- 4 h / - 5 h during our summer time

Buenos Aires

Spanish

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks

10.00 - 15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

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

• 1 January:  New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
• Carnival (Carnaval):  movable public holiday, usually in February or March (two days, Monday and Tuesday)
• 24 March:  National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (Día Nacional de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia)
• Good Friday (Viernes Santo):  movable public holiday, the Friday before Easter
• 2 April:  Malvinas Day and Veterans of the Falklands War (Día del Veterano y de los Caídos en la Guerra de Malvinas)
• 1 May:  Labour Day (Día del Trabajador)
• 25 May:  May Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución de Mayo)
• 17 June: Anniversary of the death of General Martín Miguel de Güemes (Paso a la Inmortalidad del General Martín Miguel de Güemes)
• 20 June:  Anniversary of the death of General Manuel Belgrano (Paso a la Inmortalidad del General Manuel Belgrano) / National Flag Day (Día de la Bandera Nacional)
• 9 July:  National Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
• 17 August:  (sometimes moved to the third Monday in August) - Anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín (Paso a la Inmortalidad del General José de San Martín)
• 12 October:  (sometimes moved to the second Monday in October) - Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural)
• 20 November:  (sometimes moved to the third Monday in November) - National Sovereignty Day (Día de la Soberanía Nacional)
• 8 December:  Immaculate Conception (Día de la Inmaculada Concepción)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Navidad)

The following documents are required to enter Argentina:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay is required.

• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: August 2024

• North (e.g. the provinces of Misiones, Formosa, Chaco and Salta): tropical to subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. In mountain regions, temperatures can be cool in winter.

• Central region (e.g. Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Santa Fe): temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.

• West (Andes region, e.g. Mendoza and San Juan): dry, semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. At higher elevations, temperatures are lower and snowfall occurs in winter.

• Patagonia (south, e.g. Río Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz): cold, windy climate with cool summers and cold winters. Rainfall decreases from west to east, with more rain and snow in the Andes and drier conditions across the plains.

• Tierra del Fuego (far south, e.g. Ushuaia): cold, subpolar climate with cool summers and very cold winters. Snowfall is frequent, and temperatures remain low throughout the year.
  
  
  The ideal time to travel to Argentina:

• Beach holidays: December to February (summer) along the Atlantic coast.
• City breaks: September to November and March to May (spring and autumn), when the weather is mild.

• Nature trips/hiking: spring and autumn for Patagonia and the Andes; summer for the most pleasant conditions.

• Ski season: June to September (winter) in the Andes.
• Wine trips: March to May (autumn), during the grape harvest in Mendoza.

• Using a mobile phone may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local mobile network provider can be a cost-effective way to benefit from favourable rates and good network coverage during your stay in Argentina. The main mobile network providers in Argentina are Personal, Claro and Movistar.
• Public Wi-Fi is widely available and provides convenient internet access in cities, tourist hotspots, cafés and hotels. However, travellers should exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks, particularly when transmitting sensitive information.

• Iguazú Falls – An impressive natural wonder on the border with Brazil, consisting of more than 250 individual waterfalls.

• Perito Moreno Glacier – A vast glacier in Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, famous for its spectacular ice calving.

• Buenos Aires – The vibrant capital, with attractions such as the Teatro Colón, the La Boca district and Plaza de Mayo.
• Bariloche – A picturesque city in the Andes, known for its lakes, mountains and winter sports opportunities.
• Mendoza – Argentina’s famous wine-growing region, ideal for wine tastings and visits to wineries.
• Valdés Peninsula – A UNESCO World Heritage natural site known for its rich wildlife, including whales, sea lions and penguins.
• Salinas Grandes – An impressive salt flat in the north-west of the country, offering fascinating photographic scenery.
• Quebrada de Humahuaca – A colourful valley in Jujuy Province, rich in Indigenous culture and history.
• Ushuaia – The southernmost city in the world, a gateway for trips to Antarctica and adventures in Tierra del Fuego.
• El Chaltén – A paradise for hikers and mountaineers, known for Fitz Roy and the surrounding glacial lakes.

