ARGENTINA
Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world and, given its size and influence, helps set the pulse in Latin America. It is a country that has been shaped by the consistent presence of military dictatorships and Peronism (a style of rule similar to populism). It is also a country whose natural beauty is second to none. Have you heard of these buzz words? Tierra del Fuego? The Andes? Patagonia? You guessed it; all of these can be found in Argentina. So, what are you waiting for?
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS)
$1 USD = 240 ARS
The inflation Argentina has seen over the past decade is absurd. For reference, as recently as 2018, the conversation of $1 USD was equal to 28 ARS!
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 13,500-17,000 ARS/Night ($55-$70 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 6,000-10,000 ARS/Day ($25-$40 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 2,600-5,000 ARS/Night ($11-$21 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 2,500-3,700 ARS/Day ($10-$15 USD/Day)
Communication:
Argentina’s national language is Spanish. Most people will be able to speak at least a little bit of English but I would brush up on your Spanish before you visit if possible! One main difference between Argentine Spanish and other Latin American dialects is that they pronounce the “Y” and “LL” sounds like the “SH” sound in sheep. For example: to say “I do not eat chicken”, you would say “No como pollo” but it would sound phonetically like “no como po-sho”.
Transportation:
Airplane: Most of Argentina’s cities and tourist attractions are very spread out across the country. Traveling by airplane will be your best option for visiting cities such as Bariloche, El Calafate/El Chaltén, and Ushuaia. Most domestic flights are serviced by Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM. You can also find deals and track prices on Skyscanner.
Bus: If you choose this mode of transit, be prepared for some long rides as Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world. To put its size into perspective, the ride from Salta in the north to Ushuaia in the south is 50+ hours! That said, budget travelers will find that trips between the country’s northern cities (Salta, Mendoza, Cordoba, Buenos Aires, etc.) are quite cost-effective. Two companies I recommend are Andesmar and Flechabus; their fleets are comfortable and tickets do not generally need to bought in advance. You can compare (and book) tickets via Bookaway.
Taxi/Uber: Taxis are easy to find in Argentina and most cabbies don’t argue if you ask them to run their meter (taxímetro in Spanish). In Argentina, Uber is “illegal” but you can still access and use the app if need be.
Miscellaneous:
Argentines LOVE their soccer. I mean, come on, did you see the parade when they won the World Cup in 2022? Buenos Aires is home to two of the most famous stadiums in the entire world - Estadio Monumental and La Bombonera. Estadio Monumental is home to River Plate and La Bombonera is home to Boca Juniors. If you get a chance to see a game at either, do not pass it up!
ATMs are hard to come by outside of Buenos Aires and Ushuaia - specifically in El Chaltén. There are only 2 ATMs here and both of them are oftentimes cleaned out during high tourist season. I recommend taking out cash before you arrive to El Chaltén to avoid inconveniences. That being said, if you prefer paying with credit card, most restaurants, hostels, and hosterías (bed and breakfasts) in El Chaltén will accept them.
