Argentina Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Argentina is a country of dramatic contrasts and bucket-list experiences: the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires, the thundering Iguazú Falls, the wine country of Mendoza, the snowcapped Andes, and the otherworldly landscapes of Patagonia. Stretching from the subtropical north to the windswept tip of South America, it offers four seasons at once somewhere in the country, making it a year-round destination for culture, food, and nature. Travelers love Argentina for its European-influenced architecture, welcoming locals, and vibrant food scene built around steak, Malbec, and Italian-inspired dishes. For first-time visitors, good planning goes a long way—distances are huge, seasons are inverted from the Northern Hemisphere, and the economy can be volatile. This guide focuses on the essentials you need right now so you can arrive confident, get around easily, and enjoy Argentina’s world-class sights.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

Buenos Aires: The capital and usual entry point. Explore Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca’s colorful Caminito, San Telmo’s Sunday market, Palermo’s bars and restaurants, and watch a tango show.
Iguazú Falls (Puerto Iguazú): One of the world’s greatest waterfalls on the border with Brazil. Plan a full day for the Argentine side.
Mendoza & Uco Valley: Wine country at the foot of the Andes, famous for Malbec, bike-and-wine tours, and high-end lodges.
Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, El Chaltén): Lakes, hiking, and glaciers—especially Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate. El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital.
Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego): World’s southernmost city, gateway to Antarctica cruises, hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Córdoba & Sierras: Colonial center, active student life, and nearby mountain villages.
Salta & Jujuy (Northwest): High-desert scenery, salt flats, colorful mountains like Purmamarca’s Hill of Seven Colors.
Mar del Plata & Atlantic Coast: Summer beach escapes for locals (Dec–Feb).

Good to Know

Best time to visit: Sept–Nov (spring) and Mar–May (fall) are ideal for Buenos Aires and wine country. Dec–Feb is best for Patagonia and the south but also the busiest.
Season inversion: Remember Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere—January is hot in Buenos Aires, July is ski season in Bariloche.
Economic volatility: Prices can change fast and parallel (informal) exchange rates may exist. Paying by card in pesos often gets you a favorable “tourist” or “foreign card” rate—check what your bank is applying.
Carry ID: Keep a copy of your passport photo page on your phone and carry the original only when needed.
Tap water: Generally safe in major cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza—ask locally in smaller towns.

Visa & Entry Requirements (Tourism)

Important: Always check the latest rules with the nearest Argentine consulate or the official migration website just before you travel, as regulations can change. The information below reflects the usual situation for tourists as of late 2025. Sources: U.S. State Department, Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and official consular pages.

United States citizens: Do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passport must be valid at entry; you may be asked for proof of onward travel and funds. Reciprocity fee for U.S. tourists is currently not in force.
Canadian citizens: Visa-free for tourism up to 90 days. No reciprocity fee.
EU citizens (Schengen): Visa-free for tourism up to 90 days. Passport should be valid for the duration of stay.
U.K. citizens: Visa-free for tourism up to 90 days.
Australian citizens: Visa-free for tourism up to 90 days; the old reciprocity fee was removed.
Proof on arrival: Immigration may ask for hotel details, return or onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds.
Staying longer than 90 days: You must extend with Argentine immigration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) in-country.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). Because Argentina experiences inflation and periodic currency shifts, expect prices to move and card exchange mechanisms to change over time.

Exchange rate: The official rate can be very different from what foreign cards actually apply or what informal markets offer. As a visitor, the most straightforward method is to pay by credit/debit card in pesos and let your bank apply its tourist/foreign exchange rate; it is usually close to the more favorable rate available to travelers at that moment.

Average daily budget (rough guide):

Backpacker: 35–60 USD/day (hostels, public transport/subte/bus, cheap parrillas, occasional intercity bus).
Midrange: 80–150 USD/day (3–4 star hotel in Buenos Aires or Mendoza, good dinners with wine, a couple of paid attractions, domestic flight or two).
Luxury: 200–400+ USD/day (design or boutique hotels, fine dining/steakhouses, private wine tours, internal flights, Antarctic or Patagonia add-ons).

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, locals commonly leave around 10% in cash. Round up for taxis/remises.

