Argentina, the eighth-largest country in the world, is home to a fantastic array of travel opportunities. From the largest waterfall system in the world, Iguazu Falls, crashing down by the northern borders, to the snow-capped Andean mountains of Patagonia stretching to the end of the world in the south, attractions for thrill-seeking tourists are innumerable. Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital, is home to dynamic culture, eclectic Parisian-style architecture, and world-class steak and wine, helping to consistently secure the city’s perch as one of the most visited in South America.

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As with any trip abroad, customary research surrounding the country of destination is worthwhile. It is strongly recommended to confer with FCDO’s Argentina travel advice before arriving to the ‘Land of Silver.’

Despite consistently ranking as one of the safest countries in South America, Argentina has recently been marred by economic issues, and crime may still affect tourists. Prisons currently operate at 130.2% of capacity. The first step to avoid helping this rate balloon is to be clear on which items you may enter Argentina with. It is forbidden to bring fresh fruit, meats of any animal species, and honey and dairy products into the country.

Upon arrival, aim to prevent daytime mosquito bites in order to avoid the possible contraction of Chikungunya or Dengue. If venturing northwards to the provinces of Corrientes and Misiones, (the latter home to the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls), a yellow fever vaccine is recommended to travellers over 9 months. The FCDO supplies live updates on vaccine requirements, which are useful when planning a trip to Argentina.

Buenos Aires is a capital brimming with mostly peaceful political activism - demonstrations near Congress, and the Presidential Palace, are frequent. However, taking basic precautions in these areas, as well as in the B.A neighbourhoods of San Telmo, La Boca, and Retiro, is advised. La Boca in particular is famed for tourism, as the home of arguably South America’s most successful football club, Boca Juniors, yet becomes less safe the further you deviate from the very clearly tourist-focused streets. The same principle applies to San Telmo, with its highly regarded Sunday market. Taking the metro between such locations, any traveller should take caution amongst potential pickpocketing - yet expect the very normal quirk of vendors placing products on your lap as they work their way along the carriage, before returning to collect the items if they are undesired.

Leaving the capital, sensible caution is advised in downtown Mendoza, a city world famous for its vineyards, and Rosario, the birthplace of footballing icon, Lionel Messi. Tourists are also informed of the occasional risk of theft from hire cars in Bariloche, a popular hiking destination in Patagonia. British tourists will note the prevalence of Falkland Islands rhetoric throughout Argentina (locally, Las Malvinas), with the islands’ outline decorating countless public trains, proclaiming Argentinian ownership. Protests on the islands’ sovereignty occasionally occur outside British owned businesses and the embassy; the advice is not to engage with the rhetoric. However, it is extremely unlikely that British travellers will experience any such hostility!

With regards to illegal drug regulations, the prosecution of private, low-amount drug possession for personal consumption has been deemed unconstitutional in Argentina. However, this is still a legal grey area - possession can technically still be prosecuted, with production and trafficking of illegal substances bringing lengthy prison sentences. Argentina also employs a strict zero percent regulation on drink-driving, with alcohol similarly banned in stadiums, and public spaces such as parks (yet the latter is rarely enforced).

Argentina’s volatile currency leads to simple groceries costing between four and five figures in pesos. Familiarise yourself with the live exchange rate, and ensure to check you are being charged the correct number of zeroes. On a more humorous note, mate enjoyers (Argentina’s national drink) will remind British tourists to be less polite when sharing the beverage! When sharing the herbal drink with an Argentinian, a customary ‘gracias’ signifies that you have actually finished drinking, even after a couple of sips, which may cause some confusion.

Understanding the above laws, advice, and customs will allow you to focus on the enjoyment of Argentina’s array of attractive travel experiences. Refer to FCDO’s travel advice when planning your trip, alongside obtaining appropriate travel insurance, and contact local authorities if any queries arise.

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