I'm planning a trip to Argentina... I've never traveled outside of the US... Help?

Question

I will be staying there for a week and I don't have a set budget so anything you have to suggest is wonderful. I would like tips on traveling and packing and also on things to do and places to visit. Anything would help!

Answer 1

This is just a tip for a single aspect for your trip, but since you mentioned budget, you might want to know that the central bank in Argentina has recently clamped down on ATM withdrawals on banks from outside the country. The maximum that any network will allow is 300 pesos (less than 100 dollars) which could create significant ATM fees coupled with international transfer fees. The best bet is to bring cash (be careful) and exchange what you need into pesos in one of the exchange houses in Argentina where you'll get the best exchange rate, no ATM fees and no international transfer fees.

Answer 2

Fodor's

http://search.yahoo.com/search?search=fr...

it's been the top name in travel for decades...you can get the book and they now are online.  I liked the book so you can bring it on your trip. We got it for our trip to England and it was the best.

enjoy your trip:)

Answer 3

For tips and places to visit, go to:

http://argentinafacts.blogspot.com/

As for the trip itself, it´s always good to answer yourself a few questions:

1) What type of accomodation will you be staying in (deluxe hotel/ student hostel?). That determines a lot about your budget you´ll need.

2) What kind of activities do you enjoy? Packing will be very different if you like to go to the opera galas or if you prefer to hike around in jeans and sneakers.

3) What is the season in Argentina when you´re travelling? And what areas of Argentina will you visit? Remember Argentina is a very big country with different climates. In summer, it´ll be smoldering hot in the north whereas in Ushuaia (the southern most city) it´ll be almost freezing, summer and all. Unless you live in Canada, you´ll need pullovers there even in the height of summer!

4) Always allow some extra budget for medical emergencies. Also find out if your medical care covers you on a trip.

Try to pack as few items as possible, there´s always time to buy some extras. And Argentina is a country where you can get all essentials, and almost everything you have in the USA. If you pack light, you´ll be grateful for instance, when you watch people struggling with two big bags trying to find a taxi.



As for ATM withdrawals, there used to be a maximum some year ago or so, but right now there´s no limit as far as I have experienced, to withdraw from an overseas account. If you bring a lot of cash with you, there´s always the risk of getting robbed, and travellers checks have a hefty commission as well. It´s your choice. I´d bring both some cash (enough for a few days) and my credit card.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your trip!