Discover essential information before moving to Argentina. Learn about the country’s geography, population, language, currency, transportation, major cities, key tourist attractions, healthcare, climate, business hours, cultural tips, cuisine, festivals, safety, shopping tips, technology, accommodation, cost of living, visas, education, work permits, sports, local laws, banking, green spaces, and religious sites. Your complete guide to a smooth transition to life in Argentina.
Population
Total Population: Approximately 45 million (as of 2023)
Population Density: About 16 people per km²
Major Ethnic Groups: Predominantly European descent (mainly Spanish and Italian), Mestizo, Indigenous, and other minorities
Language
Official Language: Spanish
Regional Languages: Italian, German, English, French, Quechua, Guarani, Mapudungun
Transportation
Major Airports:
- Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) (EZE)
- Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)
- Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport (COR)
- Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ)
- Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (BRC)
Main Railway Operators: Trenes Argentinos
Public Transport: Buses, Subways (Buenos Aires), Trains, Taxis, Ride-sharing services (Cabify, Uber)
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Major Neighbor Cities
- Buenos Aires
- Córdoba
- Rosario
- Mendoza
- La Plata
- San Miguel de Tucumán
- Mar del Plata
- Salta
- Santa Fe
- San Juan
Key Tourist Attractions
- Iguazu Falls
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- Buenos Aires (Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca, Palermo)
- Bariloche and the Lake District
- Ushuaia (End of the World)
- Mendoza (Wine Country)
- Quebrada de Humahuaca
- Valdes Peninsula
- Aconcagua Mountain
- Tierra del Fuego National Park
Emergency Contacts
Police: 101
Ambulance: 107
Fire Brigade: 100
Healthcare
Healthcare System: Public and private healthcare systems coexist. Public healthcare is free and available to all residents, while private healthcare offers higher standards and faster service.
Emergency Services: Widely available in major cities, with well-equipped emergency rooms and urgent care centers.
Pharmacies: Widely available, with 24-hour pharmacies in larger cities.
Climate
Climate Type: Varies from subtropical in the north to temperate in the central regions and arid or cold in the south.
Average Temperature (Summer): 25-35°C (77-95°F) in most areas
Average Temperature (Winter): 0-15°C (32-59°F) in most areas
Business Hours
Typical Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Banks: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Shops: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), with some open on Sundays
Cultural Tips
Greeting: Handshake or kiss on the cheek (right cheek to right cheek) is common.
Dining: Meals are social events. Dinner is usually served late, around 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Dress Code: Generally casual, but business settings require formal attire.
Cuisine
Popular Dishes: Asado (barbecue), Empanadas, Milanesa, Locro, Choripán
Famous Beverages: Mate (traditional tea), Malbec wine, Fernet, Quilmes beer
Desserts: Dulce de Leche, Alfajores, Medialunas, Flan
Festivals and Events
- Carnival (February/March)
- Buenos Aires Tango Festival (August)
- Independence Day (July 9)
- National Day of Tradition (November 10)
- Gualeguaychú Carnival (January-March)
- Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) (March)
- Day of the Gaucho (December 6)
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations
Safety and Security
Crime Rate: Varies by region; generally higher in urban areas. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded places.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover medical expenses, theft, and cancellations.
Emergency Numbers: Police: 101, Ambulance: 107, Fire Brigade: 100
Shopping Tips
Sales Periods: End of season sales (January-February and July-August)
Markets: San Telmo Market (Buenos Aires), Feria de Mataderos (Buenos Aires), El Bolson Market
VAT Refund: Available for tourists for purchases over a certain amount. Refund can be claimed at the airport.
Technology and Apps
Useful Apps:
- Cabify (ridesharing)
- Uber (ridesharing)
- Rappi (food delivery)
- Mercadolibre (shopping)
- TodoPago (mobile payment)
E-Payments: Widely accepted in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payments (MercadoPago, TodoPago) are common.
Roaming: Check with your mobile provider for details; roaming agreements are common.
Accommodation
Types: Hotels, Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, Airbnb
Booking Tips: Book in advance for better rates, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Average Prices:
- Budget: ARS 3,000-7,000 per night
- Mid-range: ARS 7,000-15,000 per night
- Luxury: ARS 15,000+ per night
Cost of Living
Average Monthly Rent:
- Buenos Aires: ARS 50,000-120,000
- Córdoba: ARS 30,000-80,000
- Mendoza: ARS 30,000-70,000
Grocery Costs: Approximately ARS 20,000-50,000 per month
Dining Out:
- Budget meal: ARS 500-1,500
- Mid-range restaurant: ARS 1,500-4,000 per person
- High-end restaurant: ARS 4,000+ per person
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements: Required for most non-Argentinian citizens. Various types of visas are available depending on purpose and duration of stay.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Entry Restrictions: Check for current COVID-19 restrictions and other entry requirements.
Education
School System: Mix of public and private schools. Education is mandatory from ages 6 to 18.
Higher Education: Notable universities include University of Buenos Aires (UBA), National University of La Plata, National University of Córdoba.
Language of Instruction: Primarily Spanish.
Working in Dubai
Work Permits: Required for non-Argentinian citizens. Different types of permits are available based on job type and duration.
Job Market: Competitive, with strong sectors including agriculture, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and services.
Working Hours: Typically 40-48 hours per week.
Sports and Recreation
Popular Sports: Football (Soccer), Rugby, Basketball, Tennis, Polo
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, Skiing, Mountaineering, Fishing, Horseback Riding
Sports Events: Superclásico (Boca Juniors vs. River Plate), Argentine Open Polo Championship, Buenos Aires Marathon
Local Laws and Customs
Smoking: Banned in public places including restaurants, bars, and public transport.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is available in licensed venues.
Respect for Heritage: Strict regulations to protect cultural heritage sites. Unauthorized alterations or damage can lead to severe penalties.
Banking and Finance
Major Banks: Banco de la Nación Argentina, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires, Banco Santander Río, BBVA Argentina
ATMs: Widely available, especially in urban areas.
Credit Cards: Accepted in major cities and larger establishments. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used.
Green Spaces and Nature
National Parks: Iguazú National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Nahuel Huapi National Park
Urban Parks: Parque Tres de Febrero (Buenos Aires), Parque San Martín (Mendoza), Parque de la Independencia (Rosario)
Beaches: Mar del Plata, Pinamar, Villa Gesell, Cariló
Religious Sites
Major Cathedrals: Metropolitan Cathedral (Buenos Aires), Cathedral of Córdoba, Basilica of Our Lady of Luján
Religious Festivals: Christmas, Easter, Our Lady of Luján (May 8), Day of the Virgin of Caacupé (December 8)
Pilgrimage Sites: Our Lady of Luján Basilica, Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of San Nicolás