South America car hire

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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.

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.

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.