Overland Argentina Travel
Contents
At the border
Correct as of: [28 Nov][2010]
Required Paperwork
- Passport of registered owner
- Original vehicle registration
(no copies are needed)
Process at border
- The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (migraccion), including a stamp in their passport.
- The owner must show the new passport stamp and the original vehicle registration to customs (aduana)
- The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
Note: Customs may ask for proof of vehicle insurance before entry is granted.
Cost of entry
Free.
Permitted length of stay
Typically valid for 30 or 90 days, at the discretion of the customs officer.
Extension of stay
The only way to achieve this is to leave Argentina and return. This can be done at any bordering country, all in one day, without problems.
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
(unknown)
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
- The registered owner presents the temorary import paper to customs.
- The registered owner is stamped out of Argentina at immigration.
Overland Essentials
Vehicle Insurance
Insurance requirements
Insurance is mandatory, and must specifically cover Argentina.
It's common for customs officers to ask for proof of insurance before entry is granted.
Cost of insurance
Something around $50/USD per month for a 4x4.
Where to purchase insurance
Larger cities have insurance offices where it can be purchased.
When buying from a large, international insurance company it's possible to also get coverage for Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay on one policy.
Driving license
Technically an International Driving Permit is required.
In reality, showing a license from anywhere in the world seems to be good enough.
Driving side of road
Right.
Right hand drive vehicles are permitted without problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
None.
Roads
General Road quality
Roads in Argentina are typically of very good quality. Almost all highways are sealed and two lanes.
Line markings and hazard signs are almost always present.
One way streets are extremely common in towns and cities, and almost always well signed.
Road signs
Highway road signs with distances and directions are typically very clear and consistent.
Within towns and cities, almost all streets are clearly signed.
Toll roads
Toll roads are not common, though the larger highways and freeways around the countries' biggest cities are tolled.
Prices are typically in the 5 pesos range, and toll booths come up ever 50 - 100km.
Bribery
Bribery is not common in Argentina, though it does happen. Do not assume a Police officer is trying to bribe you, as he may take offense, making the situation worse. See the bribery tips page for general advice.
Checkpoints
Two kinds of checkpoints are common in Argentina.
- Police checkpoints.
Police will potentially ask to your [drivers license], Passport, original vehicle registration and the temporary import permit issued by customs when you entered Argentina.
The Police are often friendly and polite.
- Agricultural checkpoints.
Argentina is serious about stopping the spread of fruit fly and other agricultural problems, so checkpints are common (especially in the North-West). Many types of fruit are banned and you will have to surrender them.
Traveling with pets
(unknown)
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gasoline / Petrol / Diesel
Correct as of: (Put the date the gasoline price section was last confirmed accurate)
Price
Modify the table below as required. List the octane rating of gasoline and the sulfur content of diesel if known
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular (87) | x.x |
| Super (88) | y.y |
| Premium (90) | z.z |
| Ultra (95) | a.a |
| Diesel | b.b |
Gasoline Availability / Frequency
During summer vacation (Jan->Feb), gas shortages are not uncommon, especially in the rural areas of the South. Purchase gas whenever you can. Typically gas stations are not more than 200 - 300km apart, though on Route 40 the distance can be more. Shortages will also increase this distance.
Gasoline Quality
Gasoline is considered to be clean, and ultra-low sulfur diesel can be purchased at most stations.
External information about gasoline
(unknown) Link to external websites with price & quality information, if available.
Safety / Security Considerations
Driving at night
Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.
Vehicle parking
Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night. If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.
Special driving considerations
A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for Argentina - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Paper maps
- Firestone produce the Atlas de Routas (Road Atlas) which is equal in content and quality to maps anywhere in the world. It contains detailed maps of every province, a zoom-in of all cites and larger towns. It also indicates campgrounds, hotels, gas stations, and parks and contains basic maps of all bordering countries (Chile, Brazil, Uruaguay, Paraguay and Bolivia). It can be purchased from bookstores throughout the country, a new edition is printed each year.
- The Automobile Association of Argentina (AAA) also sells maps at many gas stations.
GPS
Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).
Camping
Camping is a national past-time in Argentina, and so organized camp grounds are extremely common. Even the smallest towns are likely have a campground, and they can fill up with loud and friendly Argentinians during the summer months. Common facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, wash basins and a table and chairs and fire put in each camp site.
The price of these campsites can range from 10-35 pesos per person, per night.
Roadside camping is not uncommon, especially in the South where the population density is low. Use you own discretion.
Camping guide books
The firestone Atlas de Routas (Road Atlas) clearly shows campgrounds, with address and phone numbers.
Links for camping sites
[Camping Sites: Argentina North] [Camping Sites: Argentina South]
Propane filling
[Camping Sites: Argentina North] [Camping Sites: Argentina South]
Drinking water
In almost all of Argentina the tap water is safe to drink. Ask a local to be sure.
Overland Travel Interest
Special Overland interests
- Many Overlanders make the long drive South to Ushuaia in Tierra Del Fuego, the Southern-most city in the world, and the end of the Pan American Highway. Getting there requires crossing through Chile and catching a ferry, but the process is not difficult.
Guide Books
Vehicle Maintenance
List Garages &/or dealerships for major vehicle manufacturers (including motorbikes).
Trusted mechanics can also be listed here.
Buying and selling vehicles
Buying a vehicle as a foreigner
Vehicles with Argentinian papers can be purchased by a foreigner without difficulty.
A vehicle with Argentinian papers can not be driven out of Argentina buy a foreigner, even when they are the registered owner. This rule is strictly enforced at the borders.
Selling a foreign-plated vehicle
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
References
Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.
Helpful External links
Add any helpful external links here.
