Smart Tips for Traveling to Argentina Stress-Free

Traveling to Argentina is one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. It’s not just the stunning landscapes—from Patagonia’s glaciers to the jungle of Iguazú—but also the food, the culture, and the rhythm of everyday life that make this country unforgettable. Argentina is welcoming, diverse, and surprisingly accessible for most travelers.

If you’re planning a trip, the tips for traveling to Argentina below will help you navigate everything from money and safety to eating times and local customs. Think of this as your shortcut to traveling Argentina smoothly—so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time chasing waterfalls, sipping Malbec, and lingering in late-night cafés.

Passport and Visa

Visitors entering Argentina need to have a passport with at least 6 months validity at the time of entry.

Travelers from the U.S. and Canada currently do not need a visa to enter the country, but it’s always a good idea to check. You can find a list of countries that need to apply for a tourist visa here.

Money

Money in Argentina can be confusing, but here’s the short version:

• Credit cards: Many work fine, with only a slight penalty in exchange rate (worth it for the convenience).
• Cash: Bring crisp $100 USD bills. They’re the easiest to exchange.
• Exchange: Use casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) for the best rates.
• Discounts: Cash payments often get you an extra discount.

You can check out my money in Argentina deep dive for more info.

VAT refunds

Buenos Aires now automatically refunds the 21% value added tax (VAT) on hotels if you use your foreign credit card to pay for your stay. 

You may also be able to have the VAT refunded for certain purchases. Items made in Argentina that cost $70 pesos or more and are sold by participating retailers, are eligible for a tax refund through the Global Blue program.

You’ll need to ask for a tax refund form, have it stamped by customs, and submit it to Global Blue.

Business hours and eating times

Argentines aren’t particularly early risers, but most businesses will open some time between 8 am and 10 am. You can expect coffee shops to open earlier than, say, clothing stores and other retailers. 

Closing hours also vary by business. Service businesses and mom and pop shops tend to close at 5 or 6, while grocery stores and larger operations close late. Similarly, some of the smaller businesses may close around lunch time – 1 or 2 pm – for just an  hour or two.

Speaking of lunch: breakfast is before 11 am (although breakfast for most people in Argentina is just coffee, or mate, with toast), lunch is around 1 pm, merienda (tea time) is at 5 pm (cafes are bustling at this time!), and dinner is not earlier than 9 pm. 

Tip: If you’re visiting from North America, this schedule takes a little getting used to. My best advice is to incorporate tea time so that waiting until 9 pm for dinner is easier!

Healthcare and Insurance

Argentina has a public health care system and private care is relatively affordable for tourists. That said, I always recommend getting some type of travel insurance to at least protect you in case of emergencies

While you will not be asked to show proof of travel insurance upon entry, I would seriously consider getting some type of coverage.

WiFi and Sim cards

WiFi connections in Buenos Aires are very good (and even available on public transit!). We have stayed in many hotels and Airbnbs and done lots of video conferencing from them with no issue.

Outside of Buenos Aires, connections are slightly less dependable. If you plan on working from a particular location, I recommend you ask the host to check upload/download speeds to confirm its sufficient.

I used to not travel with local Sim cards and instead relied on cafe WiFi, downloading maps, or used the minimal international coverage my US plan gave me. In the past couple of years, though, I’ve started getting local Sims and it has been a game changer! I will never go back.

Argentina has several telecom companies, including Claro and Personal. You can get a local sim card at the airport or at a city branch. Alternatively, you can opt for an esim you purchase in advance, like Airalo. This is definitely the simpler option.

Getting around Argentina

Argentina is truly massive! While given enough time, or well defined region like northern Argentina, you can definitely do a roadtrip, seeing the country this way would take months.

The good news is Argentina has lots of long distance, comfortable buses, and local airlines to shuttle you from one destination to another.

Flying

The most challenging part is usually getting to Argentina. For most travelers, it is quite far and expensive to fly here. 

Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezeiza International Airport, which receives most international flights and is 45 minutes outside of the city; and Aeroparque, which is in Buenos Aires proper, but is much smaller.

Argentina has three major airlines, all of which I have traveled with (and would travel with again):

Aerolineas Argentinas | This is Argentina’s international airline. It’s pretty reliable, but they are known to switch departure/arrival airports in Buenos Aires, so pay close attention to any itinerary changes! This happened to us on our flight to Bariloche.

