Currency and inflation: pesos, the blue dollar and how to pay
Argentina runs a high-inflation economy with an unusual currency market: there is an official exchange rate and the so-called dólar blue (parallel rate), which typically gives you noticeably more pesos per dollar. Since 2024, international cards using the MEP/card exchange rate have become competitive, so it is worth comparing before changing cash on the street. To bring money from abroad, many travellers use Western Union, which usually pays out in pesos close to the blue rate with just a passport. Always carry some crisp, undamaged USD bills as a backup, since torn or heavily marked notes are often refused by exchange houses and even some hotels.
Cash vs. card in daily life
In big cities, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but you should still carry pesos in cash for kiosks, remises, tips, markets and small inland towns where card terminals often lose signal. ATMs usually charge a fee and cap withdrawals fairly low, roughly the equivalent of USD 100-150 per transaction, so pulling cash from an ATM is not always the best option compared with exchanging cash or paying by card at a good rate. It also helps to keep small bills handy, since change for large notes can be hard to find at kiosks and taxis.
When to go: reversed seasons and regional climates
In the southern hemisphere the seasons are flipped: December to March is summer, June to August is winter. Southern Patagonia (El Calafate, Ushuaia) is best enjoyed from November to March, with long daylight hours; in winter many services close or run reduced hours. The northwest (Salta, Jujuy) is pleasant year-round, though summer brings rain in February. Iguazu Falls are stunning any time, but it is worth avoiding January because of the extreme heat and humidity. Buenos Aires has a mild climate with humid summers.
Getting around: domestic flights, sleeper buses and SUBE
Distances in Argentina are huge, which makes domestic flights essential: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi and JetSmart cover the main routes. Watch the baggage rules: the low-cost carriers (Flybondi, JetSmart) usually include only a small carry-on in the base fare and charge extra for checked luggage, sometimes more than expected if you do not book it in advance. For shorter hops, long-distance buses with cama or semi-cama seats are comfortable and a cheaper alternative to flying. In Buenos Aires, the SUBE card is mandatory for the subway, buses and some trains; you can buy and top it up at kiosks and stations.
Safety: pickpockets and motochorros
Buenos Aires and other big cities are generally safe for tourists, but opportunistic theft is the main risk: pickpockets on public transport and in tourist areas, and motochorros, thieves who snatch phones or bags from a moving motorbike. The golden rule is never use your phone while walking near the curb or at quiet intersections; put it away before crossing areas with parked or slow-moving bikes. Avoid flashing jewellery or expensive cameras, and take a remis or ride-hailing app at night rather than walking long distances.
SIM cards, language, tipping and practicalities
Buying a local SIM (Personal, Claro, Movistar) or activating an eSIM before you travel makes daily life easier; registration requires a passport. Rioplatense Spanish has its own music: vos replaces tú, and ll/y sounds like sh or zh, so yo comes out closer to sho. The usual restaurant tip is around 10%, rarely included in the bill automatically, and it is common to just round up in cash. Outlets are type I, two flat pins in a V plus a third, so bring an adapter, or check that your hotel has a universal socket. Tap water is safe to drink in most large cities, though bottled water is worth it in remote areas. Citizens of Poland and the rest of the EU do not need a visa to visit Argentina as tourists and can stay up to 90 days with a valid passport.