10 Insider Tips from Argentina Locals

Argentina boasts some of the most unique culture and customs in the Americas, but navigating this Southern Cone nation comes with its own set of quirks.

From currency fluctuations to late-night meals, and from gaucho traditions to travel planning, here are 10 essential tips to keep in mind before visiting Argentina.

1. The Vast Distances Mean Planning Takes Time

For many, the sheer size of Argentina, the eighth-largest country on Earth, can be overwhelming. For example, the journey between two popular destinations, Puerto Iguazú in the northeast and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, spans 4,340 km (2,697 miles)—about the same as a road trip from the east coast to the west coast of the USA.

Although a generous number of internal flights make travel easier, their cost and carbon impact lead many travelers to opt for overland journeys as a significant part of their exploration.

Taking a bus for six to twelve hours to reach your next destination is quite common. For example, traveling overland to visit the three key highlights of northern Argentina—Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Puerto Iguazú—would require about a week, even if you only spent one night in each place.

Train travel options are limited in Argentina. The once-extensive railway network has dwindled over the years, and long-distance train services are now often unreliable.

If your time is limited, carefully plan your destinations and the distances between them. Overnight buses can save time, but this form of travel can be exhausting, so treat yourself to some restful accommodation the following night to recover.

Read more: How to navigate transportation in Argentina

2. Navigating Money Can Be Complex

Argentina has struggled with economic instability since at least the Great Depression of 1998–2002.

This severe economic crisis led to the abandonment of the fixed exchange rate of the Argentine Peso against the dollar and resulted in significant losses for public savings account holders, causing widespread social unrest as many lost half their savings or more.

Things aren't entirely straightforward: be mindful when discussing finances with Argentines. Due to the high demand for stable foreign currencies, the government restricts the amount of pesos Argentines can exchange.

This has led to a black market and a dual exchange system. The official rate is what you receive when withdrawing money from a bank, while the black market, known as the 'dólar blue,' offers a more favorable rate through street money changers.

Official rates are gradually aligning with blue rates, but the best strategy for managing your travel finances is to bring cash dollars (ideally) to exchange on the street (euros or pounds can also be exchanged).

Both official and blue rates fluctuate frequently, and inflation is rampant: check xe.com for the latest official rates and bluedollar.net for blue rates.

3. Argentina ranks as one of the safest countries in Latin America

Argentina's relatively low-risk status for travelers (by Latin American standards) is a significant draw.

Locals are typically very friendly and open to conversation, which is particularly advantageous for solo travelers. Engaging in social activities like drinking yerba mate and tango dancing can provide valuable cultural insights.

Women and LGBTIQ+ travelers will find Argentina safer than many other Central American and South American locations. Attitudes and rights regarding gender and sexuality in Argentina are similar to those in North America and Europe.

Pickpocketing is typically the most significant risk for travelers, but even that is not common.

That said, it's wise to exercise the same basic precautions you would at home. Armed robberies can happen, particularly in larger cities: avoid walking alone late at night and refrain from showing off valuables.

4. Making a good first impression matters

When meeting Argentines for the first time, choose fashionable attire. In larger cities like Buenos Aires or Córdoba, dressing well is important, or you might appear out of place next to the stylish locals.

Argentina is home to a socially warm population, where a kiss on the cheek – whether man-to-woman, woman-to-woman, or man-to-man – is customary (a friendly handshake is also acceptable if you prefer).

And don't worry about being on time for a meeting: it's not a priority here. Arriving about 15 minutes late is perfectly acceptable.

5. Exceptional food and drink are at the core of the culture

With beef and wine taking center stage in Argentine gastronomy, conversations about the country's culinary delights can quickly get mouths watering.

Meat is commonly enjoyed during an asado – a barbecue grilled over open flames – featuring cuts of beef, chicken, pork, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage).

Receiving an invitation to an asado at an Argentine's home is a true honor and reveals various traditions regarding the types of meat served and their timing. If you can't get invited, numerous restaurants are ready to serve these delights.