JetSmart | a low cost airline that is pretty reliable. Like most budget airlines, you’ll get the bare minimum: a seat. Everything else, from bags to snacks, are extra. It’s a great option for saving on flights within Argentina.

Flybondi | this is also a low cost airline, but it has a reputation for being unreliable. While I have encountered delays when flying with them, I have also encountered them with every other airline. I actually had to reschedule a missed flight with them and found the process to be relatively easy and inexpensive, especially when compared to US budget airlines.

Buses

Retiro is the main bus terminal in Buenos Aires. You can get tickets at eh terminal or online. I’ve used BusBud , or you can check out Plataforma 10, which is specific to Argentina.

Renting a Car

I find that renting a car in Argentina is not necessary for all itineraries and destinations. But when it is, it is easy and straightforward.

RentalCars.com is a great aggregator with lots of rental options. I’ve written a full guide on what to expect when driving in Argentina with more information.

Where to go

Argentina has so many amazing landscapes, there are really a lot of incredible destinations to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

Buenos Aires | The capital city is a little Paris, a little Latin America – think incredible architecture and intensely passionate soccer games. It has so many cafes, amazing restaurants, and museums, city lovers will be in paradise.

Iguazu | Just under two hours from Buenos Aires this incredible system of waterfalls is an experience in and of itself. If you have a visa, it’s also a chance to cross into Brazil.

Mendoza | This is Argentina’s primary wine country set against the backdrop of snowy mountain tops. Sip on Malbecs, have some asado, and relax.

Bariloche | The largest city in what’s called the lake district is an amazing palace to blend scenic mountains and lakes, hiking, and lounging with a view. 

El Chalten + El Calafate | This is bucket list Patagonia. Anyone who loves mountains and hiking has to visit. Tack on glacier trekking and you’ll have an unforgettable time!

Salta + Jujuy | Northern Argentina is a beloved destination for locals. Its desertscapes, local wines, and relaxed vibes make it a place to return to over and over again.

I created a two week itinerary for first timers that includes all the highlights.

Best time to go

Argentina is a year round destination. Skiing in the winter, with fewer people in the cities, summer brings a buzzy atmosphere and beautiful days in Patagonia, while shoulder seasons are a great happy medium from north to south.

If I had to choose, I’d say late spring (October-December) and early fall (March-May) are the best times to go to Argentina. 

Patagonia | Summer brings the crowds, but it also brings the most amenable weather. If you like snow and snow sports, winter is also a great time to go.

Iguazu + Northern Argentina | Summer is too hot, but other seasons are lovely

Buenos Aires | The city is pretty hot and humid in the summer, entertainment has moved to the coast, and soccer is on pause. Winter can  be pretty chilly, but if you don’t mind some brisk air, it could be a great time to visit. Spring and fall offer the best weather.

What to eat and drink

About half of the reasons to come to Argentina have something to do with food and drinks – they’re so good!

• Asado: grilled meats of all kinds – chorizo, beef, chicken, pork
• Provoleta: a disc of provolone cheese that is baked or grilled and topped with chorizo, vegetables, or just on its own.
• Empanadas: these are all over Latin America, but each country (and region) has its own spin. In Argentina, the most common fillings are beef, chicken, creamed spinach, humita, and ham and cheese. There are so many great places to try them, why not sample a few?
• Milanesas: breaded beef or chicken filets that are common in other parts of Latin America also, but no less delicious. Served on a plate with mashed potatoes or in a sandwich.
• Locro: a hearty stew made with corn, beans, and/or potato, which also often has meat added to it.
• Humita: common in northern Argentina, it’s similar to a creamed corn. But frankly, that description doesn’t do it justice.
• Dulce de Leche: a thick, milky, creamy caramel spread that goes in sweets and on toast.
• Alfajores: two thick, crunchy cookies, usually filled with dulce de leche and coated in chocolate. Rich and indulgent
• Helado: true to its Italian immigrants, ice cream in Argentina is more like gelato, and it’s amazing. 
• Wine: Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignons are ubiquitous must trys.
• Mate: a highly caffeinated, herbal “tea” that is had in a gourd, through a filtered straw called a bombilla

Cost

Argentina used to be one of the cheapest destinations in South America, but inflation and shifting exchange rates mean prices change quickly. That said, it’s still affordable compared to many places in North America or Europe.

