Argentina Facts & Info

Quick Facts

• Argentina covers 1,068,302 square miles (2,766,891 km²) and stretches over 2,175 miles (3,500 km) from Bolivia to the southern tip of South America.
• Population: About 40 million
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Official Language: Spanish
• Currency: Peso (ARS)
• Time: GMT - 3

When to go

Since Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite if you’re coming from the Northern Hemisphere. This means summer lasts from December through March; fall from April to June; winter from July to September; and spring from October to November. 

The most pleasant time to visit is during the Argentinean summer months, when weather is warm and days are sunny. It’s also the ideal time to visit Patagonia, because temperatures will be the most agreeable. Winter months in Patagonia are generally particularly cold and windy, and most hotels and attractions closed.

If you’re looking for ski adventures, however, the Andean winter is an ideal time to visit, as it offers great skiing conditions. The ski season lasts roughly from June to September. Note that the capital, Buenos Aires, is most pleasant to visit during the mild seasons of spring or fall.

Argentina is a diverse country that encompasses a wide array of landscapes and climates. Weather conditions vary depending on the region you wish to visit. Check out our Destination Travel Guides for more detailed information about your desired destination.

Getting There and Away

All international flights not originating in neighboring countries fly into Buenos Aires, at the Ezeiza International Airport located a few miles south of the city. Travelers leaving Argentina on an international flight must pay an $18 USD airport tax.

Domestic flights or international flights coming from/departing to Brazil, Chile, or Uruguay arrive and depart from the Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires.

Argentina can also be entered by way of water from Uruguay at several river crossing points. There are daily ferries to/from the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo (about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Buenos Aires), and to/from Colonia (1-3 hours).

Travelers can also enter and leave Argentina by land via numerous border crossings with neighboring countries Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Long distance buses operate from Argentina's main cities to all of these countries. Border formalities are generally straightforward as long as all your documents are in order and you adhere to each country's specific visa requirements.

Getting Around

Argentina is a vast country and distances between the most popular tourist destinations can be vast. The best way to get around the country is by air. All major cities have an airport and domestic flights between cities are operated on a daily basis. You can find information on most airports on the Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 website (in Spanish).

A more economical way to travel around Argentina is through the vast and remarkably efficient network of long distance buses. You can either travel by day or by night, with buses generally offering various class and comfort levels. Among the most reliable and comfortable companies are Andesmar, Chevallier, El Rapido International, and Via Bariloche.

If you wish to travel more independently across Argentina, you can also rent a car. You will need a valid driver's license recognized by the country or an international driving license if you possess one. The minimum age for renting a car in Argentina is 21 years old. Make sure you always carry with you your travel documents and driving license, as well as the car registration and insurance documents (police and customs checkpoints are frequent).

Visa Requirements

Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not require a visa to visit Argentina. However, all travelers are required to hold a passport valid at least 6 months after their expected visit. Upon entering Argentina, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa which can be renewed once for an additional 90 days.

As of December 2010, citizens from the United States, Canada, or Australia visiting Argentina must pay a reciprocity fee. For more information, please read our blog article on South America visa requirement and immigration.

Money

Argentina’s official currency is the Peso (ARS). After the economic collapse in 2001, Argentina devalued the peso and the country immediately became the go-to cheap destination in South America. As of today, the economy has stabilized and prices have increased, though Argentina remains a great value destination.

The best way to get around money wise in Argentina is with cash and credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards, although American Express and a few others are also valid in various establishments.

ATMs are common, but if you intend to travel to remote areas, make sure to bring enough cash with you. Be aware that most machines will only allow withdrawals of a maximum AR$300 per withdrawal. You will need to make several transactions to take out more money, which may include fees. 

Cash is the most widely used method of payment in Argentina. As counterfeit money has become a problem in recent years, merchants are very cautious about accepting large denomination bills, so it’s best to always have change or small bills with you. Also make sure you always check your change for counterfeit bills (look for a clear watermark or running threads on the largest bills).

Major Events

Argentina is a predominantly Catholic country, which means that most Catholic holidays are strictly observed throughout the country. Banks and government agencies are closed on those holidays, which are observed on the closest Monday in order to make for an extended weekend (except for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, First Government Day on May 25, Independence Day on July 9, and Annunciation Day on December 8).

Other holidays include Good Friday (Easter), Labor Day (May 1), Malvinas Day (June 10), Flag Day (June 20), Death of San Martin (August 17), Columbus Day (October 12), and Dia de la Tradicion (November 10). These holidays are generally cause for week-long, country-wide celebrations that include colorful gaucho parades, food fairs, and music shows.