Medellin Colombia Rental Cars - Auto Rentals in Medellin Colombia - Medellin Visitor Guide Car Rental Information

Driving Tips

Driving Requirements: For safety, you must drive with your lights on when outside the city of Medellin. If you are pulled over or stopped and your lights are off you can expect a citation. If stopped be polite and cooperate with the Police. Just use common sense and you'll enjoy driving in Colombia.

Identification: Always carry your Drivers License and Passport (or copy of your passport) and a cell phone for safety.

International Driver's Permit: Before you travel to Colombia, travel to any AAA office for your International Driving Permit. Bring your valid U.S. driver’s license, $15.00, and two original passport-type photos. You will be issued the permit while you wait at the AAA office. Valid in over 150 countries, the permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into ten languages.

Vehicle Check Points: There are frequent Police check points when driving inside and outside of the city. Your registration or rental receipt and insurance papers will be checked along with drivers license and identification. Your car will probably be searched, but don't worry the police are only looking for illegal items.

Car Rental: Renting a car can enhance your vacation so it´s definitely something worth considering. Please note that driving in Medellin can be quite difficult and we highly recommend driving early in the day before the traffic builds up. Sunday morning is one of the best times to take a drive and see Medellin.

Day Trips: Take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia, Santa Helena, Guatape, El Peñol or Llano Grande in Rionegro. Driving from Medellin allows for spectacular views as you climb up and out of the city into the surrounding mountains that lead to your day trip destination. Make sure you know where you are driving to and that you do not set out on a long distance trip unless you are traveling with someone who knows the way. Also remember during the holiday season national roads are heavily patrolled.

Precautions: Be very careful if you drive outside of the city at night. Remember, driving into the poor neighborhoods (Barios) of Medellin can be dangerous. A good sign that you're heading into a dangerous area is when there are only taxis and buses on the road and no other private vehicles.