South America: Automobile Clubs, Roadside Assistance and Emergency Services www.travelplanet.cc
A practical guide for road trips, rental-car travel and driving your own vehicle in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela — including emergency numbers, automobile clubs, tourist assistance and essential safety information.
1. Immediate Help and Emergency Numbers
South America does not have one shared emergency number. Some countries use 911 or 123, while others use separate numbers for police, ambulance and fire services. Before every drive, save the relevant country’s numbers, the rental company’s 24-hour number and your insurer’s assistance contact offline.
Important: For danger to life, a serious accident, fire, violence or a medical emergency, call the local police, ambulance or fire service first. A routine flat tyre or mechanical problem without immediate danger should normally be handled first through the rental company, insurer or roadside-assistance provider.
| Country | Police / General Emergency | Ambulance | Fire Service / Other Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 911 or police 101 | 107 | Fire service 100; Tourist Police in Buenos Aires: 0800-999-5000 or 0800-999-2838. |
| Bolivia | 110 | 118 | Fire service 119; confirm local numbers on arrival. |
| Brazil | 190 | 192 (SAMU) | Fire service 193; tourist police may be available in major cities. |
| Chile | 133 (Carabineros) | 131 | Fire service 132; the 131/132/133 sequence is widely known nationwide. |
| Colombia | 123 | 123 | 123; integrated emergency line in many cities and regions. |
| Ecuador | 911 (ECU 911) | 911 | 911; central emergency coordination. |
| Guyana | 911 or 919 | 913 | Fire service 912; check local availability on arrival. |
| Paraguay | 911 | 141 | Fire service 132; verify details locally. |
| Peru | 105 | 106 or 116 depending on service | 116; iPerú tourist assistance: +51 1 574 8000. |
| Suriname | 115 | 113 | Fire service 110; check local numbers before driving. |
| Uruguay | 911 or 109 | 105 | Fire service 104; additional regional contacts may apply. |
| Venezuela | 911 or local police number | 911 or local ambulance contact | 171 for civil protection/emergencies in many regions; current local details must be checked. |
Language note: Most emergency call centres operate primarily in Spanish, and in Portuguese in Brazil. Save your accommodation address, GPS coordinates, key medical details and a description of a breakdown in the local language or English for offline use.
Back to table of contents2. Preparing for a Road Trip
South America is excellent for road trips, but it often requires conservative planning. Distances, altitude, desert, rainforest, extreme weather, borders and limited infrastructure can make journeys much more demanding than the map distance suggests.
Prepare Before Departure
- Save the rental agreement, vehicle papers, local liability insurance and the rental company’s 24-hour assistance contact offline
- Obtain written confirmation about border crossings, unpaved roads, high-altitude passes, ferries, 4x4 routes and specific regions
- Keep your driving licence, international driving permit where needed, passport, vehicle documents and insurance evidence separate and secure
- Download offline maps, accommodation details, fuel stations, charging points, safe stops and alternative routes in advance
- Carry water, snacks, warm layers, sun protection, a torch, power bank, travel first-aid kit and a small cash reserve
- Check tyres, spare wheel, tools, brakes, fluids, lights, windscreen wipers and fuel level
- At high altitude, acclimatise gradually and consider weather, engine performance, brakes and your personal fitness
- During the rainy season or in Patagonia, check weather, road, wind, snow and flood warnings before every stage
- Share your route with a trusted person and agree check-in times for remote driving stages
Basic rule: Drive in daylight whenever possible, refuel or recharge early, and allow much more buffer time than navigation suggests. In remote areas, fuel stations, garages, mobile signal and medical assistance can be far away.
Back to table of contents3. Country Selection
Choose your travel country. The following sections include key emergency numbers, club or assistance information and practical guidance for driving and rental-car travel.
Roadside-assistance note: Outside major cities and main routes, a nationwide roadside service is not always as straightforward as in Europe. With rental cars, the rental company’s 24-hour assistance is usually the most important contact. If driving your own vehicle, verify the exact country coverage of your breakdown policy, insurer and automobile club in advance.
