Organize your stay Argentina
Money Argentina
In Argentina, the official currency is the Argentine peso ($), which is divided into 100 centavos (cents). Bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos; coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and 1 peso are currently in circulation. Beware! There are also counterfeit bills. Make sure you don't get any. Last but not least, the exchange rate in Argentina is very (very!) volatile. In recent years, the rapid depreciation of the peso has allowed tourists to get more than their money's worth: the current economic situation benefits foreigners in the face of inflation estimated at 80% in 2022. So beware of the prices we show in the guide: although updated at the time of writing, they vary from month to month and from season to season. As of November 17, 2022, the exchange rates were as follows: 1 € = $168.83; 1 US$ = $162.47; 1 CAD$ = $121.93; 1 Swiss franc = $171.92.
Budget & Tips Argentina
Argentina is far from being very cheap. Generally speaking, prices are higher than in the rest of South America, but in recent years, however, the country, which is currently in the midst of an economic crisis and is seeing the peso plummet, is banking on tourism to attract foreign currency. This is, paradoxically, a real boon for tourists who will certainly be able to afford a trip that is less expensive than expected without having to restrict themselves. Here are three examples to help you plan your daily budget on the spot; but be careful once again: this is likely to change in the months to come. That's why we try to display prices in dollars (US$) as much as possible whenever we can. Small budgets will count between $1,000 and $2,000 per person in a dormitory, between $800 and $1,500 for camping; around $1,500 to $2,500 for a menu or a tenedor libre ("free fork", i.e. dishes or all-you-can-eat buffet); transportation has seen its prices explode in the last few years... count between $6,000 and $9,000 for fairly long distances (more than 5 hours' travel time), and up to $20,000 for almost 20 hours' travel time (Bariloche-Buenos Aires for example). Of course, add the extras (excursions, outings, etc.). Around $4,000 per day is a realistic assumption if you are really short on cash and look for the cheapest addresses (if you cook or eat empanadas for example), but a bit idealistic if you intend to enjoy it. For average budgets, expect to pay around $3,000 per person to sleep; meals around $1,500. Count at least $4,500 to $7,000 per person per day. Higher budgets should expect to pay €80 or more (about $13,500) for a double room; gourmet meals from $2,000 to $5,000 per person; as usual, excursions and transportation are extra (airfare if applicable). Count around $10,000 to $15,000 per person per day to be in heaven, much more if you don't count. Finally, you should know that Patagonia is more expensive than anywhere else in Argentina.
Passport and visas Argentina
European Union citizens do not need a visa to enter Argentina for a stay of less than three months. You must present a valid passport (still valid six months after the return date). To renew your residence permit, it is much easier to leave the country and re-enter. A visa will only be required if you wish to stay for a period of more than three months. All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, your fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain a passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity document and two passport photos. The passport is issued within approximately three weeks and is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). Before leaving, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. This will make it much easier to renew your passport with the consular authorities in case of loss or theft. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents in the confidential area. Finally, Argentina welcomes every year young French people under the Working Holiday Program, a temporary visa allowing them to travel for one year while working to finance their trip. To do so, you must meet a few prerequisites: have a valid French passport, be between 18 and 35 years old and have 2,500 euros at your disposal when you enter the country. Since the beginning of this program initiated in 2011, quotas have been imposed, but they have been revised upwards in recent years. Argentina welcomes 1,000 French citizens per year. To apply, you will need to gather several documents such as a letter of motivation, a medical certificate, a criminal record or an insurance quote. The application is free. You can find more information at www.pvtistes.net
Driver's license Argentina
You will be able to use the driving licence issued by your country of origin (France, Belgium, Switzerland or Canada), although we ideally advise you to opt for the international licence, valid for up to three years. Indeed, even if police checks are generally lenient when faced with your pink paper, insurance companies will certainly not be lenient in case of accidents or glitches. You will therefore have to get the international permit or take the permit on the spot. To rent a vehicle, the minimum age is 21 years old and the age can vary according to the category of car. For example, for a 4x4 or a campervan, some agencies do not rent under 25 years old. To cross the border from one country to another, you will have to show a driving license in the country concerned, this authorization is in the vast majority of cases provided by the rental agency of the vehicle. Finally, insurance is compulsory and a certificate must be presented at each check. Finally, the maximum level of alcohol accepted in the blood for a driver is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.
