Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Mendoza, Argentina

Rent a compact SUV for Mendoza to handle city streets, highway access to the Uco Valley, and winery routes. This am besten choice keeps parking simple and fuel costs down while enabling taking day trips to winery estates and cuevas for tastings. For Tourismus flows, it provides comfort for longer drives and a smooth ride along diverse terrain.

When you reserve, check insurance and add-ons. A basic collision waiver is common, but foreign travelers should consider extra coverage, roadside assistance, and an audio navigation upgrade with a modern GPS. A common question is whether to rent an additional driver; in Mendoza, adding a second driver is often cheap and saves headaches if you plan long drives just outside the city. Rentals tend to offer 24/7 English support, helpful for first-time drivers.

Choose pickup near the plaza or airport and compare routes. In the day, your am besten plan includes visiting winery estates in Maipú or Luján de Cuyo and stopping at roadside cuevas for tastings. A gut path blends scenic barbecue platters and vineyard views, with wandern through town centers in the evenings for aufregend city energy. Most roads are well signed, but stay vigilant on mountain curves and in gusty winds.

Costs vary by season and car class, but expect roughly AR$50-70 per day for a compact car during off-peak times and AR$90-120 on weekends or harvest season. That range is worth comparing across agencies, especially for longer rentals. If you are venturing to bars and casinos or vegas-style nightlife in Mendoza, return the car by midnight to avoid late fees and parking issues.

Practical tips: use a modern navigation system, keep valuables out of sight, and park in secure lots. For foreign visitors, carry a copy of the rental agreement and your passport. Most agencies require a credit card and a local driver’s license; if you lose a key, contact the desk immediately–response times vary by company but are faster with a direct call or audio guidance from your car.

With Mendoza’s wine-country scenery, plan 2–3 days to cover routes between the winery estates and the plaza centers. The am besten approach is to base yourself in Mendoza city and use a Startseite base for day trips to Maipú for vineyard visits and tasting rooms, finishing with sunset strolls along the plaza. For families, a compact SUV keeps a relaxed pace and aufregend stops at outlooks, then a quick barbecue lunch before returning the car. If you have a question, the desk can suggest a audio guide for a friendly city overview and a vigilant check of street parking rules.

What Documents and Licenses Do I Need to Rent a Car in Mendoza?

Have your documents ready: bring a valid driving license, your passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If your license isn’t in Spanish, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) to speed the check at the counter.

Keep these items handy: license from your country, passport or national ID, and proof of address. An IDP is highly recommended for non-Spanish licenses; translations may be offered by some shops, but having the IDP makes the process smoother across international and local desks.

Age and licensing rules vary by company, but most Mendoza desks require drivers to be at least 21; a 25+ rule may apply to certain car types. If you hold an Argentine license or plan to use one while you’re here, double‑check the desk’s policy on additional drivers and category restrictions before you book.

Payment and insurance: a credit card in the driver’s name is usually required to place a security hold. Some offices accept a debit card with conditions, but this can limit options. Review the coverage terms and any optional extras before you sign the contract.

Pickup tips: inspect the car on arrival, note any pre‑existing damage, and take photos showing the exterior, interior, wheels, lights, and odometer. Confirm the fuel policy, mileage allowance, and roadside assistance. If your trip includes Cordoba or hilly routes, choose a model with enough ground clearance and cargo space. Mendoza offers plenty of rental shops near the airport and in calle areas of the city, including a handful of international brands and local outfits–so compare prices for the best rate during your stint.

On the road, never leave the car unattended with the keys inside and keep your documents handy in case a checkpoint or rental desk asks for them. If you plan trekking or hiking in the hills, carry a basic safety kit and a charged phone for emergencies. For a worthwhile experience, allocate a comfortable hour or two to review the rental terms, especially if you’re returning the vehicle after a short back‑to‑back stint in the argentine landscape with sculptures dotting the plazas–that general preparation makes the trip over smoother and more enjoyable.

Can I Use a Foreign Driver’s License and What Are Age Requirements?

