Argentina Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Is a Vacation in Argentina Worth It?

Yes, yes, and yes again. Argentina is simply an amazing country. Both scenically and culturally, a trip to Argentina is a truly remarkable experience. On top of that, Argentina is overall a safe travel destination.

From the tropics with waterfalls in the north to glaciers and towering mountains in the south, Argentina offers the full spectrum of breathtaking nature.

On top of that, Argentinians are just incredibly friendly and fun-loving people who always have a reason to celebrate. Delicious steak, wild soccer nights, and tango dancing — that’s what Argentina is all about.

If you’re not sure yet what Argentina has to offer, check out our article on the top highlights.

The most beautiful attractions in Argentina

Getting to Argentina

From Frankfurt, there are a handful of direct flights to Argentina. Otherwise, you’ll need to count on at least one stopover.

Most routes go through Madrid or Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. Flying from Amsterdam is also a solid option — there are direct flights from there too.

We always search for flights on Skyscanner. It shows you all available connections and it’s super easy to navigate:

Search flights on Skyscanner

All flights from Europe land in Buenos Aires. Depending on your connection, you’ll arrive at Buenos Aires-Ezeiza Airport (EZE) or Buenos Aires-Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). The latter is closer to the city center — if you have the choice, go with that one.

Entering Argentina

To enter Argentina, you’ll need your passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

At customs, you’ll need to show your passport and provide your address in Argentina. Have the name or address of your first hotel ready. Your fingerprints will also be taken and a photo will be made.

We didn’t have to show a return ticket or proof of onward travel — we just had to say how long we’d be staying.

Very important: When you enter the country, you will not get a stamp in your passport. So please don’t panic.

Paying and Currency in Argentina

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). 1 Euro is worth about 1,700 ARS. However, the exchange rate fluctuates quite a bit and there are differences between exchange rates.

You can pay by card almost everywhere in Argentina — especially with Visa debit cards, the exchange rate tends to be very good. When paying by credit card, you often have to pay an additional fee.

When exchanging cash, make sure you’re getting a good rate. Another solid option is having cash sent to yourself via Western Union.

Since the topic of paying in Argentina is quite complex, we explain everything in more detail in a separate article.

Accommodations in Argentina

From budget hostels to upscale luxury hotels, Argentina has it all when it comes to places to stay. In Buenos Aires and at tourist destinations, you have a wide selection to choose from.

The price level is roughly on par with Western Europe. A bed in a hostel will cost you around 20–25 euros, while a double room in a standard hotel runs about 80 euros.

We’ve written a dedicated article on where to stay in Buenos Aires, with our hotel recommendations for the city.

Safety in Argentina

Good news first: Argentina is a safe travel destination! You often hear about corruption and how dangerous South America is, but many of those concerns are overblown.

As a tourist, you’ll barely notice any crime at all. There are safe and unsafe areas in Argentina — if you stick to the tourist areas and avoid walking through deserted streets at night, chances are nothing will happen to you.

We cover these and a few more safety pointers in more detail in our dedicated article on safety in Argentina.

Getting Around Argentina

What’s the best way to travel around Argentina? For longer distances, we recommend flying or taking long-distance buses.

If long drives don’t bother you, traveling by rental car is also an option. As the eighth-largest country in the world, Argentina is vast — the distances are much greater than most people expect.

We’ve put together an overview of distances between popular destinations and the modes of transportation available. This will give you a much better sense of the scale involved.

Buses in Argentina are usually well-equipped and comfortable — totally suitable for sleeping on overnight routes. Well-known bus companies include Via Tacna, Via Bariloche, and Chevallier.

You can find most bus connections on the Argentine website plataforma10.com and on the international platform Busbud.

The main airlines for domestic flights in Argentina are Aerolinea Argentina, Flybondi, and Jetsmart.

We especially recommend renting a car if you’re planning a road trip through Patagonia. Having a car there is incredibly convenient. More on that in our Patagonia road trip article:

The easiest way to book a rental car is through Discovercars:

Compare rental car deals on Discovercars

Getting Around Within Cities

In large cities, the best way to get from A to B is by bus. There’s a nationwide transit card for this: SUBE. This card is the only valid transit card in most cities in Argentina, including Buenos Aires and Bariloche. Your best bet is to pick one up right at the airport or at a kiosk.