Health Argentina
At the time of our coverage, there were no longer any Covid-19-related restrictions on travel in the country. Wearing a mask was no longer mandatory, except on the plane. For more information, consult the website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. There are a few health peculiarities in Argentina, but as a general rule, cosmopolitan diseases (such as influenza, ENT, lung or urinary tract infections) are more to be feared than tropical diseases! The seasons are reversed in relation to Europe (we are in the southern hemisphere) and the diseases follow this trend: viruses such as influenza also occur during the winter, from June to August. Traveling in this country does not require any particular health precautions or vaccinations. However, the risks of hypothermia do exist for unprepared or ill-equipped hikers: weather conditions can indeed be extreme and do not count on diligent help. Don't forget that the wind is sometimes very violent: remember to protect your body, your neck, your hands, but also your lips.
Security Argentina
Like any large megalopolis, Buenos Aires can arouse feelings of insecurity that are unfortunately well justified. The crime rate is high and not a day goes by without a newspaper report of a robbery, a bank robbery or a gunshot. Therefore, avoid walking around at night, especially in the neighborhoods of the train stations, namely Retiro, Constitución and Once. Also, be sure to blend in with the crowd and avoid dressing up as a tourist: you will be an easy prey for pickpockets and other snatchers. Elsewhere in the country, no problem: people are very hospitable and will bend over backwards to help you. If you are unfortunate enough to be bothered, you can be sure that the locals will know how to defend you and will raise their voice. Single women should, unfortunately, avoid walking around at dusk and during the night and be indifferent to the "piropo " culture. A typical Latino compliment, it can sometimes be disrespectful and insistent: clear and precise answers are enough to keep away the most assiduous. Generally they are not dangerous, just heavy. For the latest information on security in the country, consult the "Travel Advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Argentina
The time difference with France is 4 hours during the Argentinean summer (inverted with respect to ours) and 5 hours during the winter. So, in January, when it is 8pm in Paris, it is 4pm in Argentina. On the other hand, in July, when it is 8pm in Paris, it is 3pm in Argentina
Spoken languages Argentina
Spanish, often referred to here as Castellano (Castilian), is the official language. English is spoken by some tourist service providers (hotels, car rental agencies...), but you should not rely too much on French during your trip, even if it is always possible to meet an establishment run by a compatriot.
Communication Argentina
Telephone coverage is excellent in the vicinity of Buenos Aires: outside of these areas, the further you go towards the Pampas and the south, the more capricious the network will be. In some remote areas, only the satellite phone works, and even then. On the Ruta 40 for example between Esquel and El Chaltén, the network is almost non-existent. If you take out a mobile subscription specifically for Argentina, check the coverage, as it may be limited to a few cities or a single area. Also note that some French operators allow you to use your subscription in a foreign country without having to pay extra for it. You can then benefit from unlimited calls, SMS and Internet. As for WIFI, it is offered for free, but it is not yet present everywhere. Internet terminals and self-service computers, although still present, tend to disappear gradually from the landscape.
Electricity and measurements Argentina
The alternating current is 220 volts. However, in some places, if the old plugs are like ours, they are gradually being replaced by flat plugs (three plugs arranged in a triangle). Finally, the country applies the metric system.
Luggage Argentina
Of course, it all depends on the season and which regions will be on the programme. Here are a few useful tips when it comes to packing. First of all, opt for a soft bag between 50 and 80 litres and forget about suitcases with a hull: with the long distances your suitcases may be mishandled and we do not guarantee you always have stable ground to roll them on! Above all, don't forget that the seasons are reversed. In subtropical regions, don't forget your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent to avoid bites. A raincoat may also be welcome to face the tropical rains. In the icy and windy regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, cold weather is usually the norm and in order to be perfectly prepared, you will need to follow a few basic rules. When it comes to clothing, make sure you follow the three-layer principle: the underlayer should be thin, thermal and breathable (it is a garment with insulating properties to prevent heat loss from the body), for the second layer choose a fleece, and for the third and last layer choose something waterproof and resistant: a down jacket or a big windbreaker. Complement this with light, waterproof pants, gloves, a scarf and a hat. Even in midsummer, the cold wind can freeze your bones. Experienced hikers will take to the trails on the fully equipped and prepared trails of the Patagonia. Treks in these latitudes present dangers, both for your skin (reduced ozone layer) and for your endurance (strong winds, difficult routes, etc.). Do not go off the beaten track unless you are an experienced walker and are equipped with the necessary equipment (compass, GPS...). Beyond your wardrobe, think about sun cream (despite the cold, the sun's reverberation can be treacherous), sunglasses, waterproof shoes, stick to fight chapped lips, a flashlight, some basic medicines, a reusable gourd or bottle and a waterproof bag in case of heavy rain!
