 2. I don't have a solid knowledge on the subject but Argentina has a strong natural gas engine market for cars (natural gas comprimido). In fact, almost all cabs are dual powered and last I heard of was that manufacturers had been successfully exporting turn key solutions, like whole plants. Briefly, there may be someone out there that values your experience/background. Merchants Lincencees I doubt any foreign companies though... Specially under the present gov. Maybe chilean or spanish ones. Distribuitors | ||
| Danielle Nicole New member Username: Danielle Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2007 |
Do I need to rent a Truck (4x2) or will a Car (Yaris) be ok for traveling through Argentina & Chile? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1294 Registered: 12-2004 |
Depends on your driving plans but take into account you will be crossing the Andes. A regular car is fine, but if you venture to the more inhabited areas with rough terrain better to have a 4x4. | ||
| Sarah Speirs New member Username: Sarahp Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2008 |
Hello! Can anyone recommend a company to do a one way car hire from Salta to Mendoza which doesn't cost the earth? The quotes I have had so far were fine for the actual per day rental but the drop off fees are huge! Any recommendations? Thanks | ||
| WTMendoza.com Intermediate Member Username: Welcometomendoza Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2007  |
Hi Sarah, this is indeed an issue - most companies are charging 1000 to 1500 pesos for this I hear. I used a very good company in Salata once, and their drop off fee currently to Mendoza is 700 pesos. Here is the info: Operadores Logisticas Ariel jemecheru@argentina.com cell: 0387-15-509-3201 Good luck! | ||
| Jim Peers New member Username: Maskii Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2008 |
My name is Jim and new to this site but already am impressed with how helpful people are. My questions are similar I guess. I plan on an October visit to arriving in either Mendoza or San Rafael and renting a car for 2 weeks and bringing it back to where I rent it from. Some said very expensive to rent but exactly how much is that for a 2 week,weekly or daily period? Now I noted in an earlier post about unlimited KMs but it seems there are limits or do some rentals really have unlimited KMs? I plan on looking at real estate for possible retirement property and am also wondering if the real estate agents such as Mendoza Properties,Andes Land Properties or Byron Lutz on the internet are the best or only real estate agents? Common sense tells me ther are other real estate agents in the San Rafael and Mendoza cities if so which are the best? Ok enough questions for now. Any help greatly appreciated. Jim | ||
| WTMendoza.com Intermediate Member Username: Welcometomendoza Post Number: 131 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jim, welcome and it is a good plan to rent a car and get to know upper and lower Mendoza very well for your purposes. Car rental rates tend to be $30 to $40+ USD a day for your length of contracts ...check your home country car web sites lik Avis, Budget, etc...sometimes you can book a better rate there than here. Make sure you have ample insurance coverage. The real estate agencies you mentioned are 3 of literally hundreds of seller agents here in Mendoza province, and these agents typicaly handle their own "inventory" of properties since cooperation between seller agents is still an evolving subject here. If you want to get wide coverage based on your realistic needs, please feel free to contact us. I provide buyers agent services which are in your best interest, and you pay no more than had you gone through one of the seller agents. In fact, it is odd that a property buyer here pays a seller agent a commission , when the seller agent is working on behalf of the seller in his best interest. Regards, Sean | ||
| Jim Peers New member Username: Maskii Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2008 |
sean Thanks for your prompt reply. I am sure to have more questions for you. Any idea of the unlimited KMs scenario? Jim | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1497 Registered: 12-2004 |
Jim, unlimited kms does exist. Find out with the agency itself. | ||
| Jim Peers New member Username: Maskii Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2008 |
Thanks Roberto. I guess I could also check with a travel agent. | ||
| Thomas Harris New member Username: Tom_harris Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2008 |
