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Published: 13-06-2022
Here is a list of the ten most frequently asked questions people ask before traveling to Argentina to help you plan your trip.
Yerba Mate
What should I pack from home that I won’t be able to get in Argentina?
Some items, like electronics and clothes, are more expensive in Argentina, and we recommend bringing them from home rather than buying them here. You may also want to get the following items as they are more difficult to find in the country.
Contact lens solution
Toiletries that you cannot live without (makeup, deodorant, shampoo, soap)
Feminine products (if you are picky regarding brands)
Umbrella
Water bottle and filter
Daypack for traveling
Sunscreen
Vitamin supplements
In their original packaging, prescription medication and prescriptions are clearly labeled with full name, Doctor’s name, brand name, and exact dosage. Carry it in your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. Chargers and accessories of any electronics you plan on bringing.
Favorite snacks
A fancy outfit for a special occasion
Comfortable shoes
Trekking Items
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes, the water in Buenos Aires is safe to drink. Health standards are very high. You may need a few days to adjust to the taste. You can also get a filter for the tap or buy bottled water from the Patagonia Mountains! If you travel outside Buenos Aires city, where tap water is often less processed, ask locals whether it’s okay to drink.
I know basic Spanish, but I am scared of using vos because I only learned how to use tú.
Don’t confuse vosotros with vos. Vosotros is generally only used in Spain.
Vos is primarily used in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Conjugating vos is similar and more comfortable than conjugating tú. For example, querés instead of quieres, and podés instead of puedes.
Try to learn the local dialectal variety. Argentines will appreciate it if you make an effort; however, using tú will not inhibit you from communicating with the locals. Remember that all foreign movies, TV shows and books are translated into what is considered “neutral Spanish” or tú, so Argentines are accustomed to hearing it. Buenos Aires is a city filled with many immigrants from Latin America who speak different forms of Spanish. Another particularity of Argentine Spanish is the pronunciation of “ll” and “y,” which both make a “sh” sound.
Spanish Phrase Book
What should I tip?
Like everywhere else in the world, it is always up to you. Depending on your experience, it is nice to tip waiting staff between 10-15%. For taxi drivers, you don’t need to tip but can round up to the nearest peso. Taxis are metered, meaning the amount that appears on the meter at the end of your trip is the amount you pay.
How do I do my laundry?
When you need to do laundry, put your clothes in a bag and take them to your nearest “lavandería.” There is one on nearly every block in the city. They are not self-service but a complete service – you drop off your clothes and come back during the evening or the following day to pick them up…. washed, dried, and folded. If you have particular washing instructions about specific clothing like undergarments or other delicate fabrics, we recommend washing them by hand at home.
Laundry day in Caminito
Can I mail items to and from Buenos Aires?
Yes, however, be prepared for some bureaucratic messiness. You can trust the standard post (Correo Argentino) or mail services like FedEx or DHL to deliver packages. When trying to send or receive a package that crosses international borders, it can be pretty tricky, so try not to have anything sent to you from abroad! Customs regulations make getting packages very complicated, and you might receive a note saying you need to go in person to pick up your package from Ezeiza airport or from the customs office in Retiro Station.
How can I watch a Boca Juniors/River Plate football match?
Watching a top-tier soccer game in Buenos Aires can be very expensive. Generally, tickets are sold to fans with season tickets that guarantee cheaper tickets. However, there are many leagues and more teams than just Boca and River – seeing a second or third-tier league is much more affordable. If you want to see a River or Boca game, look up dates, ticket date releases and how to get one. Fake tickets exist, so be cautious!
La Bonbonera
Do I need the yellow fever vaccine to travel to Iguazú?
Always take advice from your doctor or travel clinic before you travel. You don’t have to get the vaccine to go to Iguazú, but it is highly recommended. Unless there is an outbreak in the area, there will not be an issue. You can also get the vaccine for free in “vacunatorios” around the city if you bring your passport.
How much is a taxi ride to Ezeiza (EZE) airport?
Ezeiza Airport is located outside the city, so it’ll take about 30-40 minutes to get there by car. Anywhere between $40-50 USD is a standard rate for a taxi. It might be worthwhile to use a shuttle service or the public city bus, Line 8. Although it takes about 2 hours to reach Ezeiza – you’ll need a public transportation card (sube) to ride.
Buenos Aires Taxis
Electricity
There are two kinds of outlets here – some have 2 round holes, and others have two diagonal holes with one vertical hole below them. Bring an adaptor. You can purchase one in your home country or here, and they are sold in supermarkets, electronics stores, flea markets and sometimes even on the street.
Covid Restrictions
Last but not least, after the covid pandemic, Argentina has relaxed restrictions compared to other South American countries. You will need to complete a sworn statement within 48 hours before departure. Medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization, quarantine, and transportation coverage of COVID-19 for those who tested positive, are a suspected case of COVID-19 infection or are in contact with a probable confirmed case. People who enter Argentina by land for less than 24 hours will be exempt from the above requirements. If you are not vaccinated or have an incomplete vaccination schedule, we recommend you to take a test within 24 hours of entering the country.
