Welcome to Argentina 😊

Quick Facts About Argentina

Money and Finances

The currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). Coins denominations commonly used are $1, $2, $5, $10 and $25, while banknotes denominations range from $20 to $1,000.

ATM Network

ATM networks are extensive in Argentina, especially in major cities, though it's still recommended to have some cash on hand as some small businesses may not accept credit or debit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina but may not be accepted at smaller establishments. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, but some places may also accept AMEX.

Internet and Phones

Argentina has decent internet speeds, with an average download speed of 29 Mbps and an upload speed of 6 Mbps. However, there have been some instances of government interference in internet use, particularly during times of political unrest.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are three main telco companies in Argentina: Claro, Movistar, and Personal. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 600 ARS per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Argentina

To call Argentina from another country, you need to dial +54, followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used within the country vary depending on the region, with Buenos Aires having the code 11 and Córdoba having the code 351, for example.

Transport Around Argentina

Air Travel

Argentina has many airports, with the largest being Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery. Other major airports include Cordoba International Airport and Mendoza International Airport.

Train Travel

Argentina has an extensive inter-city train network, known as the Trenes Argentinos. A one-way ticket from Buenos Aires to Cordoba costs around $15 USD and takes approximately 9 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Buenos Aires has a metro system, known as the Subte, which serves the city and surrounding areas.

Buses

Argentina also has a comprehensive long-distance bus network, with many bus companies offering routes across the country. A one-way ticket from Buenos Aires to Mendoza costs around $20 USD and takes 14 hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies like Uber and Cabify operate in many cities in Argentina, with average prices comparable to traditional taxis.

Driving by Car

Driving in Argentina is generally straightforward, with many well-maintained roads. Speed limits are typically 40-120 km/h, and Argentina uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Argentina, tipping is common. It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Locals generally greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, even between men. When addressing strangers, it is polite to use 'usted' instead of 'tu' until they indicate otherwise. Men and women address each other using 'senor' and 'senora' and using first names is considered informal.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Argentina has a mix of public and private health care systems. The public health care system, while accessible to all, suffers from long waiting times and inadequate funding. Private health care is expensive but usually provides better services. Medical expenses can be high, with a doctor's visit costing approximately 300-500 Argentine pesos. It is recommended to have travel insurance before visiting Argentina.

COVID Situation

Argentina has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a high number of confirmed cases and deaths. The government has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. As of September 2021, vaccination rates have been increasing, and the government has been gradually easing restrictions on travel and social activities.

Common Health Risks

Argentina is generally a safe country for tourists, but there are some health risks to be aware of. Malaria is present in some regions, particularly in the north of the country. Travelers should take precautions such as using mosquito netting and wearing long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites. Food and waterborne illnesses are also common, so it is important to be cautious when eating and drinking. Hepatitis A and B are endemic in Argentina, so it is recommended to get vaccinated before traveling.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Argentina, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption is allowed in public places, such as bars and restaurants. However, public intoxication and disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol are considered criminal offenses. It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors, and there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain times of the day, such as early morning and late at night.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Argentina, including the use of soft drugs like cannabis. Possession of drugs can result in prison sentences of up to 15 years, while trafficking can result in sentences of up to 25 years. Despite this, Argentina has a relatively relaxed attitude towards marijuana use and possession, and there have been recent efforts to legalize it for medicinal purposes.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Argentina is a relatively liberal country when it comes to pre-marital relationships. Cohabitation and non-marital sex are widely accepted, and there are no laws criminalizing them. However, the Catholic Church has a strong influence in the country, and this can sometimes lead to conservative attitudes towards pre-marital relationships and sex education.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Argentina is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and there are robust anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ individuals. Buenos Aires is known for its vibrant LGBTQ community, and the country hosts one of the largest gay pride parades in the world.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is legal in Argentina, but there are restrictions on who can own a firearm and how they can be used. Any person seeking to own a gun must pass a background check and obtain a license from the federal government. There are also limits on the number of guns a person can own, and firearms are not allowed to be carried in public places. The homicide rate in Argentina is relatively low, but there have been concerns about the rise of organized crime and drug trafficking affecting public safety.