South America car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in South America

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
C$ 22/day
Hyundai HB20 car
Hyundai HB20
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
C$ 26/day
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
C$ 25/day
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
C$ 22/day
Hyundai HB20 car
Hyundai HB20
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
C$ 26/day
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
C$ 25/day
* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

FOCO
Intermediate
C$ 59/day
C$ 48/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for South America car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in South America with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in South America?

You should book your rental car in South America around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in South America?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Localiza (C$ 13.47/day), FOCO (C$ 17.31/day), and Europcar (C$ 21.52/day).

What is the most popular rental car in South America?

Full-size rentals (Opel Zafira Tourer or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in South America. Full-size rentals in South America cost C$ 86/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as C$ 83/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in South America?

The cheapest month to rent a car in South America is May at an average cost of C$ 50/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in South America when prices are C$ 64/day on average, which tends to be 57% above the yearly average rental price for South America.

What rental car company in South America has the most locations?

Localiza operates 917 locations in South America, more than any other rental company.

Top tips for renting a car in South America

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for C$ 48 or less
  • Compact rental cars in South America are around 46% cheaper than other car types, on average
  • South America features a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense jungles to sprawling deserts and bustling cities. If your itinerary primarily involves exploring urban zones or sticking to well-maintained highways, a two-wheel-drive car should be ideal, offering better fuel efficiency and maneuverability in city traffic. However, if you plan to venture off the beaten path into remote areas or mountainous regions, a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is suitable. These vehicles provide greater traction and stability on unpaved or uneven roads, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trip. It's crucial to assess your specific travel plans and destinations within South America to determine the most suitable vehicle for your adventure.
  • In South America, child safety in cars is a top priority. Generally, children up to around 12 years old should be secured in an appropriate child safety seat while traveling in a car. Furthermore, infants under the age of 2 and weighing less than 22 lbs (10 kg) must be placed in rear-facing car seats. As children grow older, they shift to forward-facing car seats with a restraint, suitable for those weighing between 22 and 40 lb (10 to 18 kg) and ages 2 to 4. Older children, aged 4 to 7 and weighing 40 to 80 lbs (18 to 36 kg), are required to use booster seats. Traveling with a car seat is beneficial, as it ensures the safety and comfort of the child during airport transfers and local transportation. Moreover, some car rentals in many South American countries offer the option to rent a car seat, but you should confirm the availability in advance.
  • Before renting a car for cross-border travel in South America, it is essential to investigate the route's specific requirements and costs. You'll need to ensure that the rental provider permits international travel, as not all providers allow their vehicles to cross borders. Once you've identified a suitable rental provider, you'll need to obtain the necessary documentation, which usually includes a written authorization letter from the provider, a valid driver's license, a passport, and a credit card for the rental deposit. Bear in mind that some countries might require additional documentation, including a visa, proof of insurance, and an international driver's permit. Moreover, costs to consider include potential border crossing fees, insurance coverage, road tolls, and fuel costs.

FAQs about renting a car in South America

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs C$ 60 per day.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in South America?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • Where should I rent a car in South America?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in South America are Sao Paulo (12% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in South America), Santiago (11%) and Lima (7%).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs C$ 419 per week (C$ 60 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in South America?

    On average a rental car in South America costs C$ 1,797 per month (C$ 60 per day).

  • Should I rent a car in South America?

    Renting a car in South America offers several advantages over relying solely on public transportation. With a rental car, you have the convenience and freedom to explore South America's vast, diverse landscapes and remote natural wonders at your own pace. A rental car also grants you the flexibility to deviate from fixed schedules and access off-the-beaten-path destinations, which may be difficult to reach via public transport. Furthermore, some of the attractions in South America that you'll access via a rental car include Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer, and Torres del Paine National Park.

  • What is driving like in South America?

    Driving in South America can be a distinct and challenging experience. The driving style and culture on this vast continent vary significantly based on the specific country. Generally, South American driving tends to be more assertive and less rule-bound. Traffic rules, including speed limits, are often seen as guidelines rather than strict laws, and you'll frequently encounter a more chaotic approach to navigating roads. In urban areas, roads are well-maintained. However, traffic congestion can be extreme, and drivers often switch lanes frequently. In rural and remote areas, the road infrastructure can be less developed, with winding mountain roads or unpaved paths.

  • How old do you have to be to rent a car in South America?

    The minimum age requirement to rent a car in South American countries ranges from 21 to 25 years old, with 21 being the most common. However, many rental providers feature extra fees and vehicle class restrictions for drivers under the age of 25. It's necessary for renters to inquire about the specific age requirements and policies of the rental provider and the country they intend to visit, as they can vary widely and may affect availability and the total cost of renting a vehicle.

Car rental directory

  • localiza

    Localiza car rental locations in South America

    917 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in South America

    708 Locations

  • unidas

    Unidas car rental locations in South America

    530 Locations

  • national

    National car rental locations in South America

    522 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car rental locations in South America

    494 Locations

  • enterprise

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

    450 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in South America

    306 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in South America

    297 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in South America

    287 Locations

  • keddy

    keddy by Europcar car rental locations in South America

    271 Locations

  • firefly

    Firefly car rental locations in South America

    228 Locations

  • movida

    MOVIDA car rental locations in South America

    228 Locations

Car rental locations in South America

Everything you need to know for your car rental in South America

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals 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 rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

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