Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Argentina: Must-Know Before You Go 🇦🇷

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1️⃣ Basic Information about Argentina
① Nestled in the heart of South America, Argentina boasts a portion of the breathtaking Patagonia region.
② The vibrant capital, Buenos Aires (often abbreviated as BA), is served by two major airports:
· APE: Just a 20-minute drive from the iconic city obelisk, with an Uber ride costing around 2200 pesos.

· ZEZ: Approximately a 40-minute drive from the obelisk, with an Uber fare of around 6000 pesos.
③ Argentina’s rich history includes waves of European colonization and immigration, which have left their mark on the architecture of the capital. Strolling through BA, you might find it challenging to pinpoint the specific appearance of Argentinians due to the diverse European influences.

2️⃣ Consumption
In Argentina, tipping is not mandatory. However, when dining or enjoying a show, the server will often remind you that the bill does not include a tip, leaving the decision to you. Most establishments accept credit cards, but be mindful of the difference between the official exchange rate and the Blue dollar rate, which can significantly impact your spending power.

3️⃣ Currency Exchange‼️
The local currency in Argentina is the peso. As of April 2023, the official exchange rate against the US dollar is 1:211, but the unofficial rate can be nearly 1.8 times higher. It’s advisable to bring RMB or US dollars to exchange locally. Given the significant daily fluctuations, it’s wise to exchange smaller amounts more frequently.

【Exchange Methods】
① Hotel front desks
② Chinese supermarkets and Chinatown
③ Local residents
Around the bustling area near the obelisk, you’ll find many locals shouting “Cambio,” and tourists exchanging money with them.
④ Specialized foreign exchange shops (We exchanged near the obelisk, where the rate for new $100 bills was excellent, and we felt secure about the authenticity of the notes)
【❗️Things to Note】
① The best exchange rates are for $100 bills, so there’s no need to carry a large amount of smaller denomination US dollars.

Use $100 bills for exchanging, and use slightly smaller denominations for spending or tipping.
② Some restaurants, hotels, and performances offer the option to pay in US dollars. Always calculate which is more cost-effective—US dollars or pesos. If the USD/Peso exchange rate is better than your own, paying in US dollars is more advantageous.

③ Be sure to strategically manage your use of pesos, US dollars, and credit cards. Exchanging pesos back into US dollars is generally not favorable.
【📝Reference Exchange Rate of USD to Peso (April 2023)】
① Official exchange rate: 1:211
② Blue dollar rate: 1:391
③ Exchange shops near the obelisk: 1:385
④ VISA credit card: 1:234

4️⃣ Language
Locals primarily speak Spanish, and English is not widely spoken. It’s highly recommended to have a translation app handy to navigate your way around. (A big thank you to my invaluable teammate Dex for his exceptional language skills!)

For more travel tips about Argentina, check out the collection on my homepage. The journey is ongoing, and more updates are on the way!