So, you’re off to Argentina? Great choice! Get ready for world-class steaks, stunning landscapes, and enough Malbec to make you question all your life decisions. But before you start practicing your tango moves in the mirror, let’s talk about five things you absolutely CANNOT forget—unless, of course, you want your trip to turn into an absolute disaster. Trust me, I’ve been there.
1. Cash (And Lots of It!)
Argentina’s economy is about as stable as a drunk guy on a unicycle. Prices fluctuate constantly, and while credit cards work in many places, cash is still king—especially if you want to get the best exchange rate. Enter the dólar blue, Argentina’s unofficial but widely accepted exchange market, where your money stretches much further than at the official rate.
I learned this the hard way when I landed in Buenos Aires with just my debit card, only to find out I was paying almost double for everything. Picture me weeping into my overpriced empanada. Don’t be like me—bring U.S. dollars and exchange them at cuevas (money exchange offices) or through Western Union.
Pro Tip: Use the app Xoom or check the daily dólar blue rate online before exchanging money.
2. A Basic Understanding of Spanish (or a REALLY Good Translation App)
Look, I get it. You survived Paris with just “bonjour” and “merci,” but Argentina isn’t as forgiving. Outside major tourist spots, English is about as common as a vegetarian at an Argentine asado.
During my first trip, I confidently walked into a restaurant and attempted to order “pollo” (chicken). Instead, I somehow asked for “pocho” (which, depending on who you ask, can mean ‘old rag’ or ‘disheveled person’). The waiter’s face said it all.
If you don’t want to end up accidentally insulting someone’s grandmother or ordering cow intestines by mistake (shoutout to my first Buenos Aires dining experience), learn some basic Spanish or download Google Translate (and download Spanish offline—WiFi isn’t always reliable).
Pro Tip: Argentinians speak a unique dialect called Rioplatense Spanish, where “ll” and “y” sound like “sh.” So “pollo” is “posho.” Welcome to the club.
3. A Universal Power Adapter (Because Your Phone Will Die at the Worst Possible Time)
Argentina uses a mix of Type I and Type C plugs, and guess what? Your North American or European charger won’t fit. I once spent half a day searching for an adapter in Buenos Aires, only to end up buying one that didn’t even work. Meanwhile, my phone was at 2%, and I still had to navigate my way back to my Airbnb in the rain.
Don’t make my mistake—bring a universal power adapter and save yourself the drama. Bonus points if it has USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Pro Tip: Argentina’s voltage is 220V, so if you’re bringing electronics from the U.S. (which uses 110V), check if your devices are dual voltage, or you might fry them.
4. An Appetite (Because You’re Going to Eat… A Lot)
Argentinian food isn’t just good—it’s life-changing. But if you show up without the stomach capacity to handle massive steaks, cheesy empanadas, and dulce de leche desserts, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
I once foolishly thought I could eat “just a small steak” at a parrilla (grill). Spoiler: the portion was roughly the size of a newborn baby. My Argentinian friends laughed as I tapped out halfway through, forever ruining my credibility as a meat enthusiast.
Come hungry, and don’t skip the helado (ice cream). It’s arguably better than Italy’s gelato—yes, I said it.
Pro Tip: Order asado de tira (short ribs) at least once. Your taste buds will thank you.
5. A Plan for Internal Travel (Because Argentina is MASSIVE)
Thinking of “just hopping over” to Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, and Mendoza in one week? Good luck with that. Argentina is HUGE—like, “Texas looks small” huge. Flights can be pricey if you don’t book in advance, and long-distance buses, while comfy, take forever.
On my first trip, I wildly underestimated distances. I figured I’d take a quick bus from Buenos Aires to Bariloche—only to realize it was a 24-hour journey. After one too many hours of watching roadside cows and questioning my life choices, I learned my lesson.
Plan ahead. Domestic flights on Aerolíneas Argentinas or Flybondi are your best bet for saving time. If you must bus it, go for cama (fully reclining seats) on long routes.
Pro Tip: Use Omnilineas or BusBud to compare bus routes and prices.
Final Thoughts
Argentina is an incredible country that will steal your heart (and possibly your waistline). But forgetting any of these five things could turn your dream trip into a logistical nightmare. Pack smart, plan ahead, and most importantly—leave room for steak.
Have you made any hilarious travel mistakes in Argentina? Drop them in the comments so we can all laugh (and learn) together!
¡Buen viaje!
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