Is Argentina safe to visit? How expensive is it? These Argentina travel tips from Buenos Aires local Martina will help you make the most of your time here.

1. How safe is Argentina?

Argentina is considered one of the safest countries in South America. Nonetheless, you should keep your eyes open when visiting cities like Rosario, Córdoba, or Mendoza. Petty crime rates in these cities are lower than Buenos Aires, but, for example, Rosario has been part of a drug-trafficking route for years, with increasing gang violence. Though this may not affect visitors, you should beware of suspicious situations.

Demonstrations in Argentina are common. Do your research before joining the crowds, and make sure it’s a cause you identify with. And regardless of the occasion, prioritize your personal safety and stay in a spot you could easily leave if things get heated.

Small towns in the countryside are generally safe and secure, but you should use common sense and never leave your items unattended.

2. Is Buenos Aires safe?

It’s always wise to be cautious when wandering urban areas. Though Buenos Aires is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to stay alert, as robbery is all too common.

If you plan to explore neighborhoods beyond the well-traveled areas, research beforehand, talk to a local, or book a tour.

Caminito (in La Boca), Palermo, and San Telmo are popular with visitors, but even here, if you keep wandering, you can end up in a not-so-nice area. Beware of this, especially at night. By all means, steer clear of public parks after sunset.

In general, the wealthiest neighborhoods are those north of Corrientes Avenue, whereas some of the most impoverished areas are located south of Rivadavia Avenue. Unfortunately, poorer areas often have higher crime rates.

Wherever you go, avoid talking on your phone on the street, keep valuable items in your pockets, and don’t wear expensive jewelry – especially necklaces, as these are easy to rip off. Always wear your purse or backpack on your front.

If going out at night, call a taxi or take an UBER. Avoid standing by the bus stops or taking the subway when there’s no one else around, as you could be putting yourself at risk.

3. Is Argentina expensive?

In 2023, Argentina is quite affordable for those bringing in high-value currencies. If on a tight budget, expect to spend as little as US $20-25 per day, including hostel accommodation, cheap eats, and local public transport.

Patagonia and some other areas favored by travelers – including coastal towns such as Mar Del Plata and Pinamar, or iconic Iguazu Falls – are pricier. These destinations are always in high demand, both among locals and international visitors. Travel in remote areas can also be more expensive, as the transport of supplies becomes more difficult.

4. Money tips

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Still, many restaurants, grocery stores, or hotels only accept cash or require a minimum expenditure before they let you swipe.

As Argentina is always battling inflation, exchange rates and regulations change quite often. When planning your trip, make sure to find information updated within the past three months.

Always keep cash and small change handy. If you need more, simply withdraw from one of the many ATMs scattered around cities and towns. Whatever you do, be discreet, avoid flashing your wallet, and don’t extract big amounts in one go.

A 10% to 15% tip is expected but not mandatory, especially when eating out.

5. What is the best time of year to visit Argentina?

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to visit between September and April (early spring through the beginning of fall). In the end, it will depend on where you decide to go, as the weather varies from region to region. But from spring to fall, you can generally find good weather around the country.

If you dislike extreme cold, avoid June-August, especially if heading to Patagonia. If intense heat is not your thing, skip Buenos Aires and the central and northeastern regions during summer. Here, you can expect 90°F (32°C) on a “cool” day.

Winters in Buenos Aires are mild, with temperatures ranging around 55°F (13°C). But, as you approach the south and westernmost regions, it starts to get more and more chilly.

When choosing what to pack, don’t forget sunscreen, as the sun in Argentina is seriously strong. Also, remember to bring layers of clothing. Many travelers visiting for two to three weeks choose to fly around the country because it’s so big. So, if you’re heading from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, you’ll likely experience a big temperature change.

Layering becomes essential when approaching the Andes, as temperatures drop suddenly from day to night, even over summer. Rain gear comes in handy especially when touring the central and northwestern regions, as it can rain buckets year-round. On average, November is the wettest month, country-wide.

6. Local public transport in Argentina

Argentina has a massive and budget-friendly public transit network. The easiest way get around most cities is with a SUBE card, which you can purchase in lottery shops, train and subway stations, and kiosks. This rechargeable card is not valid everywhere, but covers major urban areas and over 30 other smaller localities.

As long-distance buses are the main means of transportation outside of Buenos Aires, intercity trains have been neglected for decades. But recently, there’s been a resurgence of the Ferrocarril, connecting 12 of the 23 Argentinian provinces. If you have time, the trains are a leisurely way to explore parts of Argentina that are off the beaten path, but be warned that they can be slow, are not very comfortable, and sometimes may not leave on time.