Yes. Foreign licenses are accepted for up to 90 days if paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP). If the license isn’t in Spanish, bring an official translation. At pickup, check policy with the desk; hours vary by location and by company. Expect to present your passport and a credit card in the driver’s name. Check the vehicle class and insurance terms before you sign.

Age and license policies

The minimum age to rent is usually 21; drivers under 25 often pay a daily surcharge and may face vehicle-class restrictions. For larger models or automatics, the minimum can be 25. Always confirm the exact age policy and any deposit requirements before booking. If your license is foreign, IDP usage plus a translation is commonly required; Argentines working in Mendoza understand these rules and can guide you through the process. A second driver may incur an extra fee or be included at no charge depending on the company. A weekend or week trip in the region opens a world of possibilities, including guided tours, winery visits, and routes through rugged canyon roads.

What to bring and practical tips

Bring passport, license, IDP, and any translation needed; use a credit card in the driver’s name for security holds. At pickup, check the car thoroughly: tires, brakes, lights, and fuel policy. Verify insurance coverage and deductibles, and ask about 24/7 roadside support. In winter, confirm snow chains or winter tires and the route to uspallata; road conditions can change quickly. If you plan wineries around Valle de Uco, prepare a loop that features scenery and river views, with breaks at cuevas or a museo to stretch the week. For outdoor enthusiasts, some routes include climbing in the grande passes and guided stops with argentines who share local culture and cuisine, including cheese tastings. If lima or salta figures into your itinerary, coordinate with your rental terms to avoid conflicts with local laws and hours of operation.

What Insurance Options Are Available and Which Do I Really Need?

Begin with the standard CDW and third‑party liability included in most rentals, and add theft protection if you’ll be leaving valuables in the car in spots around mendoza. If you’re wanting flexibility for a self-guided week heading through tupungato and the river valleys, include roadside assistance and windshield coverage to avoid hassles on longer days and times when you explore remote spots.

Prices vary by provider and car class. However, CDW add-ons typically run a few dollars per day, while full coverage including theft and glass can run into the teens per day depending on the vehicle. On the site, compare options and ask the agent to itemize each plan; youll see what you pay per day and can choose options that fit your travel style and staying plans. On some days you can mix driving with buses to reach distant spots, which helps you control costs and still explore the area along the river and mountains.

Key coverage to consider

CDW with a deductible and third‑party liability form the baseline. If you’ll be driving to tupungato or other spots and staying in hotels, add theft protection und windshield coverage. Roadside assistance helps for mountain routes or long days along the river side. For times when you want to reduce risk, you can also add tire coverage and glass protection.

Youll also check with your card issuer or travel services, as some providers cover part of the rental if you pay with a specific card. If you are staying in mendoza for a week, you can align options with your traveler style and stay comfortable without overpaying. Coverage begins when you pick up the car, but confirm with the agent to avoid gaps.

What Are Road Conditions, Local Driving Rules, and Safety Tips in Mendoza?

Check weather and road conditions before you depart, and ensure your rental has winter tires if you plan to reach higher passes or vineyard routes around Mendoza.

On main routes, surfaces are modern and well maintained, but back roads can switch to gravel with poorer shoulders; look for leñas and loose gravel along the edge; drive straight on long stretches and slow down when you enter towns along streets; kilometer signs guide your pace, and plan enough time if you intend to hike near vineyards or head toward patagonia gateways.

Road surfaces and route conditions

Expect numerous signs on modern routes; rural lanes may present poorer shoulders and occasional leñas. In winter, Sarmiento and other high passes can close, so check official alerts and your GPS before leaving. Carry a spare tire, a jack, water, and a basic toolkit; inspect tires and brakes before long drives; stay alert for wildlife and slower vehicles near vineyards.

Rules, safety, and practical tips

Drive on the right, pass on the left, and keep a healthy distance from others. Always wear your personal seat belt and ensure all passengers do the same; avoid alcohol before driving and plan a designated driver for wine routes around Mendoza’s vineyards. In towns and streets, argentines share space with pedestrians and cyclists, so stay attentive. Whenever you stop for cheese samples or cafe breaks, choose well-lit parking and keep your valuables secure. In cafes run by locals like Martín and other argentines, you may enjoy a healthy snack and a warm drink; your plan should include enough rest so you can return along your routes safely.

