Argentina is a natural beauty with stunning fauna and endless landscapes bound to take anyone’s breath away. The Tierra Del Fuego is among the top must-visit national parks here and so are the desert canyons of Andean Northwest. If you are an outdoors person then this destination will prove worth your while. But besides the diverse outdoor features, the country is famed for football, dance and delicious food. The locals are welcoming, warm, fun and outgoing making it easy for any kind of visitor to enjoy their stay. There is everything to love about the country but the travel tips Argentina below are helpful to prepare you for the time of your life in this intense, defiant, beautiful destination.
Tip 1 – Have a taste of Bueno Aires
Argentina has many cities you can choose to visit, but Bueno Aires which is its capital stands out from the rest. This cosmopolitan city combines cultural heritage, rich architecture, vibrant art scenes, electric nightlife and creative modernity. The locals are friendly and warm, whereas the extensive parks are nothing short of relaxing. The streets will immerse you in Blues and Jazz music as you indulge in the famed empanadas. The best travel tips Bueno Aires Argentina, I can give you is, let loose and go with the flow!
Tip 2 – Have some cash at hand
The inflation in Argentina can make it hard to travel and pay for everything using credit cards. Expect to pay for most things in cash while here because most things will be impossible to reserve without a DNI. The DNI is the national identity card and is needed for most transactions especially when using credit cards. It is therefore advisable to convert your dollars into Argentine pesos to enjoy convenient payments. Most shops and stores will accept Euros and USD but they end up attracting additional fees. Luckily you can exchange currency at authorized agencies and banks. If your travel targets rural areas, then by all means carry cash for convenience.
Tip 3 – Check your travel documents in advance
Just because you have a passport doesn’t mean that you can just up and go. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days as a tourist in Argentina, a visa will be necessary. Your passport on the other hand needs to have at least six months validity from your return flight’s date. The passport and visa requirements are readily available and you should therefore make a point of checking to confirm everything is in order.
Tip 4 – Take advantage of tax-free shopping and VAT refunds
International visitors automatically and directly receive 21% VAT reimbursement on accommodation charges in Argentina. This is especially the case when you pay using foreign bank transfer or foreign credit card. The refund together with friendly exchange rates will make your stay in the destination affordable. Important to note also is that foreign tourists are eligible to reclaim tax when they purchase goods domestically manufactured. If you are keen on saving money as you enjoy your travel, tax reclaim information should be on your to-do list when planning a trip to Argentina.
Tip 5 – Don’t miss out on the major attractions
Just like any other destination, Argentina packs lots of attractions making any travel rewarding. There is so much to do and see here but some of the major ones you cannot afford to miss out on include:
Patagonia– This unique landscape is ranked number 1 on the top places to visit in Argentina. It is a remote region with rivers, volcanoes, snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and virgin forests among many other features. It occupies a wide area with Mount Fitzroy and El Chaten being among those you must see.
Tierra Del Fuego – It is so stunning that it is referred to as ‘end of the world’. The mountains in Ushuaia pierce into the sky and the glaciers are alive. If you are an adventurous outdoors person, you will love exploring the national park.
Iguazu Falls – This is more than a waterfall as it is home to exotic birds, tens of mammal species, and subtropical rainforests at the Parque Nacional Iguanzu. The fall is an impressive natural attraction and borders Paraguay and Brazil, thereby receiving millions of visitors annually. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and among the seven natural wonders of the world.
Perito Moreno Glacier – It is located in Los Glaciares National Park and combines stunning lakes and mountains. The most outstanding feature here is of course the glacier which is thousands of years old. Walk on the glacier and be awed as huge ice chunks break off crashing into icy waters.
General Carrera Lake – The Lake is near Patagonia and has the Andes dominating its landscape. The ancient marble caves naturally curved by continuous waves over thousands of years are the most outstanding here.
Other areas and attractions you should consider visiting while in Argentina include Mendoza popular with hikers and mountain climbers, Peninsula Valdes popular with grey foxes, elephant seals, whales and penguins, and Bariloche known for its warm weather, biking and fishing. It is best to spread out your visit to different areas in Argentina, but if the capital is where you would rather be, then travel tips for Bueno Aires Argentina should help you enjoy a memorable stay.
Tip 6 – Be wary of petty crimes in public transport and crowded places
Petty thefts and robberies are common in major cities of Argentina including Bueno Aires. Tourist hotspots like La Boca are known for petty crimes making it important to always keep your belongings close. Apart from bag snatching and pick-pocketing, armed robberies and kidnapping are a possibility in cities like Bueno Aires, Mendoza and Rosario areas popular with tourists. You can stay safe by avoiding high crime areas and ensuring you avoid the centers after dark. Another helpful tip is to keep your tax windows and doors locked when driving around.
