Argentina is now more than ever affordable thanks to the unofficial BLUE DOLLAR rate! Get your backpack ready my dear digital nomads and backpackers. Let's plan your amazing trip together!
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Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re planning to travel Argentina in 2024, whether you’re a backpacker, a digital nomad, or just on vacation looking for the best tips to make your trip unforgettable, you’ve come to the right place. In this personal and easy-to-follow guide, I’ll spill the beans on the insider secrets that’ll help you navigate this fantastic country like a pro. So, let’s dive into the “Best Tips for Argentina 2024 agenda,” for the last quarter of the year. Shall we?
PS: This post will be continuously updated as long as I’m in Argentina! (9 January 2024)
1. Never Travel Without Travel Insurance
Okay, folks, I can’t stress this enough—never, ever travel Argentina without some good old travel insurance. Yeah, I know, in many parts of Latin America, healthcare is free, but hear me out. SafetyWing travel insurance is your ticket to get peace of mind, and it’s a must-have, especially if you’re thinking of backpacking Argentina.
You see, Argentina is a “hiking country” and therefore backpackers paradise with tons of breathtaking mountains and trails. And let’s face it, the unexpected can happen. You don’t wanna end up in some public “free” hospital. Nope, what you need is specialist care, and SafetyWing got your back. Trust me; it’s saved my travels more times than I can count. So, don’t leave home without it!
Oh I didn’t mention that it*s cheap yet? It’s really just $56.28 per 28 days for most people and you can cancel any time. Anything else you can ask for???
I make it easy for you. Check it out and sign up HERE or down below!
2. Keep Your Eyes on the Blue Dollar Rate and nothing else
Forget about the official exchange rate; when you travel Argentina, you need to know about the blue dollar rate. Western Union is where the magic happens, and the first transaction is on the house! You can even create multiple accounts without worrying about those pesky fees (I have like 20 accounts and counting). Just make sure to register on the Western Union domain that matches your bank’s billing address (e.g., westernunion.de for German banks).
Here’s the thing: Argentina’s economy can be quite volatile, and the blue dollar rate is a workaround that savvy travelers use to get a better deal on currency exchange. By keeping an eye on this rate, you can make the most of your budget.
By the way to make it clear, it doesn’t matter which currency you have! people just like to exchange to US Dollar because they think its the most common and stable currency in Argentina, and indeed compared to Argentine Pesos it is.
You exchange the currency you have, alright! Blue Euro, Blue Reals (Brazil), Blue Mexican Pesos, whatever you have 😉
OK travelers, for maximum opportunity you have to pick up your cash from a Western Union office weekly (yes inflation is that fast), and yes I know it can be hard to line up, but when you are early in one of their offices it’s done in 5 minutes!
You brought cash with you and want to change it?
It’s also possible to change your money on the street or official exchange offices, of course. The bigger your dollar bill or any other currency (e.g. for $100 you get the best exchange rate) the better. Don’t worry, people will approach you to make it happen too. For instance in Buenos Aires you can go to “Calle Florida”, there are many “arbolitos” – walking money trees on the streets and normal exchanges as well willing to offer you a good rate (NEGOTIATE!!)
UPDATE BLUE DOLLAR/EURO
It seems Argentina getting more expensive again in the long term at least. The country published just recently their first surplus.
3. Go Debit Card All the Way
Credit cards? Nah, not so much in Argentina. Most places prefer debit cards, and here’s why: shop owners have to wait forever to get their money when you use a credit card. So, always opt for your trusty debit card when making payments. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free.
However remember sometimes shop owners charge you also a 5% fee when you pay with credit not so often with debit card to cover their transaction fees for Visa, MasterCard etc.
Also make sure that you always bring your ID or passport with you. Most super markets wants to see your ID/passport together with your credit card or debit card unfortunately. A pic from you phone should also be ok and will be seen as “exception”, usually they really want to see your personal ID. In restaurantes and bars you are usually fine without ID.
Anyway, always remember cash is king in the end and you get the best rate with Western Union and by exchanging cash. But you wants to travel with tons of cash…?
4. Grab a Local SIM Card ASAP. ALWAYS!
As soon as you touch down, make a beeline for the nearest Claro flagship shop (you can find it on Google maps).
Get yourself a Claro SIM card – trust me, it’s the bee’s knees. Claro is kinda reliable and offers all sorts of prepaid internet plans. They activate it in the shop for you, but remember it might take up to 24 hours (usually done in few hours though). Oh, and don’t forget your ID, password, or a photo of your ID.
Unfortunately they offices open just from Monday to Friday, go there early!
Perfect alternative network provider is “Personal”
Personal is a really good alternative, as you can surf the web straight away and don’t need to register with your ID/passport, which is amazing!
Basically you are ready to go in a few min, and always can buy internet packages when you run out of data!
