Does Europcar require an IDP in Argentina?
Europcar in Argentina: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
An IDP is commonly requested to drive and rent a car in Argentina.
In Argentina specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Argentina ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Requested by all major desks; some toll roads are cash-only.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Argentina desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Argentina drives on the right, uses the ARS, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Argentina
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the ARS deposit; Argentina drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Argentina Europcar renters should know
- Headlights on at all times on highways.
- 0.05% alcohol limit (0% in some provinces).
- Carry licence, IDP and rental papers.
- City parking restrictions are strictly enforced.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in Argentina
Major highways and the Buenos Aires access autopistas use manned toll plazas (peajes) costing roughly ARS equivalent of USD 1-5 per booth; the electronic TelePASE tag is rarely fitted to rentals, so keep cash, as foreign cards are often not accepted in lanes.
In central Buenos Aires use 'estacionamiento medido' paid zones (pay via meter or the BA Estacionamiento/SEMOV-type apps); yellow-painted curbs and signed clearways mean no stopping, and illegally parked cars are towed (acarreo) with recovery fees.
Radar speed cameras are widespread; fines include phone-without-handsfree (~ARS 20,000-50,000) and no seatbelt (~ARS 10,000-30,000). There are officially no on-the-spot cash fines (an officer demanding cash is likely soliciting a bribe); camera fines are passed to the rental firm and charged to your card.
Call 911 for police and ambulance; do not move vehicles if there are injuries. Complete the insurance accident form (denuncia), exchange details, and get a police report (constancia) which insurers and rental firms require.
Full driving guide for Argentina →