Tip 7 – Indulge in the fun
The one thing you cannot forget when looking at tips for travelling to Argentina is the fun the country is known for. After a long day basking in the glory of all the natural beauty, relax your body, mind and soul with fun activities and food. So, what are some of the things you should do while in the destination?
Enjoy fine wine and food. Among the things Argentina is famous for is the wine. It is the fifth wine producer in the world but the locals end up enjoying a huge percent of the production as compared to exporting. A wine-tasting tour can be very rewarding, or you can simply enjoy some on a date, with friends, or when relaxing in your room. The Malbec grape is the signature ingredient in Argentinian wine so why not try it? When it comes to food, Argentinian sauces, pasta, pizza, empanada, and nachos are a must-have.
Try out the meat. This country is considered the highest meat producer in the world and there is a culture around beef in particular. Asadito or barbecue brings people together in social gatherings like a tradition. Would you believe there are more cows in Argentina than there are humans? Try out the meat and have some fun.
Enjoy a football match. Football is the one thing that comes into mind for many people when Argentina is mentioned. This country has given the world some of the best players including Messi and Maradona who were born and raised here. Football here is more of a lifestyle than a sport and the locals love watching matches regularly. The capital hosts the highest number of stadiums not just in the country, but in the world. Football scenes are everywhere including graffiti on most streets. How then can you say you visited Argentina if you didn’t enjoy a football match in a real stadium? This is one of the most fulfilling things you can do on the Argentina travel tips list.
Dance some tango. Tango dancing is another fun tradition in Argentina. This genre defines the Argentinian personality with the drama and moves coming alive from dandoneon sounds. Bueno Aires is where Tango was born and therefore tends to be more dominant here. If you love dancing, or are not afraid to try new things, learn a few moves and enjoy the multicultural sound fusion that is Tango.
Tip 8 – Blend in with the locals
One of the best things you can do when visiting Argentina is packing the right clothes and items. Normal clothing is what you should consider instead of the usual tourist zip-off pants and waist packs that make you noticeable and a target for thieves. Casual outfits like t-shirts and jeans make it easy for you to blend in and stay hidden. Other helpful stuff you should pack include comfortable walking and hiking shoes, and a nice tango or dinner outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Argentina worth visiting?
Argentina is a great destination to visit. Its diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, vibrant culture and traditions make it worth visiting. Just like any other destination, do and see as much of the country as you can, and you will have a time of your life.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Bueno Aires is a generally safe city to be in. But just like any other place, it does have its fair share of unsafe areas. La Boca is one such area, especially at night and so is Retiro. Palermo Soho, among others. Key safety precautions should be taken when visiting, the same way you do even where you live. When in Bueno Aires, stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and you will be just fine.
What do I need to know before traveling to Argentina?
Besides making sure that your passport and other travel documents are in order, you should know that Argentina is vast, has Spanish as the national language, houses most of Patagonia, has a volatile economy, and the locals are very social, warm and friendly. The activities you can enjoy depend on the time you choose to travel and the areas you choose to visit. Build an exciting itinerary depending on the length of your stay and you won’t regret it.
What should I be careful about in Argentina?
Petty and violent crimes. If met with a situation, do not resist but instead, hand over whatever valuables they are asking for. Express kidnappings are also an occurrence making it very important to avoid deserted areas especially if alone. Take precautions when in crowded places or when using public transport, and keep your belongings close and out of sight.
Is it safe to travel to Argentina right now?
Yes. Argentina is generally very safe save for the normal criminal occurrences as is with any other country. Instead of being hesitant to visit this destination, exercise normal safety precautions and enjoy your stay.
What do US citizens need to enter Argentina?
US citizens travelling to Argentina need to have valid passports to gain entry. If you show up with a damaged or expired passport you are likely to be sent back. To avoid such inconveniences, ensure your travel documents are valid and ready. If your stay is less than 90 days, then a visa might not be necessary. Stays exceeding 90 days will require getting a visa.
Summary
Argentina is without a doubt a good country for a memorable vacation. The above travel tips Argentina should help you in getting ready for what the country has to offer. The more you know about the destination you are about to visit, the easier it will be for you to move around, complete your itinerary and have fun while at it. There is so much to do and see in this country whether travelling alone, as a couple, or with family and friends. As long as you know what kind of experience you are looking for, you will be able to put together a visit you will love and create lasting memories. Different areas in Argentina offer different experiences, peruse and choose your best.