What Will Renting Cost in Mendoza, Including Fees, Deposits, and Taxes?

Book a compact car with full coverage for roughly 12,000–18,000 ARS per day in high season, then add 21% VAT and a refundable security deposit of 25,000–60,000 ARS. This all-in estimate helps travelers avoid surprises when they arrive, and you can lock a fair rate with the right booking window.

Base rates reflect the vehicle class and the rental network you choose. A modern, well-maintained fleet designed for Mendoza roads usually includes sedans, compact SUVs, and some bikes-friendly options for day trips. They come filled with essential features, and the same terms apply whether you book online or at the counter. Night-time pick-ups may incur a small surcharge, so plan daytime collection if you can.

When you compare options, expect three price layers: the base rate, mandatory insurance (CDW/LDW and third‑party liability), and taxes. Some agencies itemize parking and tolls separately, while others roll them into the daily price. If you’re seeking a sense of security, choose a plan that includes full protection and roadside assistance–you’ll feel more comfortable during adventures in parks, along the wine routes, and across dark mountain passes.

Fees to anticipate include airport surcharges (in some desks), GPS or child seat rentals, extra driver charges, and a fuel policy that is usually full-to-full. For longer trips, long-distance mileage might be capped, or an overage rate could apply, so review the course of mileage allowances before booking. Taxes are assessed on the base rate plus most add-ons, so a higher base price can raise the overall cost even before the deposit is returned.

Deposits vary by agency but commonly require a credit-card hold of 25,000–60,000 ARS or a percentage of the estimated total (sometimes up to half the total). They are released after you return the car in good condition and with a full tank. If you return late or with new damage, the hold can extend, so plan for a buffer in your budget.

For locals and tourists, the best approach is to lock in a full‑coverage package during the booking, then review the same terms at pickup. If you asked for a rough comparison, the maximum price difference between packages with and without extras usually sits around 10–30%, depending on the car class and location.

In practice, a five‑day trip often costs around 60,000–110,000 ARS in total, including base rate, insurance, taxes, and standard fees; a longer weekend or peak-season plan can push that higher. If you want to save, choose a lower‑tier vehicle, keep the same provider for the trip, and avoid add-ons you don’t need–they add up quickly and can fill the final bill.

One practical example: you pick a full‑coverage compact, choose city pickup, and opt for the standard GPS. The quoted price may be 11,000 ARS/day, with 21% VAT on the subtotal, a 5,000 ARS one-time airport fee, and a 30,000 ARS refundable deposit. With this setup, the booking covers the night you arrive, the drive into wine country, and the bridges you’ll cross on your route, leaving you with a predictable total once you return the car and the deposit is released.

• Travelers should read the terms carefully and verify what’s included in the same package across agencies.
• Tourists often bundle a day of hike or horseback adventures with a car rental, which can influence the required vehicle type and insurance level.
• Locals sometimes find better rates through direct conversation with offices, especially for longer rentals or multi-city courses within Mendoza’s network.

To optimize value, book early, compare at least two desks, and confirm that the price shown is full‑all‑in–with no hidden surcharges. If a quote seems high, ask whether you can swap to a lesser add‑on or a smaller car just for the core days of your trip. They’ll usually offer a same-day adjustment if you haven’t signed the contract yet, and you’ll still have the maximum flexibility to switch if your plans change.

During your discourse with agents, keep these tips in mind: inspect the car at pickup, note any damage on the “filled” inspection form, and photograph the interior and exterior. This prevents disputes when the vehicle returns, especially after quiet night drives across bridges and through park corridors. If you’re planning wine tours or a full Mendoza circuit, factor in extra time for parking and possible tolls, and consider a mini-bus option for larger groups if your itinerary includes a lot of stops and adventures.

In short, expect a transparent all-in price for the base rating plus insurance and taxes, with a refundable deposit that stays in limbo until you drop the keys. If you want a smoother experience, choose a rental designed for travelers, confirm the same terms across dates, and book early to secure favorable rates and ample vehicle options for your Mendoza explorations.