Argentina travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

Most visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa for tourism and get 90 days on arrival. Rules differ by nationality, so confirm your own case before booking. See the visa page for the full breakdown.

March to May and September to November suit a mixed trip: mild in Buenos Aires, workable in Patagonia. Patagonian hiking runs November to March; Bariloche and Las Leñas ski in July and August. Iguazú is best April–May and August–September.

Budget travellers can manage on roughly USD 40–60 a day, mid-range around USD 90–150, and higher-end from USD 250 up (2026 estimates, check). Internal flights are usually the biggest single cost. See the trip cost pages for 7- and 14-day breakdowns.

Generally yes. The main risk is street crime in big cities: phone and bag theft, distraction scams. Keep valuables out of sight, use registered taxis or apps at night, and watch for protests that close streets in Buenos Aires. Emergency numbers are 911, 107 and 100.

Fly. Buenos Aires to Patagonia, Iguazú or Salta is a 2–3.5-hour flight, while driving takes days. Use buses for shorter hops such as El Calafate to El Chaltén. Book internal flights early for high season.

The Argentine peso (ARS). Since 2025 foreign cards have converted near the market rate — check the current position. Cards work in cities, but carry pesos for taxis, markets, small towns and tips.

It is strongly recommended. Medical care and evacuation, especially in Patagonia, can be expensive, and weather delays are common. Check that your policy covers hiking and any adventure activities you plan.

Layers, a windproof shell, warm hat and gloves, even in summer. Patagonia is cold and windy year-round. Bring type I plug adapters for 220 V, and any medication you need, since remote areas have limited pharmacies.

Ten days is a workable minimum: 3–4 nights in Buenos Aires plus one region. Two weeks lets you add a second region. Trying three regions in two weeks means most of the trip is spent in airports.

Tap water is generally considered safe in Buenos Aires and most cities — check locally. In remote areas, bottled or filtered water is the safer choice. Brushing your teeth with tap water is normally fine.

About 10% in restaurants, usually left in cash. Tipping is not expected in taxis. Porters and hotel staff may appreciate a small note. Carry small peso notes for this.

July and August, at resorts such as Catedral Alta Patagonia near Bariloche and Las Leñas in Mendoza province. Book accommodation and lift passes early, since this is peak domestic holiday season.

An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your home licence. You drive on the right. Ruta 40 has long gravel stretches, and rental companies may restrict certain routes — check with the company.

Spanish, in the Rioplatense form: 'vos' instead of 'tú', and a 'sh' sound for ll and y. English is common in tourist businesses in Buenos Aires and Patagonia, less so elsewhere. A few Spanish phrases go a long way.

911 for police in most cities, 107 for an ambulance and 100 for the fire service. Save them before you travel. In remote areas, response times can be long, so plan accordingly.

Tap water is generally considered safe in cities — check locally. Salads and raw vegetables are normally fine in restaurants. In small towns and remote areas, use bottled or filtered water if you are unsure.

Beef dominates: parrillas grill bife de chorizo and ojo de bife over coals. Empanadas, milanesas, provoleta and dulce de leche are everywhere. Dinner starts late, often after 21:00. Mendoza and Salta add wine and Andean dishes.

Cards are widely accepted in Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Bariloche. Carry pesos for taxis, market stalls, small towns and tips. Since 2025 foreign cards convert near the market rate — check the current position before relying on cash exchanges.

Yes: Buenos Aires for city nights, then Mendoza wine country or Patagonian lodges. The honeymoon itinerary covers a two-week route. Book high-season accommodation early, especially around November to March.

Yes. Patagonia offers glacier trekking at El Calafate, day hikes at El Chaltén, and skiing near Bariloche. The northwest adds high-altitude canyons. The adventure itinerary sets out a route; check operator safety records and insurance cover.

Type I (angled flat pins), with some older type C sockets, at 220 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use US, UK or EU plugs. Check your device supports 220 V before plugging in.

UTC−3 all year, with no daylight saving. That puts Buenos Aires a few hours behind Europe and ahead of US Eastern time. Internal flights and bus schedules use local time.

No vaccination is required for entry from most countries, but check your own health authority for current advice, especially if you are heading to the northeast near Iguazú. Routine vaccinations should be up to date.

Book as early as you can for the November–March high season, when Patagonia and Iguazú fill up. Fares rise closer to departure. Build a buffer day before your international flight, since Patagonian weather can delay departures.

Buenos Aires for 3–4 nights, then one or two regions for 3–5 nights each: Patagonia via El Calafate, Iguazú Falls, Mendoza or Salta. Fly between regions rather than taking buses. See the main Argentina page for the full plan.