7. Taking a taxi or an UBER

Catching a taxi is very easy in any Argentinian city and surrounding localities. As a precaution, especially at night, always ensure your taxi is licensed and belongs to a “Radio Taxi” company.

Some taxis will display a sign on the vehicle’s roof stating the company they belong to. If they don’t, and you decide to take it anyway, check out the taxi’s registration information displayed inside.

Be aware, taxis around the country have different colors. In Buenos Aires, they’re black and yellow, in Córdoba they’re white, and so on.

UBER became officially legal to use in Buenos Aires in September 2020, so now you can ride with peace of mind. UBER’s competitor, Cabify, is also available around the main cities.

8. Top places to visit in Argentina

Argentinian Patagonia, which covers nearly all of southern Argentina, is a must. As an avid traveler who loves to brag about her home country, I’ve yet to meet anyone daring to question the absolute beauty of this region, with its dramatic, snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, villages, glaciers, and incredible hikes.

Patagonian highlights include the Perito Moreno Glacier, Bariloche in the Lake District, Argentina’s hiking capital El Chaltén, remote Ushuaia at the tip of Tierra del Fuego, and Cerro Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas, in Mendoza (slightly north of the official start of Argentinian Patagonia).

A popular itinerary for road-trippers is a tour of the country’s west, driving along Route 40. This drive skirts the Andes, and also covers the regions north of Patagonia – Cuyo and Northwest. The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, and its southernmost stretch is home to the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere, so be prepared for altitude sickness (as I learned the hard way).

Argentina’s north offers a wholly different travel experience, ranging from the arid and striking landscapes of Salta and Jujuy, near Bolivia, to the country’s very own New Wonder of the World, 269ft (82m) high, 1.6mi (2.7km) wide Iguazu Falls, in a lush rainforest along the Brazilian border.

Mendoza, in the Cuyo Region of the central-west, is famous for wine, but this sometimes-underrated region is also filled with otherworldly landscapes, like the Pampa Negra, a volcanic black desert in Mendoza Province, the moon-like formations at the Valle de la Luna, the windy flats of Barreal in San Juan, and the Grand Canyon-esque Sierra De Las Quijadas in San Luis.

Other standout natural landmarks in Argentina are the Esteros del Iberá, vast wetlands in Corrientes, and the wildlife-rich Valdes Peninsula in Chubut.

Travelers eager for a dose of urban life should know Buenos Aires has a reputation as a city that never sleeps. Museums, restaurants, nightlife, tango, and more make the Porteñian city sing. But Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza are also buzzing cities packed with activities, local culture, and great food. Try Rosario’s staple toastie – a carlitos – a traditional empanada Cordobesa, or a Mendozan classic such as humita en chala.

Do you fear you will neglect your workout and return from a vacation out of shape? Here are some ideas to stay fit while having fun

“Travel weight” is certainly a thing that even the fittest people complain about, every time they return from their vacations. This becomes even more of an issue when someone travels on work assignments.

But if you are willing to adapt your fitness routine depending on what a place has to offer, much of this can be avoided. In fact, you will end up having a lot of fun, while maintaining—or even improving—your fitness.

Traveling gives you the chance of playing new sports, trying new exercise routines, swimming, trying body weight routines, or cycling, hiking and walking. You don’t even have to workout every single day. In order to help, we thought of listing some fun activity ideas that you could try while travelling.

Running: Meet a local running group. Google and Facebook will show you the options no matter where you go. Running with the locals is just a lot more fun. Imagine a local tour guide to the city running at your pace and who will probably also join you for a drink and point you to all the cool places.

Swimming: Many cities around the world, especially in Europe, have public swimming pools that you can access for a small fee, or lakes with dedicated swimming areas that you can use for no charge. I have used pools in Singapore, Berlin, Vienna, Helsinki, Chicago and Oslo, and it’s been great every time. Swimming is an excellent low-impact workout that will take the load off your legs, especially if you are having a hectic vacation ticking things off your list.

Climbing and bouldering: Since climbing was announced as an Olympic sport, its popularity has grown worldwide. There are climbing gyms at almost all major cities that attract tourists and are great fun. While wall climbing requires a partner to belay you, bouldering eliminates that need. Each bouldering course is set up as a puzzle and tests both your physical and problem solving skills. Since it doesn’t require scaling big heights, you can do it all by yourself.

Park workouts: Some of the best places to visit in a new city are the parks—a perfect way to experience a city like the locals. Many parks also have public gyms with some equipment and pull-up bars and benches that you can use for bodyweight workouts.