Back to table of contents4. Argentina
Argentina is one of South America’s great road-trip countries: from Buenos Aires through the Andes and northwest to Patagonia. Distances, wind, snow, altitude and remote fuel stations make careful preparation essential.
| Organisation / Service | Contact | Use | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA – Automóvil Club Argentino | Mechanical assistance / Road Emergency: 0800 777 2894; from many mobile networks *222 | Automobile club, roadside assistance, travel and mobility services. Check reciprocal services for eligible club members. | aca.org.ar |
| Emergency services | 911 or police 101; ambulance 107; fire service 100 | Danger, accident, medical emergency or fire. | Confirm current local access on arrival. |
| Buenos Aires Tourist Police | 0800-999-5000 / 0800-999-2838 | Support for tourists in case of theft or other problems in Buenos Aires. | Verify through official local tourism and police information. |
Driving Advice
- Take wind warnings seriously in Patagonia; high-sided vehicles and motorhomes can be particularly affected.
- In the Andes and northwest, consider altitude, weather, fuel stations and potential border-pass closures.
- On long distances, never allow fuel to run too low; opening hours at small fuel stations may be limited.
5. Bolivia
Bolivia can be demanding due to major altitude changes, very remote routes and seasonally difficult roads. Travel times between places are often much longer than digital maps estimate.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Danger, accident, violence or urgent police help. | Verify current local numbers before travel. |
| Ambulance | 118 | Medical emergency and rescue. | Access to care can be limited in rural areas. |
| Fire service | 119 | Fire, smoke or vehicle fire. | Follow local authority instructions in immediate danger. |
| Rental-car / insurance assistance | Agreement / policy | Mechanical issue, towing and replacement transport. | Confirm in advance whether salt flats, unpaved roads and high-altitude routes are insured. |
Driving Advice
- For Altiplano and highland driving, factor in altitude, cold, intense sun, lack of mobile signal and long distances.
- During rainy seasons, unpaved roads, rivers and hillside routes can become difficult or impassable.
- For Uyuni, remote national parks and off-road routes, use only reputable operators or locally suitable vehicles.
6. Brazil
Brazil is vast and highly varied by region. Driving can range from major-city traffic and toll motorways to remote inland roads. Portuguese emergency phrases and offline navigation are particularly helpful.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 190 | Danger, accident, violence and urgent police help. | For federal highways, Polícia Rodoviária Federal may also be relevant; check current contact options. |
| SAMU – Ambulance | 192 | Medical emergency. | Give location in Portuguese or use map coordinates. |
| Fire service | 193 | Fire, smoke and rescue after accidents. | Call immediately for vehicle fire or danger. |
| Automóvel Clube Brasileiro (ACBr) | Check club contact and reciprocal benefits through FIA Region IV | Automobile-club and mobility contact. | Automóvel Clube Brasileiro |
Driving Advice
- In metropolitan regions and at night, use defensive driving, safer routes and guarded parking where possible.
- Brazil has many toll roads; with rental cars, clarify transponders, billing and extra fees in advance.
- For long drives, plan weather, fuel, tyres, mobile coverage and safe overnight stops realistically.
7. Chile
Chile offers exceptional road-trip routes from the Atacama Desert in the north through central Chile to Patagonia. Its long north-south extent, desert, high mountains, wind and seasonal weather require precise stage planning.
| Organisation / Service | Contact | Use | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carabineros – Police | 133 | Accident, danger, traffic incident and urgent police help. | Follow local advice and instructions. |
| Ambulance | 131 | Medical emergencies. | The 131 ambulance, 132 fire service and 133 police sequence is widely used. |
| Fire service | 132 | Fire, smoke and technical rescue. | Call immediately when there is danger. |
| Automóvil Club de Chile | Road Emergency: 600 6000 600 | Automobile-club, mobility and roadside-assistance services; check conditions for international members. | automovilclub.cl |
Driving Advice
- For Andean passes and border crossings into Argentina, check weather, snow-chain requirements, opening status and potentially long waits.
