South America car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in South America

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Renault Sandero car
Renault Sandero
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
M
AED 187/day
Chevrolet Prisma car
Chevrolet Prisma
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
M
AED 209/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
M
AED 187/day
Renault Duster car
Renault Duster
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
AED 259/day
Ford EcoSport car
Ford EcoSport
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
AED 311/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

Car rental directory

  • localiza

    Localiza car hire locations in South America

    920 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car hire locations in South America

    708 Locations

  • unidas

    Unidas car hire locations in South America

    527 Locations

  • national

    National car hire locations in South America

    520 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car hire locations in South America

    491 Locations

  • enterprise

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

    440 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car hire locations in South America

    284 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car hire locations in South America

    268 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car hire locations in South America

    228 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car hire locations in South America

    222 Locations

  • movida

    MOVIDA car hire locations in South America

    221 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car hire locations in South America

    210 Locations

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a rental car in South America

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Top tips for hiring a car in South America

  • Book your rental car in South America at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in South America are around 69% 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.
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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 AED 206 per day.

  • What is the most popular car hire in South America?

    Economy (Fiat Uno or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in South America.

  • What is the cheapest car hire company in South America?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Sixt (AED 187/day), Alamo (AED 209/day) and Rentacar (AED 222/day).

  • What is the best car hire company in South America?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in South America are Dollar (7.8, 90 reviews), Localiza (7.8, 66 reviews), and Alamo (7.2, 376 reviews).

  • 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.

  • Where should I hire a car in South America?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in South America are San Carlos de Bariloche (38% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in South America), Bogotá (38%) and Sao Paulo (8%).

  • 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.

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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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