Dodgeball: Playing football, basketball, volleyball and other such sports with anyone other than your own sports group can be pretty daunting, especially in a new city. However, dodgeball, a game most of us played in school without rules, has a great community and welcomes people of all skill levels and ages. I played it in Utrecht in the Netherlands last month, and it was one of the most fun times I have had. All the while, I worked up a sweat and learnt nuances of the game while jumping, dodging, diving and throwing a ball at someone with all my strength. If that’s not fun, what is?

Salsa socials: While I went to play dodgeball, a friend I was travelling with went for a salsa social. No matter what part of the world you are in, Thursday nights are reserved for salsa socials by salsa enthusiasts across the world. Yes, there is the chance that you might end up drinking a bit, but make no mistake that dance is a proper workout. The cherry on top is that you get to meet locals and fellow dancing enthusiasts, while letting your hair down.

Walking: Many exercise snobs turn their noses when one mentions walking as a workout. Ignore them. Especially while traveling. In India, most of us barely walk. Any holiday in Europe or the Americas involves walking an average of 20,000-25,000 steps per day. You are constantly on your feet, whether it is for walking around museums, to and from bus stops and metro stations, or strolling past interesting neighbourhoods. All that walking adds up. After that much walking, sometimes all you need is a massage and sleep and not any extra workouts.

Your car is one of those valuable things that you just can’t carry around. When you travel, either with your car or without it you should always consider a lot of things for when you leave it. Even if you’re just out for a couple of hours there are some safety precautions that should be practiced to avoid any untoward events.

Here are some things that you can do when you leave your car:

1. Park it in a secured area

This is one of the most important things to consider when you leave your car. You’d always want to leave your car in a place where you’re confident that it will be safe and secure. Parkos understands that need, especially for people who travel a lot and would always encounter a problem of leaving their car.

Parking space providers offer that service and it’ll add value to their service if you’ll be informed well ahead of time of their rates, location and if an early booking is possible. Some people would opt to leave their cars at home when they go away, but some would like to have it nearby when they return.

2. Use windshield sunshade

This is very useful against extreme heat. Even if you’re just out for a quick trip to the grocery high temperatures will make the interior of your car unbearably hot.

This shade can be placed against the windshield inside and the side with the reflective surface is placed facing outward. This is to deflect the light and the high temperature it brings about. This can protect your things inside from sun damage or damages from heat.

3. Use a car cover

This will save you the time and effort to clear your car of dust when you come back. This is especially true in places where there is a lot of dirt or debris. This is also useful if your car is parked outside and you don’t want it to get wet with rain.

4. Secure valuables inside the car

If you are able to bring your valuables with you, take it with you when you leave your car. You don’t want to lose those items along with your car. Also, it is also advisable to have a safe inside the car if you just can’t take some of your valuable items with you.

5. Check Tire Pressure

We sometimes do not think about our car’s tires when we leave them. But it is important to consider them, especially if they’ll be left unused for a long time. Before you leave on your trip, check the pressure gauge on your tires to make sure they are at optimum level.

This will prevent the tire walls from cracking and you coming home with flat tires. You can also consider taking the wheels off. This way, you won’t have deformed wheels because the weight of the car is centered on one spot for a long time.

6. Take out the Battery

If you’re going to be out for a month or more, it is advisable to remove the battery from the car. Batteries can drain out over time especially if you don’t maintain them and left out to unfavorable environments. So it is best to store your battery in a cool, dry place indoors and put some grease or petroleum jelly on the terminals. Also, charge them before you take them out.

Here are some things that you should NOT do or avoid when you leave your car:

1. Do Not Leave pets in the car

Don’t leave your pets in the car, especially when it’s really hot. Even if you crack the window open, the temperature inside the car will always be significantly higher than outside.

2. Avoid Leaving food in the car

This will just invite pests to live inside your vehicle. It’s not only messy, but unsanitary as well.

3. Avoid Keeping the hand brake engaged

You can engage the hand brake if you’re idling or parking for a short time. However, it isn’t advisable to leave it engaged for hours on end. This can cause the brake pads to get stuck to the braking discs or drum.

4. Do Not Leave it out of gas

It’s advisable to leave your car “full tank” when you go away. This will prevent moisture from forming inside your fuel tank and damage the tank as well as mix water with the fuel. You should also keep the cap tightly locked so that the gas won’t evaporate easily.

5. Do Not Leave Plastic Bottles and Canisters

We may often overlook taking plastic bottles and canisters out of the car when we go out. But it is important to not leave them behind, especially under hot weather. Plastics won’t only melt and warp, but the melted material will get into the liquid inside.

