Argentina
From fiery tango to the eternal ice of Patagonia: your complete guide to Argentina.
Our Review of Argentina
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Flair
Vast, passionate, and scenically absolutely spectacular.
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Travel Season
Oct. – Mar. (Patagonia) or year-round (the North).
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Travel Duration
Allow at least three weeks to hit the highlights.
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Currency
Argentine Peso — pay in cash and look up the Blue Dollar rate before you go.
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Tip
10% at restaurants is customary ("la propina").
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Transport
Domestic flights for long distances; taxis and buses once you're in the cities.
Where is Argentina?
Argentina sits in the southern part of South America and is the second-largest country on the continent by area.
To the west, Argentina borders Chile, and to the north it shares borders with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Around 46 million people call Argentina home. The capital — and by far the largest city — is Buenos Aires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Argentina dangerous?
By South American standards, Argentina is a relatively safe destination overall. In tourist areas like Patagonia, you really don’t need to worry much about your safety.
In bigger cities, it’s a different story. Stick to tourist areas as much as possible and keep a close eye on your valuables at all times.
What currency is used in Argentina?
Argentina’s currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Thanks to ongoing inflation, the exchange rate shifts constantly — so always check current rates before you go.
At the official exchange rate, 1 euro gets you around 200 pesos.
Is Argentina expensive?
It really depends on how you pay. Because of high inflation, prices can feel steep — especially if you pay by card or use an ATM, which gives you the official rate.
But if you bring euros or dollars in cash and exchange them in Argentina (or send money to yourself via Western Union), you’ll often pay roughly half as much. At that rate, Argentina is seriously affordable.
For reference: a restaurant dinner typically runs around 3,500 ARS. Pay with cash at the better rate and that’s about 8 euros. Pay by card at the official rate and it’s closer to 16 euros.
What language do they speak in Argentina?
The official language is Spanish. English won’t get you very far outside of tourist hotspots, so it’s worth brushing up on at least some basic Spanish before you go.
In popular tourist areas like Patagonia, you’ll find more people who speak English.
There are also a handful of indigenous languages spoken in the country, though they’re not commonly encountered by travelers.