The only downside is that in Buenos Aires I couldn’t find the sim from Personal straight away (bought in in Rosario). Keep you eyes open once you arrive, it’s really by far the fastest way to get data, if you don’t use e-sim alternatives.
5. Get in on Mercado Libre
Mercado Libre is the eBay and Amazon of Latin America, and you’ll probably find yourself using it now and then during your travels in Argentina.
Delivery’s lightning-fast (sometimes even on the same day!). When you sign up, here’s the trick: use a Gmail address (e.g., cluelesstravel.official@gmail.com). Otherwise, they might ask for an Argentinian ID, which, let’s be real, you’re not likely to have. Again Gmail for the win!
6. Hunting for a place to stay long term in Argentina
Need a place to crash in Argentina? Facebook groups are your best bet. Check out groups like “Alquilar temporalmente in Buenos Aires para extranjeros” (copy and paste it) and give also www.roomgo.com.ar a whirl. For quicker results, put in all the nitty-gritty details like your budget and preferred district when you post or search.
7. Pay in Pesos in booking platforms and for domestic flights!
Want to score sweet deals when you’re booking flights and accommodations? Pay in pesos on platforms like Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hostelworld.com etc. and flight search engines like Skyscanner.com, Momondo.com, kayak.com etc.
Your bank or credit card provider (Visa, MasterCard) will give you an exchange rate that’s almost as good as the blue dollar rate. This one changed just recently in 2023! You can basically cut the prices you see for domestic flights and accommodations in Argentina in half! Again, adjust Argentinian Pesos wherever you can!
Unfortunately, the hotels (some) and especially hostels (almost all of them) know that too and exploit the blue dollar as well. You can still argue with them on arrival ;). Especially in Buenos Aires the hostels are therefore quite expensive! But for flights, you should cut the rate in half!
Oh, you can always ask for a discount if you pay in cash! Usually it’s 10% off!
8. Say no to ATM withdrawals
Speaking about the blue dollar rate in the second point, you will get out the “normal” rate which is half the blue dollar rate!
Among that ATM withdrawals in Argentina can hit you with some hefty fees! Ouch! Only use ATMs in a real emergency. Otherwise, make sure you’ve got enough cash on hand for your daily expenses. Most international spots and classy restaurants and bars like McDonald’s etc. always accept credit and debit cards.
9. Cash Is King – Ask for discounts!
Here’s a little secret: many shops in Argentina will give you a sweet 10% discount if you pay in cash like for accommodation as well. Yep, you heard it right. But you’ve gotta ask for it because sometimes they “forget” to offer it to you. Just remember, this discount doesn’t apply for supermarkets and official stores.
10. Argentina is Latin America for beginners
Now, let’s talk safety. Argentina, along with its buddy Uruguay (they share a border up north), is one of the safest spots to travel in South America. Sure, there’s a language barrier, but folks here are friendly and welcoming.
Plus, Argentina stays lively late into the night. Restaurants and shops stay open way past 11 PM, which adds an extra layer of safety. You’ll even see solo female travelers and locals strolling around and taking buses late at night – something that’s unthinkable in all other South American countries (hello, taxis!).
11. Your One-Stop shopping destination for drugs
If your journey through South America is a multi-country adventure, here’s a golden nugget of wisdom: stock up on everything you need while you’re in Argentina. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a backpacker, or simply someone with a penchant for exploration, this tip could be a game-changer.
Yes guys. Again due to inflation among other reasons everything is cheaper so make sure to buy stuff in mercado libre or in the pharmacies in Argentina.
So what stuff I’m talking about? Mainly all supplements (Whey protein, collagen etc.) and any other drugs or vitamins you need. In other countries it will be crazy expensive again.
12. Visit the doc and labs! Your health matters!
Now, here’s something that might just blow your mind: consider getting your routine dental checkup or full-body examination and/or blood work right here in Argentina. I mean, why not, right? The prices are unbeatable, and the quality of the doctors and laboratories is, well, surprisingly top-notch!
So, picture this: I’ve had several checkups here for dental stuff, and let me tell you, the doc was even better than the one back in Germany. I kid you not! A routine checkup won’t break the bank; you can get one for as low as $10-15 bucks cleaning included, and guess what? No need to schedule an appointment. Walk right in. Be aware of waiting times though.
But wait, there’s more! I also got some blood work done for my thyroid issues, and you won’t believe the cost – it was almost like they were giving it away for free! Seriously, it’s a steal even compared to prices in other Latin American countries.
So, here’s the deal, my savvy traveler friends – don’t forget to take care of your health while you’re here. Get those checkups done, and you’ll leave Argentina not only with unforgettable memories but also with a clean bill of health. Now, that’s what I call a win-win!
AND AGAIN, never travel without travel insurance in the first place. Get to sign up with my partners from SafetyWing and have one worry less!
