Plan
your Argentina trip with confidence. Discover key travel do’s and
don’ts, local etiquette, and essential cultural tips to help you
experience this vibrant South American destination respectfully and
authentically.
Greet with warmth. Argentines often greet with a single kiss on the cheek, even in casual or first-time social settings, particularly in cities.
Learn a few Spanish phrases. Even basic words show respect and effort, and locals are noticeably more welcoming when visitors try.
Enjoy late dinners. Restaurants usually open around 8:30–9:00 p.m.; eating late is part of everyday life, not a special occasion.
Carry cash. Smaller restaurants, cafés and taxis may not accept cards due to frequent currency changes and network issues.
Use both hands when giving or receiving. Especially with money or gifts, this is seen as polite and respectful.
Try local food and wine. Ordering asado and Malbec is a point of national pride and a great cultural conversation starter.
Dress smartly in cities. Argentines value appearance; casual is fine, but neat and well-presented is the norm.
Join the passion. Talking about football, tango or culture is welcomed — locals love sharing what they’re proud of.
Tip modestly. Around 10% in restaurants is customary, with small tips for porters and taxi drivers.
Embrace a relaxed pace. Expect delays, long lunches and flexible timing — patience is part of the culture.
Don’t discuss sensitive political topics. Subjects like the Falklands/Malvinas can be emotional and are best avoided.
Don’t expect punctuality. Social gatherings often start late; arriving exactly on time can feel unnecessary.
Don’t flash valuables. Visible phones, jewellery or cameras can attract attention in busy areas.
Don’t drink mate from your own cup. Mate is shared communally; refusing or changing etiquette can seem rude.
Don’t rely solely on credit cards. Outages are common and some businesses prefer cash payments.
Don’t confuse “America” with the USA. Argentines identify as South American, and language matters.
Don’t expect spicy food. Argentine cuisine is flavourful but mild; chimichurri adds depth rather than heat.
Don’t underestimate distances. Argentina is vast — domestic travel requires careful planning.
Don’t call football “soccer.” Use “fútbol” to show cultural awareness.
Don’t skip the siesta. In smaller towns, shops often close midday and reopen later.
Family comes first. Social life centres around family gatherings and long shared meals.
Football is a way of life. Club loyalty often defines neighbourhood identity.
Tango is cultural heritage. Attending a milonga offers deeper insight than staged performances.
Personal space is close. Standing nearer is normal and not considered intrusive.
Equality is valued. Polite, respectful behaviour toward women is expected.
Conversation is animated. Hand gestures and direct eye contact show engagement, not aggression.
Weekends are for leisure. Sundays revolve around parks, barbecues and family time.
Mate symbolises connection. Sharing it represents trust and friendship.
Public affection is normal. Holding hands or kissing in public is widely accepted.
Arts matter deeply. Literature, music and theatre are a source of national pride.
Use official taxis or apps. Cabify and Uber are widely used and reliable in major cities.
Book internal flights early. Prices increase quickly, especially around holidays.
Carry small notes. Large bills are often difficult to change outside Buenos Aires.
Plan around public holidays. Transport and shops may close entirely.
Avoid carrying your passport daily. Keep a copy and store the original securely.
Stay alert at ATMs. Use indoor machines to reduce skimming risks.
Pack for climate variation. Argentina spans subtropical north to near-polar south.
Use local SIM cards. Mobile data is affordable and reliable in populated areas.
Respect meal breaks. Restaurants often close between lunch and dinner service.
Download offline maps. Rural regions may have limited signal.
Book tango shows early. Popular venues like Café de los Angelitos and El Querandí sell out fast.
Use the Buenos Aires Subte. It’s affordable, efficient and part of daily city life.
Order a bife de chorizo. Despite the name, it’s Argentina’s iconic steak cut.
Visit neighbourhood markets. San Telmo and Recoleta offer authentic local flavour.
Head north in winter. Salta and Jujuy remain mild year-round.
Exchange currency carefully. Use official exchanges or approved blue-rate options.
Carry cash for taxis. Small denominations make journeys smoother.
Buy football tickets safely. Use authorised sellers to avoid scams.
Purchase wine locally. Mendoza bottles are often cheaper than exports.
Take overnight buses. Cama class buses are comfortable and cost-effective.
Petty theft exists. Stay alert in crowded areas like Retiro Station and San Telmo Market.
Use hotel safes. Secure passports, electronics and spare cash.
Avoid demonstrations. Protests can escalate quickly without warning.
Be cautious in traffic. Drivers may ignore signals; cross carefully.
Emergency number. Dial 911 nationwide for urgent assistance.
Drugs are illegal. Possession can result in arrest and prosecution.
Strict drink-drive limits apply. Zero tolerance exists in some provinces.
Respect wildlife laws. Feeding or approaching animals is prohibited in reserves.
Healthcare access varies. Emergency care is available, but insurance is essential.
Prepare for natural conditions. Strong sun in the north and cold winds in the south.
English is limited outside cities. Basic Spanish improves interactions greatly.
Greetings are personal. A handshake or cheek kiss depends on familiarity.
Use formal titles initially. “Señor” or “Señora” is polite until invited otherwise.
Body language is expressive. Gestures show enthusiasm and interest.
Maintain eye contact. It signals respect and engagement.
Small talk matters. Culture, family and football are safe conversation starters.
Phone conversations are lively. Overlapping speech is normal, not rude.
Politeness is expected. “Por favor” and “gracias” are essential.
Be patient in conversation. Stories often wander before reaching the point.
WhatsApp is widely used. Most locals prefer it for messaging and planning.