The Most Helpful Guide on Argentina Travel

Best Time to Visit Argentina

The best time to visit Argentina is the spring (from September to November) or the fall (from March to June). Winter is also a good time, but you will need to pack a coat. I recommend avoiding the summer since it can get quite hot and air conditioning is not always common.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Argentina is easy to enter as a tourist from most countries. Citizens of the U.S. and most European countries do not need to apply for a visa before arriving – having a passport is enough. Here is the official list of countries whose citizens are not required to have a visa. You can stay for up to 90 days according to Argentina travel laws.

Language and Culture

Argentinian culture is welcoming, and they feel proud when tourists visit their country. However, not many Argentinians speak English, so if you do not speak Spanish you may not get very far with the locals. I recommend downloading a translating app on your phone. Also, in local cafes and stores, a simple buen día (a common greeting in Argentina) or gracias can go a long way, since Argentinians value respect.

Staff at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tour companies will speak English, but the average taxi driver does not. If you’re not comfortable with the language barrier, arrange your activities in advance. Tour companies are great about making English speakers comfortable. However, just know there will be a price difference between activities offered in English (often priced in USD) and Spanish (priced in Argentinian pesos) because foreigners are seen as wealthier.

Argentina Travel Safety

Argentina travel is very safe! I felt safer in Argentina than I do in the United States. But, life is a little different in Argentina, which means there are some extra things to be on the lookout for.

Keep your belongings safe in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is an absolute must-see and is probably the city you will arrive in. Personally, I never had a safety issue in Buenos Aires, but getting your phone stolen is not unheard of. Just carry your phone and wallet securely (like in a fannypack) and don’t leave your valuable belongings out on a table in public. Then you’ll be good to go!

Stick to the popular areas

I’m not saying off-the-beaten path destinations are always unsafe, but don’t go exploring blindly. Some neighborhoods may be less safe with nothing more to do, so it’s not worth the detour.

As a tourist, you will be the safest while visiting popular attractions. And don’t worry, you will still get the authentic experience at the popular places on your Argentina trip!

Do not exchange money on the street

There are many ways to exchange money in Argentina. You may come across people standing on the street offering currency exchange. I do not recommend exchanging money with someone you don’t know. There have been instances of tourists getting robbed during unofficial exchanges.

Exchanging Money

Argentina has one of the highest levels of inflation in the entire world, and it significantly impacts the lives of local Argentinians. Navigating the economy as a tourist can be confusing because there are so many ways to exchange money in Argentina. All you really need to know is this:

Use a Credit or Debit Card With No International Fees

Recent Argentinian laws give very good exchange rates to foreign credit cards to encourage tourism. These special rates are much better than the “official” government exchange rates for locals.

Exchange a Small Amount of Cash

You will need some cash to tip at restaurants (10% of the total bill is the standard) and in some places that don’t accept cards, like in taxis. I recommend exchanging U.S. dollars or Euros at the airport or an official currency exchange house (called casas de cambio). The exchange rate on cash is not great, but your money will go a long way in Argentina. $200 USD was enough cash for me in a week in Argentina (solo traveling) when I used my card, too.

Only Exchange Money at Trustworthy locations

Don’t exchange cash with someone on the street for a better rate unless it is someone you trust (like a person recommended by a trusted Argentinian friend). You don’t want to receive fake currency or get robbed, so it’s not worth the risk on a short trip. You will find lots of other articles explaining how to navigate multiple bank accounts, arbolitos, cuevas, and the dolar blue. Just skip it and use your credit card unless you’re planning on moving permanently to Argentina.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a must-see destination and probably where your international flight will arrive. This is Argentina’s version of New York City, with fancy restaurants, endless activities, and lively nightlife. You can get a heaping serving of Argentinian culture and cuisine here – eating at great steakhouses, seeing a world class tango show, and visiting historic neighborhoods like La Boca or Recoleta. Try snagging tickets to see a football/soccer match, too!

