Argentina Travel Tips
Argentina is an amazing country with culture and history. Not to mention mouthwatering food and unique wines. Below are all the things you need to know before you take a trip to Argentina. If you never gave Argentina a thought definitely put it on your bucket list.
By Kavonda L. Rogers
A Little History
The history of Argentina dates back thousands of years, with the first human settlements beginning on the southern tip of Patagonia 13,000 years ago. The indigenous people here and in the Pampas were advanced hunters and gatherers and included the Yamana and the Tehuelches. The country’s history has been tumultuous over the years with political instability, military coups, exiled presidents, territorial disputes and dictatorships.
Currency
The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the currency unit for Argentina. The Peso symbol is the same as the dollar sign ($). The Peso is subdivided into centavos; 1 Peso is equal to 100 centavos. The previous currency of Argentina was also called the Peso; however, the currency evolved and fewer zeros are currently being used.
People traveling to Argentina can use a credit card in many locations, as long as it’s a Visa, American Express, Mastercard or Diners Club, which are commonly accepted throughout the country. However, some places prefer that customers pay in cash, or they simply charge more to use a credit card, sometimes 5 to 10 percent more. Many places don’t accept credit cards at all, such as museums, trams, taxis and other public transportation options. Most sit-down restaurants and hotels do accept credit cards, though a tip usually cannot be added to the bill.
Debit cards are generally issued by international brands such as Visa with Electron or MasterCard with Maestro. These cards function through the ATM networks of Banelco and Link in Argentina. Debit cards in Argentina can be used to make payments at businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, clothing stores, etc. Businesses that allow payments by debit card can be
recognized by the debit card logos on their establishments.
Weather
Argentina’s climate ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north,through to the pleasant climate of the
central Pampas, and the sub Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be very hot and humid during summer (December to February) and chilly in winter. The most pleasant times to visit Buenos Aires are September-November and February March. The city is best avoided in January,when the heat is at its most intense and many of its residents flee to the coast leaving behind a comparative ghost city.
Tech & Communication
Argentina has a telephone density of about 20 private phones per 100 people. There are also some 12,000 public telephones. Deregulation of the telecommunications industry is ongoing, and service and infrastructure have improved dramatically. Companies such as AT&T, MCI, and
Sprint can now provide long-distance service to a limited degree. There are currently 40 earth stations that support the telephone system’s microwave relay complex and 3 earth satellite stations.
Emergency Numbers
Travelers should note that 107 is the general emergency number for immediate health or medical help. Ambulance services can also be acquired by dialing this number.
Language
Although Argentina’s official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French.
Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Mapuche, Guarani, Aymara, Toba and Quechua.
LGBT Travel
Despite the strong influence by the Catholic Church, Argentina is one of the most gay friendly countries in Latin America, and arguably, the world. It was the first country in the continent to legalise gay marriage in July 2010, which also included full adoption rights. This made it the
2nd in the entire continent (after Canada) and 10th in the world. The right to change legal gender has been in place since 2012, and in the same year, legislation was introduced adding life imprisonment to hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Big cities
in Argentina have fun gay scenes, particularly in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba and Mendoza. Even smaller cities like Puerto Madryn are popular gay hotspots.
How to Get There
There are 1,359 airports in Argentina, although only 142 have paved runways. Buenos Aires has 2 major airports. The first, Ezeiza International
Airport, is the main point of arrival and departure for most international flights. Most domestic or regional flights, including those to Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay originate from the second major airport in Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Must Do Activities
Iguazu falls with Helicopter
Hike to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy – El Chaltén
Dance until Sunrise on a crazy night with new friends
Ride Across the Andes from Argentina to Chile
Partying in Córdoba
Mendoza – Wine tasting
Take a tango lesson
Learn more Spanish
Must Try Foods
Milanesa
Choripan
Llama steak
Argentine ice cream
Locro
Asado
Humita
Provoleta
Empanadas
Alfajores
Must Try Drinks
Milanesa
Choripan
Llama steak
Argentine ice cream
Locro
Asado
Humita
Provoleta
Empanadas
Alfajores
Best Instagram Photo Spots
Glaciar Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz
Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta
Buenos Aires, CABA
Cerro Fitz Roy, Santa Cruz
Bariloche, Río Negro
Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Chubut
Valle de la Luna, San Juan
Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia
Wrap Up
Are you planning to travel to Argentina? If so share with me below when you are traveling and where. I would love to know.
