Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car & Motorcycle
Anyone considering driving in Buenos Aires should know that most local drivers are reckless, aggressive
and even willfully dangerous. They'll ignore speed limits, road signs, road lines and often traffic signals.
They'll tailgate you mercilessly and honk even before signals turn green. Buses are a nightmare to reckon
with, potholes are everywhere, traffic is worse every day and parking can be nonexistent in places (and cost
a bundle). To top it off, pedestrians haphazardly cross the road, seeming to beg to be run over at times.
Reconsider your need to have a car in this city: public transportation will often get you anywhere faster,
cheaper and with much less stress. And you won't have to worry about the police, who have been known to
stop cars to check for violations, while subtly asking for
coimas
(bribes). If this happens to you when you
weren't doing anything illegal, insist on contacting your embassy - too much trouble for some officers.
Driving
Driving outside BA is another story. Drivers are still crazy, but there are fewer of them, and you'll have
more flexibility in your travels. If you drive in Argentina - especially in your own car - it may be worth
joining the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), which has many nationwide offices. ACA recognizes mem-
bers of overseas affiliates, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), and often grants them
similar privileges, including discounts on maps, accommodations, camping, tours and other services. For
more information contact the
ACA head office
(
4802-6061;
www.aca.org.ar
; Av del Libertador 1850).
Rental
If you want to rent a car, expect to pay US$30 to US$50 or more per day. International chains can be more
expensive than local rental agencies; call around. You'll need to be at least 21 years of age and have a valid
driver's license; having an international driver's license wouldn't be a bad idea, though you don't necessar-
ily need one. A credit card and passport are also necessary.
Avis
(
4326-5542;
www.avis.com.ar
;
Cerrito 1535)
Hertz
(
4816-8001;
www.hertz.com.ar
;
Paraguay 1138)
New Way
( 4515-0331;
www.new-wayrentacar.com
; Marcelo T de Alvear 773)
If you have experience driving scooters and are up to the challenge of getting around BA on an electric ver-
sion, check out
Green Scooter
( 6091-9060;
www.thegreenscooter.net
; Soler 4717;
10:30am-6:30pm). You'll need to pay an AR$2500 deposit (cash or credit card) and bring your passport.
The cost is AR$190 per day, helmet and lock included.
For motorcycle rentals, be at least 25 years of age and head to
Motocare
( 4761-2696;
www.motocare.com.ar/rental
;
Echeverria 738, Vicente Lopez). Bring your own helmet and riding gear.
Crossing into Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil is possible.
Taxi & Remise