Mendoza

In a beautiful landscape at the foot of the Andes mountains, Mendoza defines South American wine. Mendoza combines Argentina’s gaucho (cowboy) roots with world-class vineyards. Visit the three famous wine sub-regions in Mendoza and witness the breathtaking mountains and valleys. You can even steal away a visit to the nearby hot springs spas.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, with so many waterfalls that it takes two to days to walk the entire viewing trails. The breathtaking waterfall system is the largest in the world, stretching from Argentina into Brazil, and it is one of the best places to visit in Argentina. Check out my guide on everything you need about how to plan a trip to Iguazu Falls.

Patagonia

This world-famous region among nature enthusiasts is found in the south of Argentina. There are many places to visit in Patagonia, whether you want to ski in Bariloche, visit the southernmost city in the world of Ushuaia, or take a trek on an enormous glacier in El Calafate.

Salta & Northwest Argentina

Visit the desert-like landscape of northwest Argentina on a road trip through the great salt flats and multicolored mountains. Stop for a tour in the towns of Salta and Cafayate, and experience the indigenous cultural influence that lives on in this part of Argentina.

Uruguay

Uruguay is not usually mentioned in the typical list of places to visit in Argentina since it is a different country, of course! But Uruguay is just a one-hour ferry ride from Argentina, making it the perfect day trip. I couldn’t leave it out of this Argentina travel guide and risk you missing the chance of easily visiting one more country.

Antarctica

Argentina claims part of Antarctica as its territory, so it is technically one of the most remote places to visit in Argentina. You can catch a 2-day cruise from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America, to this untouched destination during the warmer months of the year.

See a Tango Show

Seeing a tango show in Buenos Aires, like my favorite one, is a must for a fantastic music and dance performance. Tango famously originated in Buenos Aires in the 1880s, and the city has the world’s best tango talent on stage every night.

Try Asado: Argentinian Barbecue

Asado is the most famous cuisine in Argentina, known for its unique method of smoking and preparing meats. I recommend this top-tier guided experience at Fogón Asado, a delicious Michelin star steakhouse in Buenos Aires.

Try Mate: The National Drink

Argentinians are obsessed with yerba mate, and they will admit it to you themselves! You need to give it a try if you’re looking for the essential cultural things to do in Argentina.

Mate is a green tea that has more tea leaves than water, served almost boiling hot in a special cup with a straw that filters out the leaves. Argentinians drink the tea for hours, slowly adding more water every few sips. All tourists should taste mate and try this Argentinian caffeine ritual.

You can give it a try at this this small group tasting with a mate expert in Buenos Aires where you’ll learn how to brew the perfect cup.

Wine Tasting

Argentina is famous for world class wines, particularly red wines like Malbec. Visit the Mendoza region for a full wine-tasting experience. If you’re in Buenos Aires and just looking for a taste of the highlights, check out my guide to the best wine tastings in the city.

Try Dulce de Leche

Argentinians have a major sweet tooth, so you’ll need to try their favorite desserts.

Dulce de leche is the most loved. Although it is sold worldwide, the dulce de leche in Argentina is unique and sweeter. Try any desert with dulce de leche in it, like an alfajor cookie from Havanna or dulce de leche ice cream.

See a Football (Soccer) Match

If you’re lucky enough to snag tickets, visit an Argentinian football match! Stadium availability is almost always reserved for locals with season tickets, so it can be hard to get tickets. Read my guide about the easiest way to get soccer tickets in Buenos Aires.

Tourists should only purchase tickets through an experience like this where an Argentinian is reselling tickets through a reputable company. I don’t recommend purchasing tickets outside of a company like GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor to avoid fraudulent tickets.

Public Transportation

As a tourist, it’s best to avoid public transportation. It’s known for being a hotspot for pickpockets and most locals have a story of getting their phone stolen on the subway.

Personally I took the subway to work when I lived in Buenos Aires since it is so cheap, but it comes with challenges. It’s also confusing to navigate.

If you do want to try it, buy a Sube card at a kiosko (a convenience store) or at the airport tourist help desk when you arrive in Buenos Aires. Sube cards are required for riding the subway, buses, or trains. Then, go into a subte (subway) station to load the card with cash only. Hold your belongings close!