Several of Chile's best road trip routes cross briefly into Argentina — the Lake District loop via San Martín de los Andes, the Carretera Austral crossing at Villa O'Higgins, and the Patagonia route via Calafate. Here's everything you need to know about crossing the border in a rented campervan.
The paperwork
You need written permission from us (Nomad) to take the vehicle into Argentina. Request this at least 72 hours before your intended crossing. We'll prepare a notarised letter authorising the vehicle to cross, which you'll present at the border along with your passport, driving licence and the vehicle documents we give you at pickup.
Tip
Don't leave this to the day before. Border crossing permits for rental vehicles require preparation time. Request it when you book.
What you cannot bring across
Both Chile and Argentina have strict biosecurity controls. The following are prohibited in both directions: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products, seeds and plants. Chile in particular is very thorough at its borders — inspectors will go through your camper. Don't try to sneak anything across. The fines are significant and the delay is worse.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables: prohibited both directions
- Unprocessed meat: prohibited
- Dairy: prohibited
- Tinned and packaged food: generally fine
- Alcohol: fine up to personal use limits
The crossing itself
Most Patagonian border crossings are remote and the border officers are professional and unhurried. Allow 1–2 hours for each crossing. The road conditions on the Argentine side vary: some crossings put you onto excellent paved highways; others continue on gravel.
Fuel and currency
Fuel is significantly cheaper in Argentina. Fill up whenever you cross. Argentine pesos are only useful in Argentina — exchange what you need and no more. USD and Chilean pesos are not accepted at Argentine fuel stations.