The SUBE card costs 1,500 ARS (1 euro) and you then need to load it with credit. A single ride in Buenos Aires costs only around 500 ARS — in other cities it’s usually a bit more. Buenos Aires also has a metro, called the Subte.

If you prefer more comfort, Uber and taxis are widely available in many parts of Argentina — and both are quite affordable.

Language and Communication in Argentina

The official language of Argentina is Spanish. There are also a few indigenous languages.

You can get by with English in Argentina to a certain extent. In Buenos Aires and Patagonia, some people speak English. In many other places, however, they don’t — so it’s worth picking up a bit of Spanish before your trip.

If you already speak Spanish, you should know that Argentine Spanish has a few distinctive features. Instead of tu (you), people say vos. For example: “Tu puedes hacerlo” becomes “Vos podés hacerlo” in Argentina.

Argentinians also pronounce ll as in “llamar” and the y in “yo” differently. While these are usually pronounced like a j, in Argentina they sound like sh.

SIM Card, Internet & Power Outlets

To stay connected while traveling around Argentina, you’ll need a SIM card. You can buy one at the airport, at kiosks, and in shops. The best-known providers are Claro, Movistar, and Personal.

We recommend buying your SIM card at the airport or directly from one of these providers — that way you won’t get ripped off. You can get about 2 GB of data for around 15,000 ARS (9 euros).

A great alternative is an eSIM. It’s a bit more expensive, but you can conveniently purchase it before you even leave home.

Coverage is good almost everywhere — except in truly remote areas like large parts of Patagonia.

In most parts of Argentina, you won’t need an adapter. Argentina uses outlet types C and I. Type C is the standard European plug. That said, pack a travel adapter anyway, because in some places you’ll only find outlet type I.

Best Time to Visit and Time Zones in Argentina

The best time to visit Argentina is during the summer months of November through April. That said, it depends heavily on where you’re headed, since the country spans several climate zones.

In the center, where Buenos Aires is located, the climate is Mediterranean — hot summers and mild winters. Rain is possible year-round but overall fairly rare. Best time to visit: October through December and March through May.

In Patagonia in the south, it’s significantly colder. Summers are short, and in winter the mountains are snow-covered and very cold. Many tourist attractions close in winter. Best time to visit: December and March.

A small area in northern Argentina falls within the tropics — this is where you’ll find the Iguazú Falls, for example. Summers are hot and humid, while winter temperatures range from mild to cold. Rain is possible year-round. Best time to visit: September through November and March through May.

We’ve written separate articles on the best time to visit Argentina and Patagonia, where we go into the climate in much more detail:

Time Zone in Argentina

Argentina is 4 hours behind Central European Time (CET) in winter. When it’s noon in London, it’s 8 a.m. in Argentina.

Since Argentina does not observe daylight saving time, the difference shifts to 5 hours behind CET during European summer.

Food and Drink in Argentina

Right off the bat: We absolutely loved the food in Argentina!

Here’s a quick list of dishes that are typically Argentine — things you simply cannot miss:

• Steak: A juicy Argentine steak is the ultimate classic.
• Empanada: These stuffed pastry pockets with various fillings are the perfect snack on the go.
• Asado/Parrilla: The term for grilling or a grilled meat platter. Also a must in Argentina.
• Choripán: A roll with grilled sausage.
• Lomito: A sandwich with a slice of meat.
• Locro: A hearty stew that’s especially popular in winter and in the southern regions.
• Dulce de leche: This caramel cream turns up in countless sweet dishes. Churros with dulce de leche are particularly popular.

Before any vegetarians or vegans start to panic — don’t worry. Although meat consumption in Argentina is higher than almost anywhere else in the world, most cities and tourist areas now have plenty of restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options.

Typical drinks in Argentina:

• Mate: Argentina’s iconic drink.
• Beer: Argentinians love their beer. Popular local brands include Patagonia and Quilmes.
• Wine: Wine is widely grown and enjoyed, especially in the Mendoza region.
• Fernet: An alcoholic drink often mixed with cola — the classic party drink in Argentina.

