Argentina
Last checked:
- Capital
- Buenos Aires
- Currency
- ARS · Argentine peso
- Languages
- Spanish
- Plugs
- Type C, I · 220 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Iguazú Falls · Puerto Iguazú
Massive waterfalls with walkways to the Devil's Throat; the Brazilian side adds panoramic views.
- Perito Moreno Glacier · El Calafate
Advancing glacier with boardwalks facing the ice front where chunks fall into the lake.
- Recoleta, San Telmo and La Boca · Buenos Aires
Recoleta Cemetery, Sunday San Telmo market, tango and the colourful Caminito street.
- El Chaltén and Fitz Roy · El Chaltén
Argentina's trekking capital with day hikes to Laguna de los Tres.
- Mendoza wine region · Mendoza
Malbec wineries under the Andes, visited by bike, tour or car.
Getting around
Public transport
SUBE card
Rechargeable card for the Buenos Aires Subte (metro), buses and trains, and buses in many other cities. Buy at kiosks and Subte stations. Cheap.
Ride-hailing app
Uber / Cabify / DiDi
All operate in Buenos Aires and other cities, and Uber also serves Ezeiza airport. Often cheaper than taxis. Uber's legal status has been disputed in some places (varies).
Taxi
Radio taxis
Black and yellow taxis in Buenos Aires. UK advice is to book ahead, or if hailing, use only 'radio taxis' with the company logo on the doors. Pay with small notes.
Buses
Long-distance buses
Excellent network of comfortable overnight buses (semi-cama and cama seats). Delays are common.
Buses
Domestic flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas and low-cost airlines make the long trips to Patagonia, Iguazú and the north practical.
Bike share
EcoBici
Buenos Aires public bike share, rented through the BA EcoBici app (rules and prices for visitors vary).
Money and cash
Currency: ARS · Argentine peso
Cards are widely accepted in cities. Argentina lifted most exchange controls in April 2025 and the official and informal ("blue") rates have since stayed close, so paying by foreign card is usually fine (check the rate before you go, varies). Cash is still useful for small shops, markets, tips and some taxis; ATMs have low withdrawal limits and high fees. Prices move with inflation, so check menus and quotes on the day. Watch for counterfeit notes in change.
Tipping
A tip of about 10% is standard in sit-down restaurants and is usually left in cash. Many restaurants also charge a 'cubierto' (cover charge for bread and table service), which is not a tip. Elsewhere, rounding up is enough.
| Restaurants | About 10% in cash. The cubierto on the bill is not a tip, so still tip separately. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave small change for table service. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to a convenient amount; no percentage expected. |
| Hotels | Porters roughly the peso equivalent of US$1-2 per bag; housekeeping a small amount at checkout. |
| Tours and guides | Common: around US$5-10 per person for day tours and more for full-day wine or trekking tours (varies). Guides often welcome US dollars. |
| Food delivery | Optional; round up or tip in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Service charges are not usual. The 'cubierto' or 'servicio de mesa' line is a cover charge for bread and place settings that goes to the restaurant, not a tip for the waiter. Traditionally tips could not be added to card payments, so staff expect cash; some places now accept tips by card or QR (varies).
Pressure tactics to watch for
Visitors sometimes think the cubierto is the tip and leave nothing, or are told by staff that card tips are impossible. Bring small notes so you can tip 10% in cash. If the bill already shows a tip or service line, you do not need to add more: 'Ya está incluida la propina, ¿no?'
Useful phrases
- La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
- ¿Puedo dejar la propina con tarjeta? Can I leave the tip on the card?
- ¿Está incluida la propina? Is the tip included?
Etiquette
- Friends and acquaintances greet with a single kiss on the right cheek, including men among friends. A handshake is normal at first meetings.
- Dinner starts late, often after 9 pm; many restaurants open around 8 pm.
- If invited to an asado (barbecue), thank the asador (grill master); it is a social ritual.
- Sharing mate (herbal tea) passes around one cup and straw; say 'gracias' only when you have had enough.
- Avoid raising the Falklands (Malvinas) casually; it is a sensitive topic.
- Bargaining is not common in shops; light bargaining at craft markets.
Scams and how to handle them
Mustard (stain) distraction
Where: Buenos Aires: Retiro, Florida Street, San Telmo, around stations
How it works: Someone sprays mustard or another liquid on you, then 'helpful' accomplices clean you up and steal your bag or wallet.
How to avoid it: Politely but firmly refuse help, hold your bag and walk away to a shop or café.
Phone snatching by motorbike ('motochorros')
Where: Buenos Aires streets, pavements near traffic
How it works: Thieves on motorbikes grab phones from people using them on the street.
How to avoid it: Step inside a shop or away from the kerb to use your phone.
Counterfeit notes in change
Where: Taxis, kiosks, street vendors
How it works: Change is given in fake notes, or a driver swaps your real note for a fake and says yours is fake.
How to avoid it: Pay with small notes, check large notes and keep your money in view.
Bag theft at hotels and cafés
Where: Hotel lobbies, café terraces, buses
How it works: Thieves pose as guests during check-in or lift bags hung on chairs.
How to avoid it: Keep bags on your lap or strapped to you; do not hang them on seat backs.
Street money changers ('arbolitos')
Where: Florida Street, Buenos Aires
How it works: Changers shout 'cambio' and may pass fake pesos or short-count notes.
How to avoid it: Use banks, official exchange houses or your card instead.
Express kidnapping
Where: Big cities, mostly at night
How it works: Victims are forced to withdraw cash at ATMs.
How to avoid it: Use booked taxis or apps at night and do not resist.
Drink spiking
Where: Bars and nightclubs
How it works: Drinks are spiked to rob victims.
How to avoid it: Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
Safety
- Take extra care in Buenos Aires around La Boca (stay on Caminito in the daytime), San Telmo market, Palermo, Retiro station and bus terminal, Florida Street and the cruise/ferry terminals.
- Carry cash in a money belt or front pocket and do not display large amounts.
- Do not resist armed robbery.
- Use ATMs inside banks during the day.
- In Patagonia, weather changes fast; check trail conditions before hiking.
How widely English is spoken
Basic English is understood in tourist areas of Buenos Aires, Mendoza wineries and Patagonia tour hubs; limited elsewhere. Argentine Spanish uses 'vos' and the 'sh' sound for 'll' and 'y'.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Argentina, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Argentina
- Hootling: Tipping in Argentina
- Wikipedia: Argentine peso (2025 exchange control changes)
- Wikipedia: List of emergency telephone numbers
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.