IMPORTANT UPDATES since I’m in Buenos Aires now (since 20.11.2023)
Buenos Aires accommodation payment system
Hello fellow travelers I’m in Buenos Aires capital now. The important thing to keep in mind here that all prices on the main booking platforms are around double if not more once you arrive because all the hostels exploit the blue dollar rate, BUT it’s just in Buenos Aires!
So you can adjust US Dollar in Buenos Aires and for the rest of Argentina keep Argentina Peso (ARS), like stated above to get round about the half price.
And it counts just for hostels on the booking platforms like booking.com, hostelworld.com, Agoda.com you name it. Exception is Airbnb because you just can put the main currencies by default (USD/EURO) so keep it with USD in my opinion!
For flight search engines still use Argentina Peso (ARS). But you get the “discount” just for domestic flights, not international.
In Summery if you don’t want an expensive surprise in Buenos Aires, adjust USD in the platforms to see their real price – you can still pay in ARS afterwards when you arrive at your accommodation, they use the daily blue Dollar conversion rate for your payment in Peso.
Still ask for 10% discount if you pay in cash ;).
13. Visa run
Argentina is one of the few countries where you can stay whatever time you need and just pay a small fee when leaving. The fee is approximately 12500 ARS (probably already higher now) and you will pay them at immigration by land order or at the airport when flying out.
The fee is getting higher, so make sure to figure out the exact amount before leaving.
So make sure to have some cash if you overstayed, as especially land borders don’t accept credit/debit cards.
If you want to avoid the fee for whatever reason you can extend 3 more months at the immigration office and have 3 months by default when entering Argentina (it’s dependent on your nationality how long you can stay legally in a country as always)
Additional Insights for Your Argentine Odyssey
Dance the Tango of Your Dreams
When you find yourself in the sultry embrace of Buenos Aires, you’re in the world’s tango capital. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the passionate world of this iconic dance.
Tango isn’t just a dance; it’s an expression of the Argentine soul. You can witness mesmerizing live shows where skilled dancers glide across the floor with breathtaking grace. If you’re up for it, take tango classes to learn the sultry moves yourself.
And even if you’re not dancing, simply savor the sight of street performers who bring the city’s plazas to life with their mesmerizing tango moves under the moonlit sky. It’s an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your Argentine journey.
Savor the Sizzle of Argentine Asado
Argentina is synonymous with mouthwatering barbecue, known as “asado.” Don’t leave the country without savoring a delectable steak cooked to perfection. Local parillas (steakhouses) are your ticket to beefy bliss.
Here, they take grilling seriously, and every bite of your steak is a culinary delight. Be sure to pair your steak with a glass of Malbec wine, an Argentine specialty. The combination of juicy meat and rich wine creates a taste sensation like no other. It’s a gastronomic experience that will have your taste buds singing in delight.
So, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through Argentina’s culinary heritage.
Conquer the Wilds of Patagonia
For those with an adventurous spirit and a profound love for nature, Patagonia is a realm of awe-inspiring beauty that beckons you to explore. Located in the southern region of Argentina, Patagonia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Imagine standing in front of massive glaciers, kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, and hiking through pristine landscapes with towering peaks. In El Chaltén, you can trek through stunning national parks, taking in breathtaking vistas of jagged mountains and pristine lakes.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, consider kayaking in Bariloche, surrounded by the stunning Andes Mountains. And don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. The sheer magnitude of this natural wonder will leave you in awe.
Patagonia is a paradise for those seeking an adventure in the heart of nature.
Speak the Language of Connection
While you can certainly navigate some tourist hotspots with English, speaking a bit of Spanish will work wonders in forging deeper connections with the locals. Argentinians appreciate the effort, and even a few basic phrases can open doors to authentic experiences and friendships.
Learning a few Spanish phrases not only enhances your travel experience but also shows respect for the local culture. You’ll find that locals are more than willing to engage in conversations and share insights when you make the effort to communicate in their language.
So, consider picking up some Spanish phrases, and you’ll find that your interactions with Argentinians become even more enriching.
Embrace the Ritual of Mate
When you encounter Argentinians carrying a unique cup with a metal straw, you’re witnessing the ritual of sharing mate. This traditional drink isn’t just a beverage; it’s a social and cultural practice that’s deeply ingrained in Argentine society.
The act of sharing mate is a symbol of friendship and camaraderie. If someone offers you a sip of mate, consider it an invitation to connect on a deeper level. Join in this ritual by partaking in mate sessions in parks or plazas. It’s not just a drink; it’s a bonding experience that will connect you to the heart and soul of Argentina.
So, don’t be shy—accept that mate, savor its earthy flavor, and embrace the warmth of Argentine hospitality.
And there you have it, my fellow adventurers, backpackers, digital nomads and holiday people! —your passport to an unforgettable Argentine odyssey in the last quarter of 2023. Let these words be your guide, your source of inspiration, and your key to unlocking the extraordinary. Argentina awaits, and the world is your playground. 
Seize the moment, embrace the adventure, be patient and travel Argentina like never before!
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