Steak aficionados can choose from ojo de bife (ribeye), lomo (fillet), or matambre (flank) when dining out. Notable places include Gran Parrilla del Plata (Chile 592-594, San Telmo) and Parrilla Don Julio (Guatemala 4691, Palermo Viejo), widely regarded as top-tier options.

A robust red wine pairs beautifully with the meat. The country’s signature variety is malbec, a rich, plum-flavored wine sourced from the Mendoza region in western Argentina.

Argentine teatime, known as merienda, is also a grand occasion. Since dinner is served late, this early evening feast of tostados (toasted cheese-and-ham sandwiches), medialunas (croissants), and alfajores (cookies filled with caramel-like dulce de leche) keeps hunger at bay.

Discover more: 10 ways to indulge in Argentina’s culinary delights

6. Argentines are night owls… and I mean really late ones

Think you can handle late nights? Argentina completely redefines the concept. If you try to grab dinner at 6pm, you might find restaurants closed, nearly empty, or filled with other tourists who missed this tip.

Many restaurants don’t start serving dinner until 8:30pm, with locals typically sitting down to eat around 10pm or 11pm.

When it comes to bars, few places get busy before midnight. They often stay open until 2am or 3am, and only then does the real clubbing begin, if you have the stamina.

7. Mate is the key to making friends

One of Argentina’s beloved customs involves sharing an infusion known as yerba mate (pronounced “mah-tay,” commonly shortened to mate and sometimes anglicized to maté to differentiate your drink from your friend’s).

Mate traces its roots to the Guarani people of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. This bittersweet beverage, made from mate leaves steeped in hot water, has become a symbol of rural Argentine life and gaucho culture, but its significance goes much deeper than that.

Sharing the gourd (the traditional vessel for mate) among friends, colleagues, or even strangers represents unity and mutual respect among those who enjoy it together.

If someone in Argentina invites you to join this essential aspect of local etiquette, consider it a fantastic opportunity for breaking the ice.

8. Argentina ranks among the top trekking destinations in the southern hemisphere

Bordered by the Andes mountains to the west, featuring surreal deserts in the northwest, lush tropical jungles in the northeast, and the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia to the south, Argentina is a paradise for hikers.

You can start with the challenging ascent of Aconcagua, standing at 6962m (22,841ft), the highest peak in both the western and southern hemispheres, or explore the captivating Huemul Circuit through the southern Patagonian ice field.

For such grand multi-day treks, it's advisable to go with a guide. However, numerous shorter, equally captivating trails are available for solo hikers. Challenge yourself with the ascent to see the vibrant Cerro de Siete Colores (Hill of Seven Colors) near Purmamarca in Jujuy Province, or enjoy rainforest walks around the majestic Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world.

9. Good dancing skills are a plus

A stylish couple executing graceful tango steps on the streets, during a performance, or at a milonga (dance hall) is a common sight in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires.

Tango originated in the capital during the 19th century and gained fame through icons like Carlos Gardel in the early 20th century. Today, it stands as Argentina’s signature dance, and mastering a few steps will surely earn you respect during night outings.

However, to fully enjoy the nightlife here, being able to move your hips to the nation’s favored rhythms is essential. Cumbia, a lively two-step dance similar to salsa, is quite popular and easy to learn as you groove to catchy tunes from bands like La Nueva Luna.

10. Cowboy culture thrives

Gauchos, or Argentine cowboys, trace their roots back to the 18th century, originally as nomadic horsemen traversing the pampas (fertile grasslands) around Buenos Aires.

The significant role of gauchos in securing Argentina's victory during the 19th-century War of Independence has earned them profound respect across the nation.

They established themselves on the grassy plains of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, and Córdoba, along with various other rural regions, centered around vast estancias (ranches). Here, they preserved their horsemanship skills and other traditional practices that might have otherwise faded away.

Today, visiting an estancia to experience the gaucho lifestyle is considered Argentina’s quintessential countryside adventure. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, indulge in hearty local dishes like puchero (meat stew), and explore the surroundings on foot or horseback.

Continue planning your Argentine getaway

Discover the ideal time to visit Argentina for your dream vacation Add these top attractions to your profile Uncover the 16 must-see experiences in Argentina