Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
Visa
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Extension for another 90 days is possible at the immigration office (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) in Buenos Aires (about 5,000 ARS fee) or by a short trip to Uruguay (Buquebus ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, day trip!) or Brazil (at Iguazú).
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay
- Return or onward flight ticket: May be required upon entry (rarely checked in practice, but better to have it)
- Reciprocity Fee: Currently NOT required for Germans (as of 2025/2026)
Entry
Upon arrival at Ezeiza Airport (Buenos Aires), you will receive an entry stamp in your passport (90 days). No separate form needed. Passport control is efficient — rarely long waiting times. Since 2024, there are also electronic gates for biometric passports.
From Ezeiza Airport to the City Center
- Tienda León (Shuttle Bus): To Terminal Madero (Puerto Madero) or Retiro. About 8,000 ARS, 45–60 min. The most reliable and affordable transfer
- Taxi: Only book official taxis at the counter in the arrival hall (fixed price about 15,000–20,000 ARS). DO NOT take taxis outside the terminal!
- Pre-booked Transfer: Through your hotel or a transfer service (most convenient option, about 25–40€)
- Uber/Cabify: Work from Ezeiza, but are cheaper than taxis. Note: Officially not allowed at Ezeiza Airport — discreet meeting point on the parking deck
Customs
- 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- 2 liters of alcoholic beverages
- Personal items and electronics
- US Dollar Cash: No declaration required under 10,000 USD. Bring US dollars in cash — this is the most important travel tip for Argentina!
Money & Blue Dollar
Argentine Peso (ARS)
The Argentine currency is the Peso (ARS). Notes: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 10,000, 20,000 ARS. Due to high inflation, prices change constantly — the Euro equivalents in this guide are benchmarks based on the Blue Dollar rate from early 2026.
★★★ The Blue Dollar — THE No. 1 Travel Tip
In Argentina, there are multiple exchange rates — and knowing the right one makes the difference between an expensive and an affordable trip:
| Type of Rate | What is it? | How good? |
|---|---|---|
| Dólar Oficial | The official rate — for card payments, ATMs, bank exchanges | BAD — 20–50% less than Blue Dollar |
| Dólar Blue | The unofficial parallel rate — in exchange offices (Cuevas) and on the street | GOOD — the best rate for tourists |
| Dólar MEP/CCL | Financial rates — similar to the Blue Dollar, for stock market transactions | GOOD — but not directly accessible for tourists |
| Dólar Tarjeta | Credit card rate — the official rate + 30% taxes! | VERY BAD — avoid card payments if possible |
How to get the best rate?
- Bring US dollars in cash: The most important rule! Bring 50 and 100 dollar bills (they get the best rate). New, smooth, undamaged bills — old, marked, written-on, or creased bills will be rejected or exchanged at a worse rate!
- Western Union: The insider tip! Transfer money to yourself via the Western Union app and pick it up in Buenos Aires in Pesos — you get a rate close to the Blue Dollar, completely legal and safe. Works at any Rapipago or Pago Fácil branch
- Exchange offices (Cuevas): Unofficial but tolerated exchange offices, especially on Calle Florida in Buenos Aires (the “Arbolitos” — street exchangers — shout “Cambio! Cambio!”). Go into the shops behind the shouters, not on the street! Ask your hotel for a trustworthy Cueva
- Exchange rate apps: “Dollar Blue Argentina” or “Blue Dollar” show the current rate in real-time — check before exchanging!
Credit Cards & ATMs
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops — but at the Dólar Tarjeta! This can be 30–50% more expensive than cash at the Blue Dollar rate
- ATMs (ATM/Cajero): Maximum withdrawal: often only 10,000–30,000 ARS per transaction. High fees (about 2,000–4,000 ARS per withdrawal). ONLY as a last resort!
- Conclusion: Bring US dollars in cash and exchange at the Blue Dollar rate. It’s hugely worthwhile — on a three-week trip, you can easily save 500–1,000€!
Achtung
NEVER exchange on the street with strangers who approach you directly (so-called “Arbolitos” on Florida Street)! The risk of fraud (counterfeit money, incorrect counting, distraction maneuvers) is high. Instead, use trustworthy Cuevas (ask your hotel or hostel for a recommendation — every accommodation knows one!) or Western Union.
