How Things Work in Argentina
Everything Tourists Need to Know
A 10% tip at restaurants is standard; tip in pesos and it is not included in the bill.
Updated 2025-06
Buenos Aires has an extensive Subte subway and Metrobus BRT network, both accessed with the rechargeable SUBE card.
Updated 2025-06
Private hospitals in Buenos Aires are excellent, but travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential — especially in remote Patagonia.
Updated 2025-06
Cannabis is decriminalized for personal use, abortion has been legal since 2020, and Argentina's complex currency regulations affect how tourists handle money.
Updated 2025-06
Call 101 for police, 107 for ambulance (SAME service), and 100 for fire anywhere in Argentina.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina has no strict dress codes, but Buenos Aires is a fashion-conscious city where smart-casual is the norm.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, and Argentina has a rich wine culture — Malbec from Mendoza is a point of national pride.
Updated 2025-06
Prices are generally fixed in shops, but some flexibility exists at artisan markets and flea markets like San Telmo.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally unrestricted in Argentina; avoid photographing military and police installations.
Updated 2025-06
Major cities operate largely normally on Sundays, but national holidays cause widespread closures across Argentina.
Updated 2025-06
Metered black-and-yellow taxis are reliable in Buenos Aires, and Uber operates well despite ongoing legal tension with taxi unions.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires and most major cities, and Patagonia's glacier-fed tap water is exceptionally pure.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina's currency situation is critical — withdrawing from ATMs at the official rate loses significant value, so carry USD or EUR to exchange at legal casas de cambio for the far better blue rate.
Updated 2025-06
Claro, Movistar, and Personal sell prepaid SIMs at airports and phone shops; coverage is good in cities but patchy in Patagonia.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina uses a unique Type I plug (three flat pins in a triangle shape) at 220V/50Hz — most visitors need a specific adapter.
Updated 2025-06
Watch out for the 'mustard' distraction scam, fake police officers, and street money changers offering counterfeit notes.
Updated 2025-06
Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist areas, but pickpocketing is common in crowded spots and certain neighbourhoods like La Boca should be treated with caution.
Updated 2025-06
Greet with a single kiss on the cheek (even between men in casual settings), accept mate if offered, and prepare for very late meal times.
Updated 2025-06
Argentine Spanish (Rioplatense) uses 'vos' instead of 'tú' and has a distinctive Italian-influenced accent unlike other Spanish-speaking countries.
Updated 2025-06
Mar del Plata is Argentina's main beach resort, packed in January–February; the Atlantic coast water is cold, and Patagonia's coastline is dramatic but frigid.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right; an international driving licence is valid; fill up whenever you can in Patagonia where petrol stations are sparse.
Updated 2025-06
Asado (Argentine BBQ) is the cultural institution, dinner starts at 9–11pm, and dulce de leche appears on almost everything.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina is predominantly Catholic with significant Jewish and small Muslim communities; modest dress is appreciated at all religious sites.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina's huge size means dramatically varied climates — Buenos Aires is best in spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May), while Patagonia peaks in December–February.
Updated 2025-06
Argentina's weak peso makes it extraordinary value for USD or EUR holders — wine, steak, and accommodation are all remarkably affordable if you exchange at the blue rate.
Updated 2025-06