South America car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in South America

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Volkswagen Gol car
Volkswagen Gol
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
M
₪126/day
Ford Ka car
Ford Ka
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
M
₪141/day
Chevrolet Trax car
Chevrolet Trax
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
₪234/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

FOCO

Most popular car type

Economy

Average price

₪90/day

Good deal

₪84/day

KAYAK insights for South America car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in South America, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in South America?

You should book your rental car in South America around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in South America?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at MOVIDA (₪45.71/day), FOCO (₪56.66/day) and keddy by Europcar (₪58.17/day).

What is the most popular rental car in South America?

Economy rentals (Class Economy Car or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in South America. Economy rentals in South America cost ₪88/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as ₪47/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in South America?

The cheapest month to rent a car in South America is May at an average cost of ₪147/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in South America when prices are ₪182/day on average, which tends to be 304% above the yearly average rental price for South America.

What rental car company in South America has the most locations?

Localiza operates 920 locations in South America, more than any other rental company.

Top tips for renting a car in South America

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for ₪84 or less
  • Economy rental cars in South America are around 81% cheaper than other car types, on average
  • Whether exploring the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, navigating the Andes mountains in Peru, or cruising along the coastal roads of Colombia, understanding the unique terrain and climate is vital for a smooth driving experience. For remote areas or off-road adventures, look for a sturdy 4x4 vehicle with better traction to handle rough terrains. When visiting higher altitude destinations like Cusco or La Paz, be aware of the effects of altitude on both yourself and the vehicle's performance. Pack appropriate clothing and equipment for different weather conditions, familiarise yourself with local driving regulations and road conditions, and plan your journey effectively.
  • If you're flying into South America and keen to explore a few countries, consider landing at Bogotá's El Dorado International (BOG). It's central, giving you an excellent starting point for Colombia and its neighbours. Another top pick is Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez in Chile (SCL). It's bustling, but once you've got your car, it's a smooth drive into the Andes or up the coastline. And don't forget São Paulo's Guarulhos (GRU) in Brazil. It's quite busy but well-located for cross-continent adventures. Whichever you choose, driving from these hubs will make your South American journey as easy as can be.
  • Once you're ready to roam the continent, consider starting in Argentina and driving to Chile, Uruguay, or Brazil. You'll need to grab a "permit to cross" from the local authorities and might face a couple of extra charges, but it's relatively easy. If you're starting in Chile, you'll need a "Permiso de Salida" to drive across to Argentina or Peru. One thing to be aware of is that you may encounter problems trying to get a car into Chile or Peru, so double-check with authorities and your car hire company, and ensure everything is in place before trying.

FAQs about renting a car in South America

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs ₪90 per day.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in South America?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • Where should I rent a car in South America?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in South America are Florianopolis (38% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in South America), San Carlos de Bariloche (14%) and Medellín (7%).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs ₪628 per week (₪90 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs ₪2,691 per month (₪90 per day).

  • Should I hire a car in South America?

    Absolutely. Hiring a car in South America offers unique freedom to explore. Many of the continent's jewels, like the Atacama Desert in Chile or Argentina's Route 40, are best explored by car. While big cities like Buenos Aires or Rio have public transport, gems like Patagonia or Bolivia's Salt Flats aren't as well-connected. Plus, the continent boasts stunning drives, from Brazil's coastline to the Andes mountain range. Hiring a car trumps waiting on bus schedules, especially in remote areas. So, if you're dreaming of sunrises in untouched spots, having your own car is a game-changer.

  • What is driving like in South America?

    Driving in South America is quite the experience. For starters, it's right-hand driving throughout. In big cities, traffic can be bustling, while in the countryside, it's peaceful. Brazil's got numerous toll roads, so keep some cash handy, if you're in the area. When tackling the Andes, be prepared for winding roads and changing altitudes. The Pan-American Highway is a dream to drive on, but some rural roads can be less forgiving, especially after rain. The speed limit varies, but the standard range is around 100–130 km/h (62–80 mp/h) on highways and 40–60 km/h (24–37 mp/h) in towns.

  • How old must you be to hire a car in South America?

    In South America, most countries require you to be at least 21 to hire a car. However, if you're between 21 and 24, there might be a young driver surcharge added to your bill. Good news for the mature adventurers; there's often no upper age limit! As for your licence, a valid one from your home country with an International Driving Permit usually does the trick. That said, it's smart to check specific age and licence requirements with your chosen car hire agency, as these can vary country by country. Also remember to bring along a credit card in your name or the main driver's name.

Car rental directory

  • localiza

    Localiza car rental locations in South America

    920 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in South America

    707 Locations

  • unidas

    Unidas car rental locations in South America

    530 Locations

  • national

    National car rental locations in South America

    521 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car rental locations in South America

    494 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in South America

    450 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in South America

    302 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in South America

    298 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in South America

    286 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car rental locations in South America

    271 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in South America

    228 Locations

  • movida

    MOVIDA car rental locations in South America

    228 Locations

Car rental locations in South America

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

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