City, Argentina
Salta
Colonial northwest city with a relaxed centre, good empanadas and folk music peñas, and day trips into colourful canyons and high Andes. Low prices; thin air, long drives and cold dry winter nights.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$788–1,310Comfortable, one person · $1.2M–2MDetails
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Nov, 32°CDetails
- Internet137 MbpsFixed broadband, Argentina medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and drinkable in the city; use bottled water in small villages and on tours.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–53Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBuses (SAETA)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, restaurants and shops in Salta; cash for markets, small towns, taxis and day trips, especially to Cachi and Cafayate.Details
Where to stay in Salta
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Plaza 9 de Julio) | First-timers: walkable, hostels, restaurants and sights |
| Balcarce street | Peñas, nightlife and bars; lively on weekends |
| Tres Cerritos | Quieter residential area; long stays and apartments |
| San Lorenzo | Green suburb with cabins; needs a bus |
Apps that work in Salta
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Plataforma 10: Book long-distance bus tickets
- SUBE: Transit card for buses, Subte and trains
- Taxis: Uber operates inconsistently and is not dependable; use radio taxis or ask your hotel to book. Taxis are metered and cheap.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Argentina.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, restaurants and shops in Salta; cash for markets, small towns, taxis and day trips, especially to Cachi and Cafayate.
- Currency: Peso (ARS). US$1 ≈ $1,523.09 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banelco and Link ATMs take foreign cards but charge a high flat fee per withdrawal with low limits.
- Tipping: Leave about 10% in restaurants, ideally in cash; the 'cubierto' cover charge isn't a tip. Rounding up is enough for taxis.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work at most terminals; Mercado Pago QR codes need a local account.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100
Plugs
Type C, I · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Personal, Claro and Movistar sell cheap prepaid chips in their shops with a passport; activation can be fiddly, so international eSIMs are easier. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Argentina
Going to Salta solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.