South America car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for South America car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in South America with confidence.

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 FOCO (RM 18.19/day), Hertz (RM 38.70/day) and Fox (RM 40.99/day).

What is the most popular rental car in South America?

Hires in the Luxury category (Audi A4 or similar) are the most popular option in South America, costing RM 476/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as RM 235/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in South America is September at an average cost of RM 136/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in South America when prices are RM 179/day on average, which tends to be 371% above the yearly average hire price for South America.

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

Avis operates 322 locations in South America, more than any other car hire company.

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Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Localiza
Small
RM 178/day
RM 176/day

Top tips for hiring a car in South America

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for RM 176 or less
  • Medium rental cars in South America are around 39% 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 hiring a car in South America

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

    On average a car hire in South America costs RM 178 per day.

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

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

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

    On average a car hire in South America costs RM 1,246 per week (RM 178 per day).

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

    On average a car hire in South America costs RM 5,338 per month (RM 178 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

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in South America

    322 Locations

  • loki

    Loki car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • servesul

    Serve Sul Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • americarentacar

    America Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • desttak

    Desttak Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • forzarentacar

    Forza Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • seelmannrentacar

    Seelmann Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    6 Locations

  • americacarrental

    America Car Rental car hire locations in South America

    9 Locations

  • citer

    Citer car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • locarbrasil

    Locar Brasil Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

  • lokamig

    Lokamig Rent a Car car hire locations in South America

    3 Locations

  • koyerrentacar

    Koyer Rent A Car car hire locations in South America

    2 Locations

Car hire locations in South America

Everything you need to know for your car rental in South America

Complete your trip to South America

Flights to South America
Hotels in South America

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars 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 hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.