ABOUT ARGENTINA

Argentina is the world's eighth-largest country, and its vast landscapes include iconic natural wonders like the Iguazú Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls on the planet, straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil.

The Andean region, along Argentina's western edge, is not only home to towering peaks like Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, but also to rich cultural traditions rooted in indigenous heritage. The Argentine Pampas, expansive flatlands of fertile soil, are crucial to the country's agricultural economy and are the birthplace of the "gaucho" culture—Argentina’s iconic cowboys known for their skills in cattle ranching.

Patagonia, in the south, is a region of dramatic landscapes, featuring glaciers, fjords, and steppes that attract adventurers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Whale watching, penguin colonies, and trekking across the Perito Moreno Glacier are among the unique experiences offered here. Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes, is a renowned wine region, famous for its production of Malbec and attracting wine lovers to its vineyards for tastings against stunning mountain backdrops. Argentina also has a turbulent political history, marked by periods of military dictatorship, the tragic Dirty War, and economic struggles, yet it remains a resilient nation with a strong sense of national pride.

Football, or soccer, is an integral part of Argentine culture, with the country producing some of the world’s greatest footballers, including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, whose talents have brought global attention to Argentine football. Argentina’s literary heritage is also significant, with writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar contributing profoundly to global literature. Today, Argentina continues to captivate visitors and locals alike with its extraordinary mix of natural beauty, artistic expression, rich history, and passionate spirit.

Entry into Argentina

To enter Argentina, travellers typically need a valid passport, and depending on their nationality, a visa may be required. Citizens from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe, can enter Argentina without a visa for tourism or business purposes, typically for stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, visitors receive an entry stamp indicating their permitted length of stay, which can sometimes be extended by applying at local immigration offices.

Currency

Argentina’s currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Due to ongoing economic fluctuations, the exchange rate between the peso and the U.S. dollar (USD) can vary frequently. As of the latest updates (as of October 2024), the exchange rate is roughly around 975 ARS to 1 USD on the official market, though this may change.

Additionally, Argentina has an unofficial or "blue" exchange rate market where the rate is typically higher. Travellers often exchange currency on this unofficial market to get a better rate, but it’s important to do so cautiously, as unofficial exchanges are not regulated.

For everyday expenses, major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, though cash is still commonly used, especially in rural regions. Travellers may find it beneficial to carry both pesos and some U.S. dollars for flexibility and exchange rate advantages.

Electricity

In Argentina, the standard electricity voltage is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. The country primarily uses two types of plug sockets: Type C and Type I. Type C plugs have two round pins and are commonly used across Europe. Type I plugs have two flat pins in a V-shape, with an optional third grounding pin, and are also used in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Mobile services

Mobile services in Argentina are provided by several major carriers, including Movistar, Personal, and Claro. These companies offer a range of prepaid and postpaid plans that include voice, text, and data services, catering to both local residents and tourists. Travellers can easily purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, mobile stores, or convenience shops in most cities.

A local SIM card usually provides affordable data packages, making it a convenient option for staying connected while exploring Argentina. To use an Argentine SIM card, ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks.

If you need mainly data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

Here are the emergency and service contact numbers for Argentina:

• 100: Firefighters
• 101: Police
• 107: Ambulance
• 110: Phone Directory
• 112: Customer Service
• 113: Official Time Service
• 125: Assistance Service for the Hearing-Impaired
• 911: Emergency Services (available in certain areas, including Buenos Aires Metro Area and Buenos Aires Province, where it merges 100, 101, and 107 into one emergency number)

Note that the international country code for Argentina is +54.

Interesting facts about Argentina

Home of the tango
Argentina is known as the birthplace of the tango, a passionate and dramatic dance that originated in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires. The dance has since become popular worldwide.

World’s largest waterfall system
Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, is the largest waterfall system in the world, consisting of over 270 individual waterfalls spread across 1.7 miles.

A wine lover’s paradise
Argentina is one of the largest wine producers globally, particularly famous for its Malbec wines. The Mendoza region, in particular, is a renowned wine-growing area that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.

Land of the Gauchos
Argentina’s vast pampas (grasslands) are home to gauchos, the country’s traditional cowboys. Gauchos have a strong cultural presence and are celebrated as symbols of Argentina’s rural heritage.

Patagonia’s natural wonders
Argentina is home to Patagonia, a region known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and lakes. Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia is where you’ll find the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Rich literary tradition
Argentina has a strong literary heritage, with world-renowned writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar. Buenos Aires is known as a hub for literature, with countless bookstores and the annual Buenos Aires Book Fair.

World’s southernmost city
Ushuaia, located in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, is considered the southernmost city in the world. Known as the "End of the World," it serves as a gateway to Antarctica.

Football fever
Argentina is a football-obsessed nation, with three FIFA World Cup wins (in 1978, 1986 and 2022). The country has produced legendary players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

Yerba mate culture
Drinking yerba mate, a traditional herbal tea, is a social ritual in Argentina. It’s common to see people sharing a gourd of mates among friends or family.

Argentina’s diverse climate
The country spans a variety of climates, from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the south. This diversity allows for an array of landscapes, from rainforests and deserts to mountains and glaciers.