For accommodation, you’ll find hostels for budget travelers, while mid-range hotels and Airbnbs typically fall in the $30 – 80 USD per night range. Boutique or higher-end hotels run higher, but they’re still good value compared to elsewhere.

Eating out is one of the joys of Argentina. A simple coffee and pastry is just a couple of dollars, and you can get a filling lunch for under $10. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant usually comes in around $15 – 25 per person, while splurging on a big night out with wine might cost $30 – 50.

Transportation is also reasonable. In Buenos Aires, a subway ride costs well under a dollar, and short taxi or Uber trips are just a few dollars. 

Long-distance buses between cities are comfortable and cheaper than flying, though domestic flights can save a lot of time when covering Argentina’s extreme distances. Roundtrip domestic flights can cost anywhere from $70 – 350, depending on the destination.

Safety in Argentina

The headline is that Argentina is safe, but I do think it’s important to take a few precautions to make sure your trip goes without a hitch.

• Public transit and walking are safe, but to be extra careful, stick to Ubers and cabs at night.
• Don’t carry a lot of cash, and don’t flash your belongings
• Out of an abundance of caution avoid speaking a foreign language too loudly, or walk around with a camera around your neck. Essentially, blend in!
• Keep your phone tucked away. Don’t leave it in your pocket or on your table at a restaurant.
• Protests are very common in Argentina, so don’t be alarmed if you come across or hear about one. To be safe, do your best to avoid them, though.

Culture and customs

One of my favorite things about traveling is learning about local customs. It’s so interesting to see how other cultures live, what they value, and how they choose to spend their time. Argentina has a million little idiosyncrasies that you’ll pick up when you visit, but here are few that’ll help you navigate its quirks and understand the culture.

Sharing drinks and personal space

Sharing drinks in Argentina is very common. Mate, Argentina’s “tea”, is designed to be shared. You fill up the cup/gourd with water, one person drinks it, refills it, and passes it to the next person.

Another drink that’s usually shared is Fernet with coke, especially when at an asado. Don’t be surprised if someone offers you their drink!

On a similar note, personal space is also reduced in Argentina. If you’re from the U.S., Canada, or northern Europe, you’ll notice people standing very close to you in line or on a bus or subway. This is completely normal.

Music and going out

Argentines listen to music from all over the world. That being said, there are some genres that very particular to Argentina, like tango and folklore, that aren’t listened to much anymore, and rock nacional (national rock), which was huge in the 80s and 90s especially. 

Today you’ll also hear argentine cumbia and cuarteto just about everywhere. 

There are different styles within those genres, but the modern, punchy versions are played on the radio to clubs. Speaking  of which, if you want to experience night life in Argentina be aware that people don’t arrive at clubs before 2 am, and stay until 6 or 7 am. Smaller bars will have people starting at 10 pm or so. Good luck.

Argentine Spanish and Lunfardo

If you’ve studied Spanish in school you’ll quickly realize that Spanish in Argentina is pretty different from what you learned in class. 

In addition to being spoken a little faster, the pronoun tu, is replaced with vos, which changes the conjugation of verbs. Even more noticeable is how “y” and “ll” are pronounced. Instead of sounding like an i, it sounds like sh.

Another standout feature of Argentine Spanish is the use of lunfardo. Lunfardo is a type of slang used in Buenos Aires and surrounding provinces that originated from a mix of languages from immigrants. Most, but not all, lunfardo words, are a mix of Italian and Spanish.

If you speak italian, a lot of these lunfardo words will sound very familiar: laburar (to work, gamba (leg). 

Family

Family* is everything in Argentina. The tradition is to spend sunday with close family members, usually having an asado. For this reason, a lot of businesses close on Sundays. Expect the city to be quiet and somewhat empty. 

Some families extend Sunday traditions to the whole weekend. Those that can go away for the weekend to a campo (ranch) to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

*Some people may also consider their local soccer team family, so watching soccer may be the main Sunday activity

Ready to plan your trip? Check out these detailed Argentina Itineraries

Perfect 2 Week Argentina Itinerary: Asado, Wine, and Wild Landscapes

Must-See Places in Argentina That Belong on Your Bucket List

Unforgettable Patagonia Itinerary: El Calafate and El Chalten

Visit Iguazu Falls: Everything you Need to Know

The Ideal 3 Days in Buenos Aires