Travel Essentials

Argentina: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Argentina?

One number for everything: 911, Police: 101, Ambulance: 107, Fire: 100

Plugs: Types C and I, 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911, Police 101, Ambulance 107, Fire 100. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants, usually in cash; small tips for porters and guides. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in cities.

Open The Argentina Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and I, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	911
Police	101
Ambulance	107
Fire	100

Tipping

About 10% in restaurants, usually in cash; small tips for porters and guides.

Water And Health

Tap water: Generally safe to drink in cities
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; yellow fever for parts of the north/northeast, rabies for some travelers
Malaria: Small risk in some rural northern areas near the Bolivia/Paraguay border

Apps To Download Before You Go

Mercado Pago: The dominant QR payment wallet, accepted from kiosks to taxis.
Cabify: A popular ride-hailing app in Buenos Aires and major cities, alongside Uber and DiDi.
WhatsApp: Universal for contacting accommodation, drivers and restaurants.
SUBE: Manage and top up the card needed for buses, subte and trains in Buenos Aires.
BA Cómo Llego: The official Buenos Aires route planner for buses and subway.
Trenes Argentinos: Timetables and tickets for commuter and long-distance trains.
Plataforma 10: Book long-distance buses, the main way to travel between cities.
PedidosYa: The main food and grocery delivery app in Argentina.
Rappi: A widely used alternative for delivery and errands.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A single cheek kiss is common in greeting, even between men in some social contexts; a handshake is standard in business.

Late dining. Dinner often starts after 9-10pm; restaurants may not open for dinner until 8pm.

Mate. Sharing mate (a traditional tea) is a social ritual; if offered, it's polite to accept and pass it back.

Safety And Scams

Argentina is moderately safe; petty crime like pickpocketing and phone/bag snatching is common in Buenos Aires tourist areas, while violent crime against tourists is less common but does happen.

Counterfeit currency in change. Check banknotes given as change, especially in taxis or informal exchanges.

Informal currency exchange shortchanging. Use official exchanges or cards; informal 'cuevas' can shortchange or use damaged/fake notes.

Distraction theft (mustard/spray trick). If someone tries to clean a substance off your clothing, it's often a distraction for theft — walk away and check your belongings.

Women travelers. Generally safe; catcalling is fairly common, and walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas is best avoided.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Legal and well protected: Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage (2010) and has strong anti-discrimination laws; Buenos Aires has one of the region's most vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	5,000 ARS	$3.30
Local bus or subte ride	600 ARS	$0.40
Mid-range restaurant meal	23,000 ARS	$15
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	22,500 ARS	$15
Mid-range hotel (night)	105,000 ARS	$70
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	90,000 ARS	$60

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

Buenos Aires and the north are best March-May and September-November (mild autumn/spring). December-February suits Patagonia (summer) but is hot and humid in Buenos Aires; June-August is winter, good for skiing in the south.

Do You Need A Visa?

Argentina visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Spanish phrases