Language

Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous languages (Mapudungun, Quechua)

Spanish is most definitely the national language, although here it is spoken with several different regional accents, and includes many borrowed words from other languages, in particular Italian. Many different European languages (and dialects/accents within those) can be heard throughout the country, especially Italian, which is still widely spoken in Buenos Aires.

A curious lingua franca called Lunfardo developed in Buenos Aires towards the end of the 19th century, composed of many different languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German and different African languages. Lunfardo was developed as a common slang language by the city’s criminal underworld, and was then picked up by lower classes, then spread to all classes from the start of the 20th century. The language can often be heard in the lyrics of tango music.

Currency

Argentinian Peso

US dollars are easily changed.

Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most major cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

+54

Electricity

Electricity in Argentina is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin types used are C and I.

Visas

A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Argentina for short term tourism purposes:

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.

ARGENTINA RECIPROCITY FEE:

Canadian passport holders (only) are required to prepay a “reciprocity fee” prior to entering Argentina by any means (land, sea or air).

The fees at the time of writing are as follows (note these are subject to change).

Canada: US$78

The reciprocity fee must be prepaid online using the steps below:

1) Enter the web site http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/vsrvbapro.php and ‘sign up’ to start the process.

2) Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information.

3) Print the payment receipt.

4) On arrival in Argentina, this printed receipt must be presented at Immigration Control. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and the traveller’s entry to the country registered.

Please note you will be unable to enter the country unless this process is completed prior to your arrival.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.