Renting a Car at Aeroparque (AEP)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent a Car
- Do I have to book in advance? Absolutely yes. Not only to guarantee the availability of the type of vehicle you want, but also to avoid higher prices and long waits at the counter, especially during peak season.
- What should I do when I receive the car? Document everything. Use your phone to record a detailed video of the exterior and interior. Take photos of any scratches, dents, or damage, no matter how small, and make sure it is recorded in the contract before you leave.
- What about the credit card guarantee? It's a security deposit that will be blocked on your card. Given the reports of scams, review your bank statements during the following months. Consider using a card with a low limit or a virtual one if your bank allows it.
- How does the fuel policy work? Generally, they give you the car with a full tank and you must return it the same way. If you don't, they will charge you for the missing fuel at a much higher price than at a gas station. Fill the tank yourself before returning it.
- Where are the cars returned? This is a key point of confusion. Most returns are at the South Parking Lot, 6th floor. Go with time because it's not easy to find and signage is poor.
Critical Points to Keep in Mind
- Location is a maze. The counters are in domestic arrivals, but finding the place to pick up or return the car is confusing. Key point: the return for several agencies, such as Localiza, is on the 6th floor of the South Parking Lot, and it is not well signposted.
- Inspect the car like a detective. There are reports of scams, such as charging for pre-existing damage (chipped windshields). Take photos and videos of EVERY detail of the interior and exterior before moving it. Verify that the USB, Bluetooth, and alarm work.
- Beware of surprise charges and scams. Several users report unexpected charges for fuel, parking, and even serious reports of fraudulent credit card use after leaving their details as a guarantee. Pay maximum attention.
- Return can be a trap. Staff may not be at the counter at the time of return, causing delays that could make you miss your flight. Prepare for this possibility and don't arrive with just enough time.
- Service is a lottery. The quality of service depends enormously on the company and the employee on duty. While some companies have highly praised staff, others are criticized for their bad attitude and lack of solutions.
Pros and cons of renting a car at Aeroparque
Pros: all 5 major agencies operate directly in the domestic arrivals hall, with no need for additional transfers; Europcar and Hertz offer a consistently good counter experience; Localiza is the only one with 24-hour service; comparison sites like Discover Cars allow you to book in advance and compare prices.
Cons: confusing signage for vehicle returns (especially 6th floor of the South Parking Lot); recurring reports of surprise charges and, in the case of Avis, fraudulent credit card use after rental; Alamo concentrates the most serious complaints of the entire set; weak post-rental support at several agencies, including Hertz.
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General Recommendations
- Check the opening hours of each company, especially if your flight arrives in the early morning or at night.
- Book your car in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Inspect the vehicle's condition upon pickup and make sure any pre-existing damage is documented.
- Ask about insurance, fuel policies, and additional costs to avoid surprises.
Analysis of Rental Agencies
In the domestic arrivals hall you can find the counters of car rental companies. Below, we provide detailed information on each one, along with a summary of passenger experiences.
Alamo/National
www.alamoargentina.com.ar · Tel. 0 810 999 2526
Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pmUser experience:
This is one of the agencies with the worst reviews. Travelers report waits of up to two hours, vehicles in poor condition (USB failures, Bluetooth, no alarm), unexpected charges for fuel and parking, and terrible customer service, with staff often not at their post. Apart from some isolated positive mentions, the general experience is unanimously negative.
Strategy: document the car on video and photo before moving it, keep a copy of the contract with any pre-existing damage noted, and review your card statements during the following months for unrecognized charges. If you have an alternative within your budget, prioritize another agency.
Avis
www.avis.com.ar · Tel. 0 810 999 12847
Hours: 7:00 am to 10:00 pmUser experience:
The experience is very mixed. On one hand, there are positive comments about the quality of the vehicles and the good attitude of the staff. However, a very dark shadow hangs over Avis: there are serious and recurring reports of credit card cloning and fraudulent use from customers months after renting. In addition, billing problems and improper charges are mentioned.
Strategy: if possible, use a card with a low limit or a virtual card to leave as a guarantee, and carefully review your bank statements during the months following the rental.
Europcar
www.europcar.com.ar · Tel. +54 11 4316 6570
Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pmUser experience:
It is, by far, the best-rated company at Aeroparque. Passengers consistently highlight excellent service, friendly and professional staff, cars in impeccable condition, and a process without delays or "surprises." It is the option that seems to offer the most peace of mind and reliability.
Hertz
www.hertz.com.ar · Tel. +54 11 4777 3777
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pmUser experience:
Generally a positive counter experience. Travelers value the quality of the vehicles, the speed of the process, and the friendliness of the branch staff. However, its weak point seems to be post-rental support: several users complain that it is impossible to get in touch to resolve doubts or problems once they already have the car.
Strategy: note down the official support phone number and email before picking up the car, and if an issue arises during the rental, insist through several channels (phone, WhatsApp, email) simultaneously.
Localiza
www.localiza.com · Tel. +54 11 4845 0072 / 0 800 999 2999
Hours: 24 hoursUser experience:
A mixed bag. On one hand, it has the great advantage of operating 24 hours and receives praise for its staff's service. On the other hand, it faces serious problems: the terrible signage for vehicle return (6th Floor, South Parking Lot) is a constant complaint, and there are reports of scams with pre-existing damage (such as windshield chips) that end up in high charges. WhatsApp communication is also rated as deficient.
Strategy: confirm in advance the exact return point (6th Floor, South Parking Lot) and photograph in detail the windshield and entire bodywork when picking up the car, given the pattern of charges for pre-existing damage.
Remember
When choosing a rental company at Aeroparque, make sure you know all the policies and conditions to have a smoother experience. Arriving with your documentation ready and booking in advance will help you save time and avoid inconvenience.
