Argentina

Wondering about the best time to visit Argentina? It’s a question that deserves careful consideration of the location, seasonal climate, and popularity with other travelers.

Argentina is a huge country, with latitudes from the tropical to the sub-Arctic. Each destination has something to offer throughout the year. Remember that seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. December, January, and March are the warmer months. The shoulder season months (October / November and April / May) have fewer visitors, good climate, and better values.

Spanish is the official and predominant language in Argentina. English is spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors and in larger cities, but in rural areas it’s all Spanish.

What to pack for your trip to Argentina depends on which destinations you’ll visit, how long you’ll be away, what you’ll be doing in Argentina, and the time of year.

Still, here are some essentials to help you get started:

• Passport. Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) with you at all times.
• US cash in small denominations (clean, un-torn bills). US dollars are happily accepted throughout Argentina, and may help you obtain better prices at shops.
• Airline flight information
• Sun protection (sunblock, sunhat, & sunglasses)
• Credit & ATM cards. ATM’s are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the country.
• Camera, batteries, & data cards (or film, if your hands are occasionally scented by fixer or selenium)
• Insect repellant & antihistamine (anti-itch) spray if you’re headed to the tropical north
• Prescription medications
• Rain jacket
• Synthetic fleece pullover or other warm layer
• Swimwear
• Daypack or small backpack
• Light, informal clothing for dining and hotel or in cities (it’s amazing how versatile a charcoal grey sweater can be)
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Electrical adapter, universal surge protector, & power strip
• Wind resistant jacket, gloves, hat, trekking pants (if you’re headed to the Andes and/or Patagonia).

Argentina is generally quite safe; however, common-sense precautions are still important. Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in the world; big city awareness is appropriate. Bag snatchers and pickpockets target public transportation hubs and tourist areas. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Most incidents occur in the street. Keep your travel documents (e.g. passports) in the hotel safe or concealed in a zippered pocket. Leave that flashy wristwatch at home or in the hotel security box.

Argentina is open for travel from all US states, though there are some requirements for entry. Here are the current entry requirements for Argentina:

• Passengers must present proof of purchased travel insurance that covers lodging in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19
• All travelers entering Argentina must submit an electronic Health Affidavit within 48 hours before their arrival. Travelers will be required to present the confirmation e-mail they receive from this system to board a flight. The Health Affidavit can be found here: http://ddjj.migraciones.gob.ar/app/home.php. The affidavit process has three steps:
  1. Complete your basic information and email address.
  2. Check your inbox, look for an email from “DDJJ no-reply” and click on the link.
  3. Fill in the required information