Iguazu Falls

Ranging from balmy subtropical reaches in the north, to the frosty Antarctic shores of the Patagonian south, Argentina is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries. Its kaleidoscope of landscapes offer myriad adventure and leisure opportunities, and this natural variety – coupled with its warm, animated locals, delectable carnivorous cuisine and fascinating history – make it a captivating and unforgettable travel destination. Whether you are most likely to be spellbound by the spectacular torrents of Iguazu Falls, the sprawling ski slopes of Bariloche, the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, or the age-old Inca city of Humahuaca, Argentina has something to delight and mesmerize even the most seasoned explorer.

Currency

One Peso (AR$) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of AR$20000, 10000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

US Dollars are accepted in most hotels and tourist centers. Prices in US Dollars are typically marked with US$ to avoid confusion, but sometimes both peso and dollar prices are both preceded by just $, so check if unsure.

Banking

Banking hours in Buenos Aires: Monday-Friday 10AM-3PM.

Most major credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in the US or Europe.

ATMs are available in most cities and have options in English, but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment as daily withdrawal limits are low and machines don't always work. During national holidays ATMs can run out so it is wise to withdraw in advance.

In Buenos Aires the safest option is Cabify, Uber or  telephone a radio taxi from the hotel.

Buenos Aires runs a cycle scheme. Register at www.baecobici.com.ar/es/inicio for free use of orange city bikes.

Buenos Aires is the only Argentine city with an underground train service / subway, known as Subte (www.subte.com.ar). The Subte has six lines and is generally clean, safe, fast and efficient. Access to the subway operates under the card called SUBE. You can buy the card at any point of sale and recharge it at the underground ticket offices. Overland urban trains also serve the capital city and its suburbs.

Colectivos (local buses) operate on main thoroughfares in all large towns and cities.

Argentina serves up an exceptional standard of food. Buenos Aires, in particular, offers a wide selection of culinary genres, with Japanese, Thai and Asian-fusion food becoming increasingly popular. Vegetarians may struggle to find extensive veggie options, but most restaurants do serve vegetables and salads.

Wherever you are in the country, meat is the name of the game here, and if you fancy broadening your carnivorous horizons, then there is a weird and wonderful array of meat treats to get stuck into. The traditional Argentine parrilla (grill) is the very heart and soul of Argentina's cuisine. Sample morcilla (blood sausage), chinchulines (intestines), or simply go for a slab of prime Argentine beef - all sizzled to perfection. Don’t forget to liberally douse your chosen meats in delicious chimichurri – a sauce made from finely chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil and vinegar.

For breakfast, head to a traditional confitería (café) and sample a few medialunas (small, croissant-like pastries) and a strong café con leche. In cities, fashionable resto-bars (restaurant-bars) are taking hold, offering more contemporary takes on traditional Argentine cuisine, and all manner of lunch options. In the evening, Argentines dine late - 9pm is considered early – and the feasts are typically massive.

A strong Italian influence means quality ice cream is also popular, and in summertime Buenos Aires the many heladerías (ice cream parlours) are certainly worth making use of.

Argentina's wines have flooded the international market in recent years, and are famous for their quality and value . Try a light pinot noir from Patagonia or an inky and smooth Malbec, and don’t miss Argentina’s celebrated white, the aromatic Torrontés.

Tap water is generally considered safe in main cities and towns, especially in Buenos Aires, but otherwise bottled water is recommended. If bottled water is unavailable then boil water for over a minute before drinking.

TIPS: Around 10% is acceptable in restaurants as well as bars (unless you were dissatisfied).

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. Exploring the wilds of Patagonia is best done in the late spring and summer months – between November and February – whilst the northern regions are at their most hospitable in the spring, autumn and winter. If heading to Argentina for a ski trip, hit the slopes during mid-June to October.

Lightweight clothing is generally all that is required in the Northeast in most seasons, whereas warm clothes are certainly necessary up in the Northwest mountains, in the south, and during winter months in the central area. It is sensible to carry waterproofs in all areas and bring a good sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and good walking shoes.



 

The official standard for plugs and sockets (outlets) in Argentina is the "Type I" IRAM-2073. However, many non-grounded sockets in Argentina are the "Type C" Europlug type. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a plug adapter. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Argentina usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so if your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volts, you will need a voltage converter instead of an adapter.