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Argentina FAQs

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Written by
Jennifer Richt, Lily Bunker, David Corvacho Puente, Berni De Luca & Melanie Vieira

Published on: October 21st, 2012

Last modified: March 6th, 2023

We've compiled our list of most frequently asked questions to help you get prepared before your big adventure to Argentina. Please read through the questions, using the navigation bar on the left hand side of your page to move easily between the different sections.

Please note that requirements and advice can change so we do recommend you check in with your own travel insurer, doctor and relevant local embassies before embarking on your adventure.

Are there any entry requirements for Argentina?

There are currently no visa requirements for EU, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities who do need to apply for a visa should make sure they have enough time to complete the process before travel. All passports must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps, be in date and valid for travel.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Are there any laws, rules or regulations I should be aware of?

Children who are 13 years old or younger and travel without legal guardians or with only one legal guardian will require some extra paperwork including a notarized travel authorization and birth certificate. Please speak with your travel designer or concierge before travel to check on the current requirements. 

 

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Do I need to visit a travel doctor before my trip?

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. 

Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Latin America include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

There have been some cases of yellow fever in the Iguassu region so you should discuss this with your doctor if you’re visiting the area. Malaria is a risk in very rural areas and along the border of Bolivia and Paraguay –  not typically the regions our guests visit. We do recommend you bring mosquito repellent with you regardless of where you go on your trip.

What do I need to know about my regional flights?

Typically regional flights in Argentina will be on the national carrier Aerolineas Argentinas with a luggage restriction of 15kg/33lbs per person in economy class. Excess luggage up to 23kg/50lbs can be purchased at an additional cost and you should discuss this with your travel designer or concierge before departure.

Please let us know if you have seat assignment preferences and we will notify the airlines. Please note that seat assignment is subject to change and always at the discretion of the airline. 

Our team on the ground will be able to check you in online 24 hours prior to your flight.

 

What will I receive from Jacada before I depart?

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into Argentina.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

 

Do I need to bring the local currency?

The local currency is the Argentine Peso, however the US Dollar is also accepted as currency in most restaurants and hotels. US Dollars often offer a much better exchange rate rather than paying in local currency or with your bank card. A mix of larger and smaller denominations will work best. Smaller, incidental purchases, taxi fare, etc. should be paid in local currency. Please make sure your bills are new and not damaged with rips, tears or even deep fold lines.

Travellers’ cheques are accepted in some hotels in Argentina. However, we don’t usually suggest bringing them as they can be troublesome and time consuming to change. Cash machines are always nearby in big cities, but you must be sure to look for the relevant symbol on the machine for your card to ensure it is an international machine (displaying the VISA, MAESTRO, etc symbols), local ones won’t work. Usually the BANELCO sign is a good indicator that a bank will work with international cards. If you are travelling to a remote area make sure you have some cash so you don’t have to rely on what may be the single cash machine in the village. Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted in conjunction with proof of identity.

Can you tell me about tipping and etiquette in Argentina?

Tipping is generally expected for tourists in Argentina and it’s best to tip in the local currency rather than US dollars. If you’re on a trip with several guides and drivers, tip them individually. For this purpose, many people find travelling with a few envelopes to be useful. It can be tricky to break down big bills in Argentina, so try and hang on to small denominations, which you can use for tipping.

Normally, the rates are 10-15% in restaurants. Hotel porters get around USD 1 to USD 2 per piece of luggage, a private guide on a full-day trip will get about USD 30 or USD 15 for a half-day tour and it’s about USD 10 for a private driver on a full-day trip.

What’s the weather like and how should I pack?

What you pack for your trip can change depending on the time of year. If you’re travelling during the summer months of September to February you can expect some very warm temperatures in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas and Iguassu Falls. Mendoza and the Lake District will feel very warm during the day and a little cooler in the evenings. Even further south in the glacial regions of Patagonia you will have some strong daytime sunshine. The winter months of May to September can feel very chilly, even in Buenos Aires and the southern regions of the Lake District and Patagonia will see snow.

What you should pack not only depends on when and where you travel but on the activities you will do, so please speak with your travel designer or concierge about your requirements. Below you’ll find our essentials list to help you get prepared.

  • Day pack
  • Trekking shoes that have been broken in
  • Comfortable gym shoes for resting
  • Fleece/warm sweater
  • Gloves
  • Hat/cap/bandanna
  • One or two pairs of trousers
  • Warm parka and/or windbreaker
  • Light pullover/sweater
  • Suncream
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight t shirts and vests
  • Long Sleeve lightweight shirts to protect shoulders from the sun.

Almost all of the properties in Argentina will offer a laundry service at an extra cost. You might find some pricing to be quite expensive so please do check the costs with reception before sending your items to be washed.

Should I make restaurant reservations?

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

What’s the transport like?

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you. Although there are metered taxis and even uber in the major cities these shouldn’t be necessary on your trip.

How can I keep connected on my trip?

For Argentina there are two associated plug types, types C and I. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern. Argentina operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Please contact your Jacada travel designer or concierge before your trip with any further questions.