Hiking Patagonia & Argentina: Traveling To Argentina
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Traveling To Argentina
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Passport and visa requirements
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A valid passport is required to enter and leave Argentina. At this time, a visa is not required for citizens of the US, the European Community and Latin American countries if visiting for less than 90 days. Citizens of Argentina's neighbouring countries only need their identification card to cross the border. Citizens of other countries should check with the Argentine consulate or embassy. A 90-day entry permit, renewable for another 90 days, is issued to all travelers on entering the country. It is the passenger's responsibility to check with local immigration offices or the Argentine consulate prior to departure for current entrance requirements. For more information see www.passportexpress.com or www.embajadaargentina.eeuu.org
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If visiting Iguazu Falls: Passengers wishing to arrange a trip extension to Iguazu Falls are encouraged to make visa arrangements before departure. The falls extend into Brazil, and most people wish to view the falls close-up from the Argentine side as well as in their full splendor from a distance on the Brazilian side. To enter Brazil from Argentina, one must obtain a Brazilian visa (at a cost of $100US payable in pesos if purchased in Argentina) even if only traveling to the country for the day. This is most easily and more reliably arranged before arriving at the falls. Further information is available on the website of the Brazilian embassy in Buenos Aires: www.conbrasil.org.ar
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Immunizations
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The following vaccinations are recommended when visiting any area of Argentina:
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis B
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Typhoid
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Tetanus-diphtheria, polio and measles (as needed booster doses)
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If traveling to the north and northwestern areas of the country including Izuazu Falls, a Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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The CDC also recommends taking a prescription anti-malarial medication if traveling along the border areas of Bolivia and Paraguay.
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The Centers for Disease Control provides immunization information for travel in Latin America. www.cdc.gov
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Customs
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Entry
During the flight to Buenos Aires, a flight attendant distributes an Argentina entrance form to all passengers. At Customs, travelers are asked to show the completed form along with their passport, and are asked how many days they plan to be in Argentina. Normally, the passport will be stamped indicating a permissible stay of 90 days and a copy of the Customs form will be returned to the traveler.
Exit
The customs document must be presented when exiting the country. Passengers departing from Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport on an international flight are charged a departure tax of $18US (payable in pesos, US dollars, or a combination of both). Domestic airport departure taxes per person are $9US at most airports; $18US at El Calafate; and $13US at Ushuaia and Trelew.
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Exchanging currency
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The Peso is the official currency of Argentina. Current exchange rate information is available on our website under "Traveler Information." Currency can be confusing in Argentina because the $ symbol denotes Argentine Pesos. US Dollars are represented by U$S, US$ or USD. When discussing costs, it is important to be specific. Cash is the accepted form of currency in most places except in city restaurants and stores where credit cards can normally be used. In some places, photo ID is required when using a credit card. Though some places accept US dollars, it is advisable to carry cash in pesos, especially when travelling to small cities or remote areas. Major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and in some smaller towns. Traveller's Checks are only rarely accepted even in major cities and not worth the hassle. ATM machines, with instructions in English, are widely available 24 hours a day in all major cities and large towns, providing a convenient end economical way to obtain pesos. On trips of 2 weeks or less, we recommend carrying only US cash in $20US denominations to exchange as needed. Hotels exchange money, and most offer safe-keeping for valuables. Before departure, we send booked passengers a packet of trip information that contains operating hours for money exchange offices (Casas de Cambio) and more money tips.
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Using electricity
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In all of Argentina, the electricity is 220 volts and 50 cycles. To use 110-volt American-made electrical appliances in Argentina (for a hairdryer or to recharge digital camera batteries, etc.), bring plug adapters and a voltage transformer. For video cameras, we suggest packing an extra set of charged batteries.
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For questions about our trips to the Argentina side of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, please see Frequently asked Questions about our Trips to Patagonia.
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