Drive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is little point in bringing a car to Buenos Aires. Traffic in the city centre (centro) is hectic by city standards and the roads get heavily congested during the rush hour. The grid system is reasonably easy to master, except for Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida del Libertador, which are one way but with the direction alternating street by street. Arrows indicate the directions on street signs. Drivers are generally determined and have a low tolerance level for hesitant or slow drivers. Accidents are common -one tip is to slow down and flash the vehicle lights when approaching cross intersections without traffic lights at night.

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The microcentro area (city centre) is off limits to traffic between 07:00 and 18:00. Parquimetros (parking meters) control the macrocentro area (outer city zones) on weekdays 0700-2100. Tokens (fichas) for their use can be purchased from kiosks. Another option is to use the numerous estacionamientos (car parks), which are usually marked by flag-waving dummies. Hotel parking is sometimes available at the more expensive hotels and costs upwards of AR$ 15 a day.

Car Hire: Drivers must be a minimum of 21 years old but some companies state 25 years. A valid driving license is acceptable but an International Driving Permit is recommended. You should book in advance if planning to hire over the weekend or holidays.

Driving times to Buenos Aires: From Córdoba - 9 hours; Mendoza - 17 hours; Puerto Iguazú - 20 hours; Ushuaia - 30 hours.

Driving in Argentina: Driving in Argentina usually involves long distances and, apart from the main highways, roads are generally in poor condition. Checkpoints exist to prevent meat, vegetables and other food products entering into Mendoza, San Juan, Patagonia, Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán. The ’A’ roads are the autopistas (motorways) and those labelled ’R’ are rutas (roads) - tolls exist on all main roads.

The maximum speed limit on motorways is 130kph (80mph) and on one-lane roads is 80kph (50mph), while the speed limit in built-up areas varies from 40 to 60kph (25 to 37mph). Traffic drives on the right and regulations, signs and conduct are similar to those in the USA or Europe.

Drivers can be impatient and have little regard for lanes or the wearing of seat belts. The use of seat belts is, however, compulsory and fines are implemented for failure to comply with the law. The minimum driving age is 18 years, while the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

Insurance that covers third-party liability is required by law. An international driving license is rarely requested by car hire companies or police; your license from home will suffice, although it is a good idea to get it officially translated.

Emergency breakdown service: ACA (tel: (011) 4803 3333 or 0800 777 2894, in Argentina only).

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