Argentina: Payment methods & tips

All continents Latin America and the Caribbean Argentina

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Argentinian peso ARS

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; USD 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Export local currency
up to the equivalent of USD 10'000.00, higher amounts only if declared upon arrival

Export foreign currency
up to USD 10'000.00; higher amounts only if declared upon arrival

Credit cards

Customary credit cards are accepted in most places. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

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Useful tips from our experts:

Cash withdrawals often only with a PIN four digit possible.
An additional charge per withdrawal may apply in this country.
Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
Travelers are advised to take cash in US dollar (USD).
Currency exchange not advised on the black market.
Prices in ARS are designated with the $ dollar sign; prices in USD are shown as US$.

Practical Information:

Other information

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
High crime rate.
Avoid in Buenos Aires the quarters 'La Boca', 'Retiro', 'Constitucion' and 'Once' (in the three latters are the most important stations of the city).
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English, French and Italian

Capital

Buenos Aires

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter recommended

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Opening hours

Banks

10.00 - 15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 20.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sat)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 1 year previously, varies by rental company.
International driver's licence recommended.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 (varies by rental company).
CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Minimum risk of malaria in the border areas with Bolivia and Paraguay.
Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Time difference with Switzerland

- 4 h / - 5 h during our summer time

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Buenos Aires, Av. Santa Fe 846, 12° piso
Tel.: +54 11 4311 6491

Travel advice for Argentina.