Quick answer
In Argentina there are three car-with-driver services: taxi (licensed car, hailed on the street or at stands), remis (licensed private car, requested by phone or WhatsApp) and private transfer (booked in advance, ideal for tourists). In Puerto Iguazú, the private transfer is the most practical option for excursions, airport transfers and crossings to Brazil.
Taxi in Argentina: what it is and how it works
The taxi is the best-known car-with-driver service in Argentina. It is a vehicle with a municipal license, identified by distinctive colors (in Buenos Aires they are black and yellow, in other cities they vary). You can hail one on the street, at designated stands or request one by phone.
Taxis in Puerto Iguazú
In Puerto Iguazú, taxis do not use meters. The fare is negotiated and agreed with the driver before getting in. This is normal and does not mean it is informal: taxis are licensed by the municipality with insurance.
Advantages
- Available without prior booking
- Can be hailed at stands or on the street
- Licensed service with municipal permit
Disadvantages
- Does not always wait while you visit an attraction
- Does not cross the border to Brazil
- Variable availability at night and during low season
- No meter — you must negotiate the fare
Remis in Argentina: what it is and how it works
The remis is a service unique to Argentina (it does not exist under that name in other countries). It is a private car with municipal authorization for passenger transport. Unlike a taxi, it has no distinctive colors and cannot be hailed on the street: you request one by phone or WhatsApp from a remis agency.
Remis in Puerto Iguazú
In Puerto Iguazú there are several remis agencies operating 24 hours. The fare is agreed when you request the service, before the car arrives. Vehicles are licensed with insurance and drivers have professional licenses.
Advantages
- Fare agreed before the trip
- Licensed vehicle with mandatory insurance
- 24-hour service at most agencies
- Requested by phone or WhatsApp
Disadvantages
- Must call to request — cannot be hailed on the street
- During peak season there may be delays
- Not all offer Brazil crossing service
Private transfer: what it is and why tourists choose it
The private transfer is a transport service booked in advance, generally oriented toward tourists. It is coordinated via WhatsApp, website or phone, and the driver waits for you at the agreed location and time. It is the most complete service for visitors to Puerto Iguazú.
Private transfer in Puerto Iguazú
In Puerto Iguazú the private transfer is the most popular choice among tourists, especially for IGR airport transfers, Iguazú Falls visits, crossing to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and excursions to nearby destinations. The driver knows the border procedures and accompanies you throughout the journey.
Advantages
- Fixed fare agreed before the trip
- Driver waits for you as long as needed
- Knows border procedures for crossing to Brazil
- Child seat available (ask when booking)
- Door-to-door service: hotel to destination and back
- Available 24/7, including early morning hours
- Ideal for groups and families
Disadvantages
- Requires advance booking (via WhatsApp or website)
- Cannot be hailed spontaneously on the street
Comparison table: taxi vs remis vs transfer
| Feature | Taxi | Remis | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Stands / street | By call | By booking |
| Pre-booking | ❌ Not needed | ✅ By phone/WhatsApp | ✅ By WhatsApp/web |
| Fare | Negotiated when boarding | Agreed when requesting | Fixed when booking |
| Crosses to Brazil | ❌ No | ⚠️ Some | ✅ Yes |
| Waits at destination | ⚠️ Not always | ⚠️ Depends on agreement | ✅ Included |
| Hours | ⚠️ Variable at night | ✅ 24 hours | ✅ 24 hours |
| Ideal for | Short trips | Scheduled rides | Tourists and groups |
When to use each service?
Short spontaneous trips within the city
Taxi. Hail one at a stand or on the street. Ideal for going from the hotel to a restaurant or exploring downtown Puerto Iguazú without needing to book.
Scheduled short-distance trips
Remis. Request one by phone or WhatsApp with some advance notice. Agreed fare and licensed vehicle with insurance.
Airport, excursions, Brazil crossing, groups or families
Private transfer. Book in advance and forget about everything: the driver waits for you, knows the border procedures, has a child seat if needed and the fare is fixed with no surprises.
For international tourists: what you need to know
If you are from another country and unfamiliar with the Argentine transport system, these points will help:
All three services are legal
Taxi, remis and private transfer are licensed and regulated services in Argentina. All operate with municipal permits and insurance. They are not informal transport.
It is not like Uber
Unlike Uber (which has variable legal status in Argentina), the remis and transfer are established services for decades, completely legal throughout the country.
No meter in Iguazú
Taxis in Puerto Iguazú do not use meters. This is normal in small tourist cities in Argentina. Always agree on the fare before getting in.
WhatsApp is the main channel
In Argentina, WhatsApp is used for everything, including booking remises and transfers. It is the fastest and most reliable way to coordinate transport.
Cash vs card
Taxis generally only accept cash in Argentine pesos. Private transfers usually offer more payment options. Ask when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take a taxi in Puerto Iguazú?
Yes. Taxis in Puerto Iguazú are safe. They are vehicles licensed by the municipality with insurance. As in any tourist city, it is recommended to agree on the fare before getting in because they do not use meters. For nighttime or early morning airport transfers, it is better to book a transfer or remis in advance.
Should you tip the taxi driver or transfer driver?
Tipping is not mandatory in Argentina for taxis, remises or transfers. However, it is an appreciated gesture if the service was good. There is no fixed percentage: rounding up the amount or leaving a voluntary extra is common.
Do taxis and transfers in Iguazú accept credit cards?
Most taxis only accept cash (Argentine pesos). Private transfer services like Cataratas Taxi generally offer more payment options, including bank transfer. Ask about payment methods when booking.
What is the difference between remis and Uber?
The remis is a legal and licensed service throughout Argentina for decades: it operates with a municipal license, mandatory insurance and is requested by phone or WhatsApp. Uber has variable legal status depending on the city. In Puerto Iguazú, Uber has existed since 2023 but with very few drivers. The remis is the reliable and regulated alternative.
Does the private transfer include tolls and National Park entry?
Generally no. The transfer service includes door-to-door transport with a driver who waits. Tolls and entry tickets to Iguazú National Park are paid separately. When booking, ask exactly what is included in the service.
Need a private transfer in Iguazú?
With Cataratas Taxi you book your transfer via WhatsApp and you are set: we wait for you at the airport, take you to the Falls, cross to Brazil and accompany you on all excursions. Fixed fare, driver who waits and 24-hour service. 12+ years of experience in Puerto Iguazú.
Book transfer via WhatsAppLast updated: June 2, 2026 · Author: Hernán Pared, Cataratas Taxi (12+ years of experience in tourist transport in Puerto Iguazú)