South America
Argentina
Easy and social for solo travelers: late-night Buenos Aires, wine country, Patagonia and the Andes. Long distances, an often-changing economy and phone theft in cities are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa90 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyARSUS$1 ≈ $1,523.09Details
- Price level46%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, I220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink in Buenos Aires and most cities; bottled is wiser in the far north and rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityBuenos Aires is among Latin America's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, with a big scene and Pride in November; provincial towns are more conservative.Details
- Internet137 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 68 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can drive with a home licence plus an IDP; licences from Mercosur countries are valid alone.
- Digital nomad visaYesResidencia transitoria para nómadas digitalesDetails
Where to go in Argentina
14 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos AiresCapital city | 3/5 | $1,180–1,840 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 64/100 |
| MendozaCity | 4/5 | $919–1,440 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 86/100 |
| BarilocheMountain town | 4/5 | $1,050–1,710 | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | 75/100 |
| El CalafateTown | 5/5 | $1,250–1,970 | Nov–Mar | 69/100 |
| El ChalténMountain town | 5/5 | $1,180–1,900 | Dec–Mar | 71/100 |
| UshuaiaCity | 4/5 | $1,250–1,970 | Dec–Mar | 61/100 |
| SaltaCity | 4/5 | $788–1,310 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 91/100 |
| Puerto IguazúTown | 4/5 | $854–1,440 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 88/100 |
| CórdobaCity | 3/5 | $788–1,310 | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | 88/100 |
| Puerto MadrynCity | 4/5 | $919–1,510 | Sep–Nov | 84/100 |
| Mar del PlataCity | 4/5 | $854–1,440 | Dec–Mar | 85/100 |
| Quebrada de HumahuacaRegion | 4/5 | $788–1,250 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 93/100 |
| CafayateTown | 4/5 | $854–1,380 | Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 89/100 |
| RosarioCity | 3/5 | $985–1,580 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 75/100 |
When to visit Argentina
Buenos Aires: Mar–May and Sep–Nov. Patagonia: Nov–Mar. The north (Salta, Jujuy): Apr–Oct, the dry season. Ski season: Jul–Sep.
Good to know
Entry
- No arrival card or reciprocity fee for most visitors; immigration records your entry electronically.
- Some visa-required nationals holding a valid US visa can apply online for an electronic travel authorization (AVE).
- Extend your stay at a Migraciones office before it expires; overstays are fined at exit.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving with any alcohol in your blood is illegal nationwide.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.
Etiquette
- Friends greet with one cheek kiss, men included
- Dinner starts late, often after 21:00
- Mate is shared; saying 'gracias' means you've had enough
- Avoid jokes about the Falklands (Malvinas)
Tipping
Leave about 10% in restaurants, ideally in cash; the 'cubierto' cover charge isn't a tip. Rounding up is enough for taxis.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dirección Nacional de Migraciones: Tourists
- Migraciones: Digital nomad residence
- Trenes Argentinos
- Speedtest Global Index: Argentina
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.