South America car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in South America

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Hyundai i10 car
Hyundai i10
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
M
RM 130/day
Hyundai i10 car
Hyundai i10
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
M
RM 130/day
* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

FlexWays

Most popular car type

Mini

Average price

RM 136/day

Good deal

RM 136/day

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 Rosselot (RM 94.27/day), United Auto Rental (RM 143.40/day) and Alamo (RM 206.91/day).

What is the most popular rental car in South America?

SUV rentals (Volkswagen T-Cross or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in South America. SUV cars in South America cost RM 106/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as RM 106/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in South America is May at an average cost of RM 154/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in South America when prices are RM 195/day on average, which tends to be 397% above the yearly average hire price for South America.

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

Localiza operates 918 locations in South America, more than any other car hire company.

Top tips for hiring a car in South America

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for RM 136 or less
  • Mini rental cars in South America are around 45% 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 136 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 952 per week (RM 136 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 4,079 per month (RM 136 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 hire locations in South America

    918 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in South America

    707 Locations

  • unidas

    Unidas car hire locations in South America

    530 Locations

  • national

    National car hire locations in South America

    521 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car hire locations in South America

    494 Locations

  • enterprise

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

    450 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in South America

    305 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in South America

    298 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in South America

    287 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in South America

    271 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car hire locations in South America

    228 Locations

  • movida

    MOVIDA car hire locations in South America

    228 Locations

Car hire locations 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.

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