Hi all, firstly what a wonderfull community of helpful people. I hope some out there have some information for me. I'm flying from UK to Buenos aires in about 3 weeks and studying for one month in a language school there. After this I want to drive around the continent (across many boarders) recording traditional and folk music of the various regions and cultures. Due to the recording equipment I will need a car/4x4 and like wise due to cash flow I will need to buy rather than rent as I could be on the road for some 3-4 months. I have read the previous posts and wondering if the picture is sill the same, ie; Do I still need a CDI and will it still be possible to get one?, I won't have a permanent residence although I have friends in north Argentina and in Chile who I could use as an address. I would also consider flying to Chile to buy the car if it was any cheaper or easyer in terms of paperwork. The other big question is Insurance. Can I get cover for many countrys? I am prepared for lots of frustrating beaurocracy but want to make sure I am as well informed as possible, just a reminder I will have about 1 month to sort this out when I get there, am I kidding my self? Any up to date info or experiences will be much apreciated, sorry for jabbering on for so long!  All the best Tom. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1523 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thomas, welcome! And thank you for sharing your future great trip. In one month you should be able to find the answers you want, not sure about finding the 4x4 deal you are after... Sorry, I can't give anymore straight answers but will write back here if I come across anything. | ||
| Bob Frassinetti Member Username: Frassinetti Post Number: 52 Registered: 1-2005 |
Hello Fellow Travellers, Travel Adventure Tour by 4WD Vehicle visiting Argentina and Chile. I’m organizing a unique travel adventure trip down here in South America for only 3 other travellers apart form my self, the idea is staring out in Buenos Aires and travelling towards Chile, seeing the Pampas, the Andes Mountains crossing over to Santiago de Chile and then south to the Big Island of Chiloe, back across to Argentina, Via Esquel, Route 40, Ruta 40, seeing and travelling on trains, crossing lakes and bays, on paved and unpaved roads, hunting antique tractors, visiting lighthouses and museum, buying art and antiques and sleeping in small towns and villages some times in top notch boutique hotels other time in down and out places… Eating and tasting local foods and drinks, as well as wines … the idea is to have a total adventure in places I have already travelled to and others that I’m not familiar with. All this for an adventure that could well turn out to be a drive of a life time, we would be travelling in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, 4WD this is a good on and off road vehicle….. so far the idea is still being worked on, so its subject to some change, all I wanted to check out is if there are any possible candidates who would be willing to accompany me…… at the same time we would be documenting the trip for deferent purposes… I have'nt worked out any cost for the trip, yet.........But all other expenses; from trip down, to Buenos Aires and back home, from food lodging here and on the road and all person expenses all the way to medical costs if any, all , and each expense for each person, apart, are to be paid by each of the individuals doing the trip, and you can do this threw your local travel agent or any way you feel fit in doing it. There are some risks involved so its best only to do trip if you are in good health and to let me know of anything before hand …….. ....... .. Some information on myself, Lonely Planet has me listed as a “friendly and bohemian art dealer guide” on page 49 of its latest edition of Lonely Planet Guide for the city of Buenos Aires. This guide was written by Sandra Bao, and is just out, by the way, a great in view to our City. I'm also known on Internet online magazines and forums where I publish my insiders’ articles and inputs for travellers & dealers on art to antiques dealers, just Google my name! Or Yahoo it! I’m a qualified eBay seller with great feedback! And I have been on line on eBay since 1998. That goes back a long way for Internet users. See Photo Gallery of just some of the places we would be visiting......... http://www.flickr.com/photos/frassinetti/sets/72157594461348271/ Please feel free to contact me and ask your question, or you can chat with me in our office in Buenos Aires, using Yahoo Instant Messenger ID ( artdealer_ar ) or MSN Messenger ID: ( bob-frassinetti ) ICQ ID ( 78541000 ). Bob Frassinetti, Everything on Art & Antiques as well as Travel Information for Buenos Aires and Argentina by Bob Frassinetti (Phone: +54 911 6965 1955 or in B's A's: 15 6965 1955 ) Invest in Argentina Real Estate an up running opportunity with a Future  | ||
| WTMendoza.com Intermediate Member Username: Welcometomendoza Post Number: 148 Registered: 7-2007 |
Wow this sounds like a fantasic adventure! If you have problems in Mendoza, please look me up. Cheers | ||
| Pam Talkin New member Username: Pep Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2008 |
Sorry to keep asking the same question but I have been unable to make any arrangements to rent a car in Mendoza and drop it in Santiago. All the car rental websites indicate that no cars are available (in August??!!) or that they don't allow one-way rentals. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks | ||
| WTMendoza.com Intermediate Member Username: Welcometomendoza Post Number: 181 Registered: 7-2007 |
|
