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.