What you should know before traveling to Argentina

‍What You Should Know Before Traveling to Argentina

‍Argentina occupies most of the lower half of South America, sharing the southern tip with Chile. Compared with much of the rest of the continent, Argentina’s travel risk is relatively low, but it can spike considerably in the larger cities, particularly Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza. Familiarizing yourself with the potential risks is essential.35% of the population in Argentina lives below the poverty line, and petty crime in the cities is an ever-present threat. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings at all times. But, in general, Argentinians are tolerant of outsiders and can be quite congenial to foreign visitors. As long as you heed the recommendations below, your visit to the country should be quite pleasant.

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Make sure to procure the proper visa for your stay. American tourists can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you’re traveling for business, you or your company will need to arrange for a 24 H visa, which allows travelers to conduct business in the country for up to 30 days. If your agenda requires you to be in the country for longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa for temporary residency. Make sure that you or your employer submits all the required documenta- tion well in advance of your trip. And be sure that your passport will remain valid for at least six months after your arrival in Argentina.

What to wear.

Avoid clothing that suggests wealth or that calls undue attention to yourself. Don’t bring expen- sive jewelry or watches with you on your trip, and don’t wear any jewelry at all when traveling in Buenos Aires or other large cities. Argentina is not repressive, so there are no particular modesty concerns, but you want to try and blend in as much as possible.

How to pay for goods and services.

As stated earlier, many vendors won’t take credit cards. When possible, try to pay with exact change. Many scams involve giving change in counterfeit bills. And, as much as possible, make sure to watch carefully when you pay with larger bills. There’s a chance the payee will try to quic- kly switch your bill with a counterfeit and then claim that was the bill you gave them, expecting to be paid again. Carry coins. They’re necessary and often hard to come by.

Avoid currency scams.

In commercial as well as tourist areas, locals may approach you and offer to exchange dollars for pesos at the black-market rate known as the “dólar blue” rate, which is approximately 3% higher than the official currency exchange rate. Avoid these transactions – especially if this means going with someone to a building or side street to complete the transaction.

Securing your belongings.

What you should know before traveling to Argentina

Travel in the country.

Don’t walk alone at night or take side streets. Violent robbery is known to happen, most com- monly in the San Telmo, Recoleta, and La Boca neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Also, avoid shanty towns in Buenos Aires. Reasonably safe tourist areas can be very close to more dangerous areas, so always be aware of where you are on a map. Try to stay with the crowds and travel as a group.

Travel over long distances.

The country’s highways are in a good state and they are generally safe. However, if you are traveling long distances, for example to visit Patagonia, some of the roads are unpaved and difficult to navigate. Furthermore, in some areas of the country, you may find it quite hard to find a established and reliable cellular conection

Public demonstrations.

Political demonstrations are relatively common. While they’re generally peaceful, they have been known to grow violent. It’s best not to get involved. If you see a large group begin to swell in a public space, leave the area.

When traveling around cities, either hire vetted drivers or use “radio taxis.” These are taxis owned and operated by companies, as opposed to independent, unaffiliated drivers. They’re generally safer because of the paper trail involved and their association with a legitimate enter- prise. They can be distinguished by the words “radio taxi” on their tops and logos on the front and back doors. Independent taxis should be avoided. Driving in Argentina can be dangerous. Traffic laws are often flouted, and only locals know how to navigate the streets safely. It’s best not to drive yourself.

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