- In the north, take water, fuel, sun protection and altitude acclimatisation very seriously.
- In Patagonia, expect strong wind, rapidly changing weather and sometimes very large distances between towns.
8. Colombia
Colombia combines modern cities, Andes regions, the coffee zone, Caribbean coast and rainforest. Winding mountain roads, heavy traffic, rain and unpredictable travel times are key factors for safe route planning.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated emergency line | 123 | Police, ambulance, fire service and other immediate emergencies. | One of the most important numbers for travellers in Colombia. |
| Tourism Police / tourism offices | Local contacts through official tourism services and accommodation | Help with tourist questions, theft or orientation. | Varies by city and region; ask locally. |
| Rental-car / insurance assistance | Agreement / policy | Breakdown, towing, replacement transport and claim reporting. | For mountain roads, night driving and remote regions, verify approvals in advance. |
Driving Advice
- Do not plan Andes driving times by straight-line distance: hairpins, traffic and weather can greatly extend each stage.
- Avoid night driving on unfamiliar intercity routes and use secure, recommended parking.
- Before driving, obtain current road, weather and safety information from accommodation and official sources.
9. Ecuador
Ecuador provides highly varied landscapes over short distances: Andes, coast, Amazon and volcano regions. This means weather, altitude and road conditions can change rapidly along one route.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECU 911 | 911 | Police, ambulance, fire service and general immediate emergencies. | Central emergency coordination; state your location precisely. |
| Tourist support | Official tourism offices / accommodation | Travel, safety and traffic guidance. | Ask locally for current contact details. |
| Rental-car / insurance assistance | Agreement / policy | Breakdown, towing and replacement vehicle. | Check cover and vehicle permission for mountain and rainforest routes. |
Driving Advice
- On volcano and Andes routes, expect fog, rain, landslides and large altitude changes.
- For Amazon routes, use current local information on road and weather conditions.
- On the Galápagos Islands, mobility is highly island-specific; check rental-car and traffic rules separately.
10. Guyana and Suriname
Guyana and Suriname differ linguistically and in infrastructure from Spanish-speaking South America. Long distances, tropical weather, limited road infrastructure and left-hand traffic require particularly careful preparation.
| Country | Emergency / Police | Ambulance | Fire Service and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana | 911 or 919 | 913 | Fire service 912. Guyana drives on the left; secure fuel, water and offline maps early on rural routes. |
| Suriname | Police 115 | 113 | Fire service 110. Suriname drives on the left; be especially prepared for rain, distances and limited help outside Paramaribo. |
Driving Advice
- Left-hand traffic requires full concentration after collecting a rental car, especially when turning and at roundabouts.
- For rainforest and interior routes, confirm vehicle suitability, permits, fuel and local guides or information in advance.
- Border and ferry connections may be seasonally or operationally limited; do not plan around them without confirmation.
11. Paraguay
Paraguay can be suitable for overland travel, but particularly outside main corridors it requires planning around road quality, heat, fuel stations and border formalities.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 911 | Danger, accident and urgent police help. | Verify local availability on arrival. |
| Ambulance | 141 | Medical emergency. | In remote areas, factor in assistance and transport times. |
| Fire service | 132 | Fire, smoke and vehicle fire. | Call immediately in a fire. |
| Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo (TACPy) | Check membership and assistance details directly before travel | Automobile-club and mobility contact. | tacpy.com.py |
Driving Advice
- In the Chaco, account for large distances, heat, dust, limited services and rainy-season risks.
- For unpaved routes, check vehicle permission and insurance cover.
- For border drives to Argentina, Brazil or Bolivia, obtain written confirmation of document, toll and insurance requirements in advance.
