Argentina was the first country on our trip around the world in 2015.
We split our travel journal of Argentina in two halfs.
1. The northern half
2. Patagonia
We will describe some – from our point of view – general and nice to know things about traveling in Argentina.
Money
How expensive is Argentina?
Many things cost as much as they do in Germany. Meat – especially steak – is a positive exception.
Cambio*
You here it all the time near big plazas.
Official rate: 8.6 ARS for 1 US $, ~10 ARS for 1 Euro
Hostels change US$ for about 12 ARS and Euro for 14 ARS.
Blue rate is around 13 ARS for 1 US $ and 15 ARS for 1 EUR.
The black market is officially illegal, but everyone in Argentine uses it. Ask someone in your hostel or someone trustworthy. They all know a place where you can change your money, most of the time with the police nearby.
As always, better avoid the guys on the street. Everything is so quick, that you hardly can be sure that you have got the wright amount and/or correct bills.
* Rates January 2015
Culture
Siesta only for locals?
No way! Better you get used to the Argentinien way quick, because cities empty after 1 pm and don’t get back to live before 5 pm. Restaurants – if open at all – are empty until 9 pm. Our tip for a little snack in between: due to the Italian part of its history Argentina has really good ice cream. Take a break at one of the delicious Heladerias – you won’t regret it!
Lines
People wait in long lines in shops, banks, ATMs, etc. We checked the news if something was wrong, but it turned out to be normal. Argentines mistrust their monetary system, so they draw money as quickly as possible from the bank. After that they pay all their bills – cash!
Relax!
People not only stand in line to pay their bills. You will experience that you will always stand in any line as in Argentina everything works a little slower! People in shops, bars, gas stations, even behind the cash counter of supermarkets work slowly. It’s strange to us two, because we are used to a quick pulse in Germany. At work and in our social life we always want to get more things done in a certain amount of time than we are able to. So normally we get stressed and have the feeling we never have enough time… Now in Argentina it’s the other way around. Argentinians seem to be happy – it’s only we tourists that get annoyed if the bus arrives 1, 2 or 3 hours too late or if the cashier in the supermarket needs half an hour for the one client in the row in front of you. In these situations the Argentinians are easy going and normally have a small talk, play with their kids or even just nip on their Mate. So this is really something WE have to get used to ;o)
Kids
Argentina is a very young society. You see kids, babies and pregnant women all around. Families are big and almost everything seems to focus on family life… the restaurants, the hotels, the shops (never before I saw so many clothes and toy stores for kids), the parks, even the festivals/concerts. You feel safe while families with small kids play in the parks and on the streets till late night. All the kids seem to be relaxed. You can see almost no trouble, the kids don’t cry, don’t scream even on long, long bus travels. All this little eyes look at you with interest and it’s always fun to watch them too.
Travel
Our personal bus company ranking for the north of Argentina:
1st – Andesmar: cama suite; 9 hrs; Cordoba – Mendoza
2nd – Via Bariloche /Tigre Iguazu: cama; 17,5 hrs; Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazu
3rd – Flecha Bus: cama; 18 hrs; Posadas – Salta
4th – Andesmar: semi cama; 13 hrs; Salta – Cordoba
5th – Andesmar; semi cama; 24 hrs; Mendoza – Puerto Madryn
Tips for bus rides:
- Ask fellow travelers about their service experiences, not all companies provide the same service.
- For long hours (more than approx. 10 hrs) and overnight rides consider taking “cama”. For lesser hours and day rides “semi cama” is good enough.
- Porters that lift your bag into the bus trunk expect tip, 2 pesos per item/person is standard. Everybody pays it.
- Bring warm clothes (jacket and socks) because of the AC. Sometimes the busses provide a blanket, but you can’t count on it.
- Bring some crackers, fruits or a sandwich if you need more than just a cookie (and bad coffee) for breakfast.