Canisters like deodorants, spray paint, or hair products are pressurized so they shouldn’t be left inside a car when it’s hot. They also have warnings at the back about safe temperatures.

6. Do Not Leave Your Car In A Dirty Garage

You may have cleaned your car inside and out, you may have put protective wax and covered it for good measure. But if your garage is dirty, you’ll be attracting unwanted guests and may mess up your car in some ways.

Rodents and other animals may chew through your car cover and may make themselves comfortable in the niches and corners of your car. So make sure to clean your garage thoroughly and secure tiny spaces where little critters can get into.

After a long vacation, you’ll always want your things to be as you left them. Your car will experience some adverse effects if you leave them neglectfully. It will be an inconvenience if you come home and find that your car no longer works or there are damages to it.

A responsible traveler does not only think about the things he’ll bring but also the things he’ll leave behind when he goes on a trip.

Solo International Travel Tips For Women: While it’s not always simple or enjoyable, travelling alone as a woman may be a blast. Moreover, there are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling alone if you want to enjoy it. Pre-reserving your accommodation, airfare, train, taxi, and other modes of transportation is highly recommended for all legs of the trip. Always reserve your hostel room in advance if you enjoy travelling light. You will generally hear people say these things. The top 10 advice items that you should be aware of before travelling alone are given below.

10 TIPS FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRIP

1. Dress Modestly: Yes, this tops the list because it is one of the most important points. As the old adage goes when in Rome, do as the Romans do, it is necessary to blend in with the crowd, or at least not look too much like a tourist, so as to avoid unnecessary attention. You can of course don anything you please, but avoid skin show and revealing clothes. PS: I have no intention to hurt the sentiments of any feminists by listing this out, but it’s for safety’s sake!

2. Pack Lights: Being a girl, it is difficult to part with that night cream, hair straightener, the LBD you bought last week and the lovely pink blush, and of course, those sexy leather boots, right? But while packing, ask yourself, if you will really use any of it, and if it is absolutely needed. If not, then leave it back home (you can thank me later for this advice)! Carrying heavy bags is an added pain and I’m saying so from personal experience!

3. Be Aware: Be aware of your surroundings and beware of your fellow travellers. If you feel someone is following, cross the road and head towards a bunch of people. Look after your belongings all the time, and don’t leave them behind even if you need to use the restroom. Beware of over-friendly folks, coz not everyone who appears nice is actually nice! It’s ok to be cynical sometimes, especially while you are travelling alone, and for your own security!

4. Pepper Spray, Swiss knife And a Whistle: These tiny items will barely occupy any place in your bag. Remember, prevention is better than cure. So carry this safety kit, which you may actually not have to use. But at least you know, you’re prepared!

5. Daytime Arrival: Try and book your tickets such that you reach the destination in the daylight. This will give you a chance to explore the area around your hotel well. However, if you do arrive at night, ask your hotel to send a cab instead of hiring any odd taxi off the road. Safety first, fellow travellers!

6. Carry Hotel Details Around: Remember how we used to have a school badge pinned to our uniform as kids? Of course, you don’t have to pin anything to your dress, but keep your hotel card handy. If you don’t have the card, then note down the details of the place where you are waiting, on a piece of paper. Inform the hotel authorities where you are headed and ask them how safe it is.

7. Photocopy Your Documents: It is important to carry at least one photocopy of each of the documents that you are carrying. If you were to lose any of the important documents, this could be useful, while reporting to the police.

8. Lie Convincingly: If you want, you can flaunt a wedding band. However, it is difficult to tell whether one is married or not, especially in India, unless you apply sindoor or wear ‘mangalsutra’ around your neck. You don’t have to go this extreme to fake it. But in case someone approaches you, at a bar, restaurant, bus or even train (yes, people try and hit on you on trains too), tell them your boyfriend is on the way, or you are going to meet him later. Lie convincingly coz it’s for your own good!

9. Create A Scene: If your lie doesn’t help, and someone still bothers you, don’t be shy to create a scene. Most people cower down once you make some noise, afraid of the humiliation and public response. While Indians are touted as unhelpful, someone will certainly run to your aid in a situation like this. What’s more, they might even beat up the eve-teaser! You just have to speak up and you will realize you are never really alone, even on a solo trip.

10. Stock Enough Toiletries: In India, sanitation issue is a major problem. You will get the real feel of it, once you set off on a backpacking trip. So, ensure that you carry enough sanitiser, toilet paper, tissue paper and all other sanitary products, as you may not find what you need at your travel destination.