Drinking water in Argentina
Tap water in Argentina is safe to drink in some places, but not in others. It’s best to ask at your accommodation in each location.

In Buenos Aires, it’s apparently safe to drink, but honestly it doesn’t taste great. We preferred to buy bottled water. In Patagonia, you can usually drink the tap water without any concerns — and it actually tastes good there.

Otherwise, you’ll usually find large water bottles at the supermarket, available in 5- or 6-liter sizes.

Vaccinations and Illnesses

There are no mandatory vaccinations for a trip to Argentina. Argentina is also considered malaria-free. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you’re traveling to the tropical north. It’s also a good idea to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and rabies.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is unfortunately widespread in Argentina and occurs in Buenos Aires, among other places. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes that are active both day and night. There is no vaccine available for travelers. Mosquito repellent and anything else that keeps mosquitoes away is your best protection — it’s best to buy it directly in Argentina at a pharmacy.

But don’t stress too much about it. The chances of actually coming down with dengue fever are quite low.

Food Poisoning

Unlike in other South American countries such as Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil, we never heard of tourists getting sick from stomach issues in Argentina.

Argentine cuisine isn’t all that far removed from European cuisine, so your stomach will generally handle the food better.

That said, it’s smart to avoid buying meat dishes from street vendors and to always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly.

Healthcare System in Argentina

Medical care in Argentina’s cities is good. So if you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital, you’re in reasonable hands. You usually pay for the treatment directly on the spot.

If you have international travel health insurance, you can get reimbursed by submitting the bill to your provider. Make sure you have solid coverage before you go.

Other Things You Should Know About Argentina

Before we send you off to catch your flight, here are four more things you should know before your trip to Argentina.

Drinking Mate Like the Argentinians

Drinking mate is an important part of the culture in Argentina. We didn’t meet a single Argentinian who doesn’t drink mate every single day.

Whether it’s first thing in the morning, at the beach with friends, or just to pass the time — there’s always a reason to drink mate.

Want to fit right in and not look totally clueless? Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

• Buy yourself a mate cup with a bombilla (drinking straw). The cup itself is actually the original meaning of the word “mate.” You can find them at markets or souvenir shops.
• Next, buy some yerba (the tea). Yerba is available at all supermarkets.
• Get yourself a thermos if you don’t already have one.
• Once you have everything, fill the yerba into the cup — you’ll have to decide for yourself how much to put in.
• Finally, fill the cup with hot water (that’s what the thermos is for) and enjoy your mate. The bombilla is designed so that the herbs don’t get into your mouth.

Restrooms

Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet in Argentina — put it in the trash can next to it instead. If you don’t, you’ll likely clog the toilet quickly. There are only a few exceptions where flushing is fine, but as a general rule: don’t.

Public restrooms in Argentina are usually free of charge. However, there’s often no toilet paper — so carrying tissues or a small roll with you is a smart move.

Stray Dogs

There are lots of stray dogs in Argentina. In Buenos Aires, we didn’t notice them as much. In other cities, like Bariloche, we saw a lot of them.

Usually the dogs won’t bother you. But if you pay attention to them, they might follow you around for a while.

If they’re bothering you too much or jumping on you, crouch down and pretend to pick up a stone. Most dogs will back off immediately — unfortunately they’re used to being pelted with stones, which is why this works.

But please never actually throw anything at the animals!

Daily Schedule and Mealtimes in Argentina

Argentinians run on a very different schedule from most of the world. Overall, everything happens much, much later. 10 a.m. is considered very early for many Argentinians, while a midnight dinner is perfectly normal — a bit like in Spain.

So be prepared for things to be fairly quiet in the mornings. For breakfast, many Argentinians just drink mate and have a small bite to eat. Lunch is then served between noon and 3 p.m.

Between 6 and 8 p.m. it’s time for the merienda. Think of it as a coffee break — usually something sweet like a slice of cake with coffee or tea.

Dinner usually isn’t served until around 11 p.m. or midnight. And that’s when people really indulge — no wonder Argentinians barely eat anything in the morning.