Argentina is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, with stunning waterfalls, vast lakes, soaring mountain peaks and wide, grassy plains. It also has the advantage of offering truly cosmopolitan cities, which boast colonial architecture and cultural riches. Don’t miss the Iguazú Falls or the unusual Glacier Perito Moreno where you can literally feel the ground shift beneath your feet! Indulge your love of red meat by trying some of Argentina’s famous beef, or sample a taste of some of the world’s finest wines. Be seduced by the sultry Argentine tango, or head out to the sweeping Pampas pains and discover your inner cowboy! From the buzz of Buenos Aires to the laid-back Lake District, Argentina really does have it all!
GMT-3
Argentine Peso (ARS)
+54
The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires. A cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires has a colonial history and a European flavour, but it is a city of two extremes. The glossy and contemporary feel hides a shabby chic core, and you can still enjoy traditional markets and an authentic Argentine vibe. Different ‘barrios’ or neighbourhoods can be old-school classy or cutting edge-urban depending on where you end up! The nightlife is when the city really comes alive – party all night or try out a spot of steamy Argentine tango!
Argentina has a long history of immigration and subsequently, its cuisine has influences from many European areas, especially Spain, Italy and France. Argentina is one of the world’s main beef producers and unsurprisingly meat is plentiful on the country’s own menus. ‘Bife a Caballo is a steak topped with an egg, a popular local dish. Empanadas, small pastries filled with meat and cheese, are widely available as are the Italian staples of pizza and pasta. Picadas are the Argentine version of tapas – small helpings of cheese, meat, olives and fish. In Patagonia’s Chubut Valley Welsh settlers have left their legacy and you can find some traditional tea and scones! Also, don’t miss the traditional herbal tea infusion called ‘mate’ which is widely available.
The Argentine spring (September to November) is the best time to visit when the weather everywhere is generally fine and Buenos Aires’ jacaranda flowers are in their full glory! The height of summer hits Argentina from December to February and temperatures can be brutally hot in the capital and the Chaco area and parts of the north. Patagonia however, is worth a summer visit as it is the best time to get around and the weather is milder in this region. Midsummer is the time to visit if you want to climb many of the Andean mountains as other times of the year the passes can become inaccessible. In the colder months (May-October) snow can cut off the south of the country but the winter months of June-August are great if you want to head to the ski resorts. Areas such as Mendoza, Cordoba and San Juan are beautiful in autumn (March and April) – the trees come out in stunning shades of red and orange and the wine harvests are in full swing. Argentina’s holiday and festival seasons are January, Easter and July and not only does the number of visitors increase but so do the prices!
Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.
Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.
To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites, to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.
For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company
Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip.
Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.
The official language of Argentina is Spanish. Learning a few key phrases will come in handy as English, although spoken in some tourist areas, is not widely used.
The current in Argentina is 220-240v, 50 Hz, AC. You may need a step-down transformer if the voltage difference is too great. A universal adapter is necessary as Argentina has both European style two-pronged plugs but also an older style of plug (Type I and Type C).
Don’t become involved with drugs when visiting Argentina, as possession of even a small quantity can result in a lengthy prison sentence.
Gestures such as yawning, giving a thumbs up and eating in public are all considered vulgar in Argentina.
Don’t hand over large denomination bank notes as there is seldom enough change to hand back.
We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Argentina.
Please note: Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO website for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Argentina is considered a safe destination, but theft, bag snatching and armed robberies are common and travellers are advised to take particular care in restaurants, internet cafes, on public transport and in tourist areas such as San Telmo, La Boca and Retiro. Do not carry or wear cash or valuables and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
Passport thefts are frequently reported in Buenos Aires and Mendoza and it is advisable to leave your passport in a hotel safe or security box while carrying a photocopy with you at all times.
Typical scams to rob tourists include someone ‘accidentally’ spraying you with ketchup or other liquids as a distraction to theft. Thieves have also posed as hotel guests and snatched bags during check-in. Handbags can be slit open on the street, or mobile phones snatched while in use.
So-called ‘express kidnappings’ do occur in Argentina, with victims forced to empty bank accounts at ATMs and then released once the ‘ransom’ has been paid. Take extra care when withdrawing cash at ATMs.
Always try to book taxis in advance and only hail a ‘radio taxi’ on the street, which clearly displays a visible company logo on their rear passenger doors. If you are being met at the airport confirm your meeter’s identity or use a ‘remise’ service from the official stand, located in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
If you do become a victim of crime in Argentina, inform the local police and get an official police report.
Political demonstrations and strikes in public places are more common in Argentina than in the UK, and they can turn violent. Recently there has been a spate of strikes involving local police in some of the provinces, leading to looting. There are occasional Falklands-related protests outside the British Embassy or at British-affiliated businesses. Demonstrations can occasionally block major roads into and out of Buenos Aires, causing major delays. Travellers to Argentina should avoid involvement in any demonstrations.
Flight departures from Argentina can be unreliable and susceptible to delays and cancellations. Car theft or carjacking, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, can be a problem, so if you are driving, keep windows closed and doors locked at all times when in major cities. The Province of Misiones close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil are known to smuggle goods and you should seek advice if you intend to drive there.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
There is a low threat from terrorism, but in the last ten years, there have been some reported small explosions in Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas (mostly at banks), which are believed to have been the work of local anti-globalisation groups.
ATMs are widely available in Argentina and credit cards are accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and shops. Check local media for an update on the current restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency in Argentina.
Flight reservations should be made before you arrive in Argentina and you may need to provide a return ticket as proof of onward travel.
Argentina’s Northern provinces may be affected by seasonal flooding, leading to transport disruption. Flash flooding caused by heavy rain can occur in other areas, including in and around Buenos Aires.
The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina/Chile border is active and can occasionally erupt, resulting in the evacuation of the local area, so keep an eye on media reports and follow local advice if visiting this area.
You should be in touch with your GP around 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination or health advice.
Diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated food or water so we advise you to drink bottled water.
Dengue Fever is present throughout the year in Argentina.
Medical facilities in Argentina are of a good standard but can be costly, so ensure you have adequate funds and travel insurance.
You should bring any required medications with you.
Be aware that pollution, particularly in larger cities, can aggravate respiratory problems.
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