12. Peru
Peru combines coast, Andes and Amazon. Major altitude changes, mountain roads, fog, long stages and sometimes limited infrastructure require defensive and flexible route planning.
| Organisation / Service | Contact | Use | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 105 | Danger, accident, violence and police assistance. | Follow local instructions. |
| Ambulance / fire service | 106 or 116 depending on service | Medical emergency, fire and rescue. | Confirm current regional numbers on arrival or through accommodation. |
| iPerú – Tourist Information and Assistance | +51 1 574 8000 | Free tourist support, orientation and assistance, including in English. | Peru Travel: Useful Information |
| Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú | Road Emergency: 211 9999 | Automobile-club, assistance and mobility services; check conditions for international members. | touring.pe |
Driving Advice
- For Andes driving, consider altitude, hairpins, fog, heavy vehicles and long travel times.
- For remote Amazon or highland regions, plan realistic reserves for fuel, weather and communications.
- For tourist difficulties, iPerú can be particularly useful for orientation and formal complaints.
13. Uruguay
Uruguay is comparatively well suited to self-drive travel in the region. Nevertheless, clarify tolls, night driving, coastal traffic, rental-car conditions and cross-border driving to Argentina or Brazil in advance.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 911 or 109 | Danger, accident and urgent police help. | Check current local numbers and responsibility on arrival. |
| Ambulance | 105 | Medical emergency. | Regional medical providers may have additional contacts. |
| Fire service | 104 | Fire and technical rescue. | Call immediately in case of vehicle fire. |
| Automóvil Club del Uruguay (ACU) | Check club and assistance details directly before travel | Mobility and club contact; verify international reciprocity. | acu.com.uy |
Driving Advice
- For coastal routes, holiday periods and Montevideo, allow for traffic and parking conditions.
- For border crossings into Argentina or Brazil, obtain written rental-car permission and valid insurance.
- Even with good main roads, plan night driving and long distances conservatively.
14. Venezuela
Driving in Venezuela requires especially careful, current checks of security conditions, supplies, road conditions, insurance availability and accessible consular support. General information can become outdated very quickly.
| Service | Contact | When to Use It | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police / general emergency | 911 or local number | Danger, accident, violence and urgent help. | Verify numbers and actual availability locally through accommodation or official sources. |
| Civil Protection / emergencies | 171 in many regions | Emergencies and disaster response. | Regional differences are possible; local information takes priority. |
| Rental-car / insurance assistance | Agreement / policy | Breakdown, towing and accident reporting. | Obtain written confirmation that help, insurance and replacement transport are actually available. |
Especially important: Before any trip to Venezuela, check the current travel and security advice from the relevant authorities. If security or supply conditions do not allow safe self-drive travel, do not undertake the route.
Back to table of contents15. Automobile Clubs and FIA Region IV
FIA Region IV includes mobility clubs in South and Central America. Several national clubs may offer reciprocal benefits to members of FIA partner clubs. These can include roadside assistance, technical advice, travel information or club benefits, but they are never automatic and differ by country and membership.
| Country | Examples of Club Organisations | Note for Travellers |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | ACA – Automóvil Club Argentino | Large mobility and assistance network; check international reciprocity and specific benefits before driving. |
| Brazil | Automóvel Clube Brasileiro (ACBr) | Club contact through FIA Region IV; confirm actual service coverage directly. |
| Chile | Automóvil Club de Chile | Roadside-assistance and club services, including Road Emergency 600 6000 600; check terms. |
| Paraguay | Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo | Check club and assistance benefits directly in advance. |
| Peru | Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú | Road Emergency 211 9999; confirm membership and international conditions. |
| Uruguay | Automóvil Club del Uruguay | Club and mobility contact; clarify reciprocal benefits beforehand. |
The FIA maintains a member directory, and FIA Region IV describes reciprocal services between affiliated clubs. If you hold an automobile-club membership, obtain written confirmation before departure that the destination country, vehicle type and desired service are actually included.
FIA: Mobility Clubs in South America · FIA Region IV: Reciprocal Services
No automatic cover: ÖAMTC, ADAC, AAA, TCS or any other automobile-club membership does not guarantee free roadside assistance, towing or vehicle repatriation in South America. Your plan, assistance terms, country, vehicle type and specific incident always determine coverage.