Credit card acceptance: Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in Buenos Aires, large cities, big restaurants, and chain stores. Small kiosks, rural areas, independent tour operators, and some budget guesthouses may prefer cash.

ATMs: Argentine ATMs often have low withdrawal limits and relatively high local fees. When possible, bring a no-foreign-fee card and withdraw larger amounts at major banks (e.g. Banco Nación, Banco Galicia) or use international networks inside shopping malls or airports. Some travelers bring USD/EUR and exchange at reputable casas de cambio or via hotel recommendations for better value. Avoid street changers.

Language & Communication

Official language: Spanish (Rioplatense Spanish). You will hear the “vos” form and an Italian-influenced accent, especially in Buenos Aires.
English: Generally understood in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger people, but not guaranteed everywhere—learn a few Spanish basics.
Other immigrant languages: You may hear Italian, German, Arabic, and indigenous languages in specific regions.
Useful apps/phrases: Download a Spanish phrasebook or offline Google Translate; taxi drivers and local restaurants may not speak English.

SIM cards & connectivity:

Main operators: Personal, Movistar, and Claro.
Where to buy: Airport kiosks in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza/EZE, Aeroparque/AEP), official mobile shops in the city, big supermarkets, and convenience stores. In smaller towns, go to an official branch.
What to bring: Passport for registration. Many shops will set up the SIM for you on the spot.
Tourist eSIMs: If your phone supports eSIM, consider buying an Argentina or Latin America eSIM online before arrival—often easier than finding a kiosk on a Sunday.
Network quality: Good in major cities and popular tourist regions; patchy in remote Patagonia, the northwest, or on long bus rides.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 220V / 50Hz.
Plugs: Mostly Type I (three flat pins in a row) and sometimes Type C (Europlug). Many modern hotels and apartments now have universal sockets.
What to do: Bring a universal travel adapter with surge protection, especially if you will stay in older lodgings or travel outside major cities.

Getting Around

By air: Distances are long; domestic flights (Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSmart, Flybondi) save time between Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza, Córdoba, and the northwest. Book early around Argentine holidays and summer.
By long-distance bus (micro/ómnibus): Comfortable, reliable, and extensive. “Semi-cama” and “cama” seats recline; overnight buses are common for Iguazú, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Córdoba.
Within Buenos Aires: The Subte (metro) is fast and cheap; buses (colectivos) run everywhere. You need a rechargeable SUBE card to pay for metro, buses, and some trains—buy it in subway stations, kiosks, or tourist centers.
Intercity trains: Limited but scenic on some routes; buses are usually more convenient.
Taxis & ride-hailing: Official radio taxis are common in Buenos Aires and bigger cities. Ride-hailing apps operate in major urban areas—check which is working best during your visit.
Driving: Renting a car makes sense in Patagonia, wine regions, and the northwest. Roads are generally good, but distances are long and fuel stations can be far apart in remote areas.

Safety

Overall: Argentina is one of the safer countries to visit in South America, but urban petty crime exists, especially in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario.
Common issues: Pickpocketing in crowded areas (San Telmo market, La Boca, Retiro bus station), bag snatching, and distraction thefts.
How to reduce risk: Keep valuables out of sight, use cross-body bags, leave passports in your hotel safe, and avoid showing large amounts of cash or expensive cameras at night.
Transport safety: Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, especially at night and from airports.
Natural environments: In Patagonia and the Andes, respect weather warnings and hire certified guides for glacier or high-mountain activities.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Fake or unregistered taxis at airports: At Ezeiza, follow signs to official taxi desks or prepay inside the terminal.
ATM/card confusion: Always double-check the amount and fees before confirming—local ATM fees can be high.
Currency exchange tricks: Avoid street changers; use banks, official casas de cambio, or exchange only through trusted hotel/tour operator contacts.
“Spill” distraction: Someone spills a drink or sauce on you, another offers to help, and a third person takes your bag—walk away and check your belongings.
Overcharging in touristy areas: Always check the menu price and ask if cards are accepted before ordering.

Plan smart, stay flexible, and you will find Argentina incredibly rewarding—where European elegance meets Latin American energy, and where every region feels like a different country.