Jurisdiction Guide

October to April offers the best weather for most regions. Patagonian destinations are most pleasant in summer (November to March), while northern parts get hot and humid from December to February.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10 percent. Cash is widely used, but credit cards may not work everywhere, so carry pesos. Public transport is cheap but crowded in cities, and ride-hailing apps like Uber operate legally but sometimes stir controversy. Spanish is spoken everywhere; basic knowledge or a translation app helps. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy; Claro and Movistar have good coverage.

People greet with one cheek kiss, even in business settings. Casual dress is common, but avoid shorts in city offices or upscale venues. Dinner usually starts late, often after 9 pm. Sharing mate tea is a social ritual; accept but don't thank until finished. Pointing or public displays of anger can be frowned upon.

Pickpocketing is common in busy areas of big cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Traffic can be chaotic, with lax adherence to rules, so extra caution is wise when driving or crossing streets. Avoid carrying flashy valuables and be wary of distractions or friendly strangers insisting on helping. Tap water in cities is generally safe, but bottled water is preferred in remote areas.

El Chaltén offers quiet hiking trails and fewer crowds than southern Patagonia. The Jesuit ruins near Córdoba reveal Argentina's colonial history but get little international attention. Tigre's river delta, just outside Buenos Aires, is a laid-back escape with stilt houses and local markets.

Tourists from most EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but difficult. Student and work visas require formal offers. The digital nomad visa launched in 2022 allows remote workers to stay for up to 180 days, though the process remains bureaucratic.

Domestic flights connect distant cities, especially Patagonia and Mendoza, though buses are often cheaper. The long-distance bus network is reliable and comfortable, even offering sleeper seats. Train services are limited outside Buenos Aires. Renting a car is popular for rural areas, but roads vary widely in quality. Uber and Cabify are common in larger cities.

Argentine beef dominates menus, with asado (barbecue) as a staple. Empanadas and milanesas appear everywhere, while dulce de leche sweetens snacks and desserts. Wine, especially Malbec from Mendoza, is enjoyed at meals. Tap water is usually safe in major cities, but ask locals outside urban centers. Vegetarian options exist but may be limited outside tourist spaces; vegan meals are easier to find in Buenos Aires.

Argentina offers broad options: hostels and local eateries keep costs low, while boutique hotels or designer restaurants in Buenos Aires can be costly. Buenos Aires and Bariloche are the most expensive cities, but Salta or Mendoza are much cheaper. Expect to pay around 2,500 pesos for a basic meal in a mid-range restaurant and 80,000 pesos for a private room in a central hotel.