Back to table of contents16. Rental Cars, Insurance and Border Crossings
Rental-car terms are particularly important in South America. Many providers limit border crossings, unpaved-road travel, off-road use, highland routes or specific regions. In a breakdown, the rental company is normally your first point of contact.
When a Rental Car Breaks Down
- First secure the location and call the appropriate local emergency number for danger, injuries, fire or violence.
- Then call the rental company’s 24-hour assistance contact; save the number from the agreement, app or vehicle documents.
- Do not arrange repairs or towing yourself without approval, unless authorities or an immediate danger require it.
- Document the booking number, registration plate, GPS location, direction of travel, photos, damage description and names of everyone involved.
- In an accident, notify police, rental company and insurer as required under the agreement, and request a written report where needed.
Border Crossings
- Border crossings between South American countries often require advance written permission, special vehicle documents, authorisation, local liability insurance and sometimes additional fees.
- Before booking, confirm in writing: permitted countries, insurance cover, import rules, tolls, drop-off location and emergency help in the neighbouring country.
- Andean passes between Chile and Argentina, long Patagonia routes and border areas can close because of weather. Never plan cross-border stages without a substantial time buffer.
17. Special Risks and Road Safety
On South American road trips, breakdowns are not the only issue. Altitude, climate, distance, natural hazards, security conditions and access to services determine whether a route is realistic and safe.
| Risk or Situation | What to Watch For | Useful Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Long distances | Fuel stations, garages, mobile reception and medical help may be far apart. | Refuel or recharge early, carry water and supplies, save offline maps and plan stages conservatively. |
| Altitude | Acclimatisation, weather, engine performance, braking and physical strain in the Andes. | Adapt gradually, carry medication and water, and avoid risky night driving over passes. |
| Desert, heat and dryness | Dehydration, overheating, tyre problems and limited help in remote areas. | Plan water reserve, coolant, tyre pressure, sun protection and fuel or charging reserve. |
| Patagonian wind and cold | Strong crosswinds, snow, ice and sudden weather changes. | Follow weather warnings, reduce speed and carry adequate warm equipment. |
| Rainforest and rainy season | Heavy rain, rivers, mud, landslides, floods and lack of signal. | Obtain local road information, avoid risky river crossings and allow time buffers. |
| Night driving and vehicle security | Unlit roads, animals, pedestrians, potholes and security risks. | Drive in daylight, leave nothing visible in the vehicle and use guarded or recommended parking. |
| Language and dealing with authorities | Emergency calls and claims handling are generally in Spanish, and Portuguese in Brazil. | Prepare translations, GPS coordinates, insurance policy details and key phrases offline. |
18. Checklist for a Breakdown or Accident
Stay calm and follow a clear order. It protects people and makes later handling with police, rental company, insurer and assistance providers easier.
Accident or Dangerous Breakdown
- Turn on hazard lights and only move the vehicle when it is safe to do so
- Move people away from the road and into a protected place
- For injuries, fire, violence or immediate danger, call the country-specific emergency number
- Capture your location precisely: road, direction, kilometre point, exit, nearest town, landmark or GPS coordinates
- Take photos of the vehicle, surroundings, damage, registration plates and traffic situation where safe
- In an accident, exchange details and follow instructions from police, rental company and insurer
- Do not sign an admission of liability; document facts and request written records
Mechanical Breakdown Without Immediate Danger
- Park as safely as possible, turn on hazard lights and remain aware of your surroundings
- With a rental car, contact the rental company or its 24-hour assistance service first
- With your own vehicle, call your insurer, breakdown policy or home automobile club
- Have membership or booking number, registration, vehicle model, the problem and precise location ready
- Before repairs or towing, clarify cost approval, destination garage and replacement transport
- Keep service records, receipts, photos and names of all providers
- For tourist problems, consider iPerú in Peru, ACA in Argentina and Automóvil Club de Chile where the specific service is suitable
Remember: In danger, call the local emergency number first. For a routine breakdown, first make the location safe, then contact the rental company, insurer or club assistance. In South America, rental-company assistance is usually the most important roadside-help contact for rental vehicles.
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