Health
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended are:
- Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (refresh!)
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers
- Yellow Fever: Recommended for Iguazú and the Northeast (subtropical zone). Carry the international vaccination certificate! It may be required when traveling to Brazil
- Rabies: For trips to remote areas of Patagonia
Medical Care
Buenos Aires has excellent private clinics at European standards: Hospital Alemán, Hospital Británico, Hospital Italiano. In provincial cities (Mendoza, Salta, Ushuaia), care is good, in rural areas of Patagonia limited. Travel health insurance with repatriation is mandatory! Public hospitals are accessible to everyone and free of charge, but often overcrowded.
Health Tips by Region
| Region | Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Tap water safe to drink | No special measures |
| Iguazú/Northeast | Dengue Fever (mosquitoes!) | DEET spray, long clothing, no standing water |
| Northwest (Salta, Jujuy) | Altitude sickness (from 3,000 m) | Acclimatize slowly, coca tea, drink plenty |
| Patagonia | UV radiation (ozone hole!) | SPF 50+, sunglasses, lip sun protection. On glaciers: snow blindness possible! |
| Mendoza | Dehydration (dry, hot) | Drink plenty of water, especially on wine tours |
Pharmacies (Farmacias)
Pharmacies are everywhere in Argentina and well-stocked. Many medications that require a prescription in Germany are available over the counter here (antibiotics, painkillers). The chains Farmacity and Dr. Ahorro are the largest. 24-hour pharmacies: In every major city, there are “Farmacias de Turno” (night pharmacies) that are open on a rotating basis.
Safety
General Safety Situation
Argentina is comparatively safe for South America — significantly safer than Brazil, Colombia, or Venezuela. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main problem: pickpocketing and petty crime in Buenos Aires and other large cities.
The Most Important Safety Tips
| Situation | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| San Telmo Sunday Market | Pickpockets (hotspot!) | Backpack to the front, valuables close to the body, no visible electronics |
| La Boca | Mugging outside the Caminito area | STAY in the tourist area, come and go by taxi |
| Florida Street | “Arbolitos” (money changers), con artists | Do not exchange with strangers on the street, walk briskly |
| The “Mostaza Trick” | Someone spills mustard/sauce on you, a “helper” robs you | IMMEDIATELY refuse and walk away. Do not stop! |
| At night in BA | Mugging in unsafe neighborhoods | Avoid San Telmo, La Boca, Constitución, Once after dark. Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero are safe |
| Taxis | Counterfeit money return, detours | Only official black and yellow taxis or apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi). Radio taxis are the safest |
| Counterfeit money | Especially with large bills | Check watermarks and security features. Verify change in taxis/restaurants |
| Patagonia | Weather, distances, isolation | Always fill up, check the weather, inform the hotel/ranger of your route |
Power Outlets & Electricity
Argentina uses Type I (three-prong plugs with angled pins, like in Australia/China) and partially Type C (two-prong, like in Europe). A universal adapter is recommended! Voltage: 220V, 50 Hz. Most modern accommodations also have European sockets.
Internet & Telephone
- WLAN: Available in almost all hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafés (often slow, especially in Patagonia)
- SIM Card: Local SIM cards from Claro, Movistar, or Personal are cheap (about 3,000–5,000 ARS for 10 GB). Best to buy at Ezeiza Airport or in a city branch. Bring your passport!
- eSIM: Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs for Argentina — buy before the trip, activate upon arrival
Tipping
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10% (standard), 15% (good service). Often NOT included in the price — check the bill! |
| Café | Round up or 5–10% |
| Taxi | Round up (to the next 500 ARS) |
| Hotel Room | 500–1,000 ARS/day for cleaning |
| Porter | 500–1,000 ARS per suitcase |
| Tour Guide | 2,000–5,000 ARS per person for a half-day |
| Free Walking Tour | 3,000–5,000 ARS per person (the guides rely on this!) |
Tipp
The SUBE card (rechargeable card for Subte, buses, and trains in Buenos Aires) is indispensable! Buy it directly at Ezeiza Airport, at kiosks (Locutorios), or at Subte stations (about 3,000 ARS). Without SUBE, you cannot board a city bus (Colectivo)! Recharge at any kiosk or at Subte stations. The card also works in other cities (Mendoza, Córdoba, etc.).
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