South America car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in South America
Car rental directory
Localiza car rental locations in South America
919 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in South America
705 Locations
Unidas car rental locations in South America
527 Locations
National car rental locations in South America
514 Locations
Alamo car rental locations in South America
476 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in South America
424 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in South America
265 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in South America
258 Locations
Firefly car rental locations in South America
228 Locations
MOVIDA car rental locations in South America
221 Locations
Avis car rental locations in South America
210 Locations
Movicar Rent a Car car rental locations in South America
206 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | Hertz |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | ₪213/day |
Good deal | ₪190/day |
When to book a rental car in South America
Top tips for renting a car in South America
- 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for ₪190 or less
- Book your rental car in South America at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate rental cars in South America are around 74% 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 ₪367 per day.
What is the most popular rental car in South America?
Intermediate (Chevrolet Onix or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South America.
What is the cheapest car rental company in South America?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Localiza (₪171/day), FlexWays (₪252/day) and Hertz (₪293/day).
What is the best rental car company in South America?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in South America are Dollar (7.8, 90 reviews), Alamo (7.1, 320 reviews), and Avis (6.2, 180 reviews).
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 San Carlos de Bariloche (26% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in South America), El Calafate (16%) and Cordoba (13%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South America?
On average a rental car in South America costs ₪1,641 per week (₪234 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 ₪7,033 per month (₪234 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.