🧉 Argentina

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Costs

Prices here are about 46% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

The official site below has the rules, which differ by passport. An online authorisation (AVE) in simplified form exists for holders of particular other valid visas, for instance a US visa; put the question to Argentina's immigration authority to learn whether it covers you. In every other case, those needing a visa should apply long before the trip at an Argentine consulate or embassy. Carry hotel details, proof of funds, a return ticket and a passport with 6 months of validity.

Migraciones (Argentina immigration) OfficialOfficial immigration authority, including the AVE.
Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs OfficialVisa and consular information.
Visit Argentina OfficialOfficial tourism site.

Culture and practical - take note

A single cheek kiss is the usual greeting in Argentina, between men and women as well, and long meals are loved: dinner often begins at 9-10 pm. Passing mate (herbal tea) round the group signals friendship; wait for your turn with it, and say 'gracias' only after you have finished. About 10% is the amount to tip. The language is Spanish, spoken with an accent unlike that of other countries. Costs, exchange rates and the way foreigners pay have shifted often, so ask your hotel for the best way to pay and carry cash as well as a card. In Buenos Aires, pickpockets are a risk; use apps or official taxis. Patagonia stays cold and windy even in summer. A visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls may involve a separate entry check, which your operator can explain. Halal options are limited.

Emergency

Police 911. Ambulance 107. Fire 100.

Good to know

Plugs and voltage

Argentina's national tourism site says Type I plugs are the national standard, while Type C, a two-round-pin plug typical of European devices, is less common. The standard voltage is 220 volts and the frequency 50 hertz. Travellers whose devices use another plug type need a travel adapter.

Source: Argentina Travel: What plug is used in Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Foreign cards and withdrawal limits

The peso is Argentina's currency. Canadian advice says foreign cards are accepted in the main cities and should be kept in view when paying. Withdrawals with foreign bank cards face low per-withdrawal and daily limits, and substantial service charges may apply, so it recommends checking with the bank before leaving home.

Source: Government of Canada travel advice: Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Local laws and customs

Drugs, ID and surrogacy

UK advice says even very small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and Canadian advice also describes severe penalties for possession, use and trafficking. Canadian advice recommends an international driving permit and notes that photo ID may be asked for when paying by credit card. Surrogacy is not regulated; local authorities may consider such arrangements illegal, and parents have had trouble with birth certificates and leaving the country with a baby.

Source: UK FCDO travel advice: Argentina, safety and security (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Source: Government of Canada travel advice: Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Taxis and scams

Radio taxis and airport

Book taxis ahead when you can, says UK advice. If you do stop one on the street, pick a "radio taxi" with its logo clearly showing on the doors; the Buenos Aires city government publishes a list of authorised operators. For rides to and from Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Canadian advice says to stick to taxis with official markings.

Source: UK FCDO travel advice: Argentina, safety and security (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Source: Government of Canada travel advice: Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

The mustard scam

In Buenos Aires, UK advice describes the "mustard scam" as a common distraction theft. Something is sprayed on you, then a stranger offers to wipe it off while others take your belongings. Turn down the help politely but firmly and walk away. Canadian advice also lists similar distraction tactics.

Source: UK FCDO travel advice: Argentina, safety and security (checked 4 Nov 2026)
Source: Government of Canada travel advice: Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

Counterfeit notes in taxis

Dishonest taxi drivers in Argentina sometimes swap a genuine banknote for a counterfeit one, Canadian advice warns. Its suggestions are to pay with exact change, take note of the driver's name from the photo ID badge, and avoid sharing a taxi with strangers.

Source: Government of Canada travel advice: Argentina (checked 4 Nov 2026)

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Argentina

Helps with: The UN migration agency, working in Argentina since 1953 on migration management, crisis response and international cooperation. Its office is in Buenos Aires.

Who qualifies: Migrants in Argentina and partners working on migration. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: +54 (11) 4813-3330

Address: Av. Santa Fe 1460, 5th floor, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, C1059ABU

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Foreign embassies in Argentina (official list)

Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy. The Argentine foreign ministry's page lists foreign missions by country, each linking to its own entry.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own embassy or consulate.

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04

local government

Civil defence (emergency number 103)

Helps with: Argentina's government emergencies page lists 103 for civil defence, the number for disasters. It advises contacting your local civil protection office in any emergency.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Argentina affected by a disaster or emergency.

Phone: 103

Official website

Source · checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Buenos AiresTango, steakhouses and European-style architecture define this elegant capital, as do colourful neighbourhoods such as La Boca.Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0

Iguazu Falls (Puerto Iguazu)Walkways on the Argentine part of Iguazu Falls take visitors to the thundering Devil's Throat, with this town as the base.Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0

San Carlos de BarilocheIn northern Patagonia, this alpine-style lake town is known for chocolate shops, skiing, hiking and mountain views.Photo: enzofloyd, CC BY-SA 3.0

MendozaLying beneath the Andes, this wine capital is popular for vineyard tours, Malbec tastings and mountain scenery.Photo: Original photo: Beatriz Moisset (talk · contribs), CC BY-SA 3.0

El CalafateAt the Perito Moreno Glacier, walls of ice regularly crash down into the lake, and this Patagonian town is the way in.Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0

UshuaiaHikes in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic cruises begin in this port city in the south, which lies on the Beagle Channel.Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0

City selection based on: Argentina tourism ministry foreign-visitor destination ranking (2018); Google search-interest and travel press reports

Festivals and events

festival

Vendimia (grape harvest festival)

around Mar 2027 · Mendoza

In Mendoza, the wine harvest is celebrated.

culture

Tango BA Festival and World Cup

around Aug 2027 · Buenos Aires

Free shows accompany the tango championship of the world.