Travel inspiration
Be inspired by our blog articles and discover Argentina’s fascinating destinations:

• Travel to Patagonia: Top 10 sights between steppe, Andes & ice

• Buenos Aires: city break between tango and magnificent architecture

Argentina boasts a diverse cuisine strongly influenced by European traditions, particularly Italian and Spanish, while also incorporating Indigenous and Creole influences. Each region has its own culinary highlights:

• Asado and empanadas: asado, the traditional Argentine barbecue, is a feast for meat lovers, with beef grilled over an open fire. Empanadas, delicious filled pastries, vary from region to region and are a popular snack.
• Dulce de leche and alfajores: dulce de leche, a sweet milk caramel, is used in numerous desserts, especially the famous alfajores, filled biscuits enjoyed throughout Argentina.
• Mate and facturas: mate, the traditional herbal infusion, is an essential part of Argentine culture and is often enjoyed with facturas, sweet pastries.
• Wine and parrillas: Argentina’s Malbec wines, particularly those from Mendoza, are world-famous and pair perfectly with the grilled specialities served in parrillas, the country’s traditional steakhouses.
• Seafood and fish: coastal regions offer fresh seafood and fish dishes, such as ceviche, highlighting the country’s maritime heritage.
• Cheese and chorizo: cheese and chorizo, a spicy sausage, are popular ingredients in a typical Argentine “picada”, a platter of small snacks.

Argentina celebrates its culinary diversity with numerous festivals and markets that showcase the country’s rich food culture.

• Greetings: among friends and acquaintances, the customary greeting is a kiss on the right cheek, regardless of gender. In more formal situations, a firm handshake is sufficient.
• Saying please and thank you: politeness is appreciated. Expressions such as “Por favor” (please) and “Gracias” (thank you) are commonly used to show respect and appreciation.
• Clothing: in cities such as Buenos Aires, people generally dress elegantly and stylishly. Casual clothing is more acceptable in rural areas, but a neat appearance is generally preferred.
• Dining etiquette: punctuality is important when invited somewhere, although arriving around 15 minutes late is common. At an asado (barbecue), it is generally considered polite to eat the meat well done unless you are asked how you prefer it. Meals are eaten with cutlery, and bread accompanies many dishes.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public spaces, including restaurants. It is polite to ask whether smoking is permitted before lighting a cigarette.
• Tipping: a tip of around 10% is customary in restaurants if it is not already included in the bill. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate a small gratuity.

Drinking water quality:

• Tap water in Argentina is generally safe to drink in major cities such as Buenos Aires, although many locals prefer not to drink it. In rural and remote areas, bottled water is recommended, as tap water is not always safe to drink.

Vaccinations: 

• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Argentina.

• However, travellers are advised to ensure that their standard vaccinations and those of their children are up to date in accordance with the national vaccination schedule.

• Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended before travelling. For longer stays or in cases of particular risk, vaccination against dengue fever, hepatitis B and rabies may also be considered.

• Medical care in Argentina is well developed and of a high standard in major cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Mendoza. Both public and private hospitals are available. In rural and remote areas, however, access to medical care may be limited, and specialised treatment may be difficult to obtain.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover and emergency medical repatriation.
• It is advisable to bring all necessary and regularly used medication with you, as it may be difficult or even impossible to obtain in remote areas.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Due to the tense political, social and economic situation, demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks and unrest may occur throughout the country. There is also a risk of property damage, arson and looting. Keep yourself regularly informed and avoid large gatherings.
• The crime rate in Argentina is relatively high, so caution is advised throughout the country. Robberies and assaults can occur even in areas considered safe and during daylight hours. Offenders are often armed and may not hesitate to use violence. It is therefore important to remain vigilant at all times.
• Keep money, identification documents and other important documents in a secure place and save copies online so that replacements can be obtained quickly in the event of loss.
• Carry only the cash you need for the day and leave valuables in a secure place.
• In crowded places, such as airports or on public transport, pay particular attention to your valuables and remain alert.
• In the event of a robbery: remain calm and do not resist.
• Be cautious with unexpected emails, phone calls or offers, and do not share personal information without first verifying their authenticity or informing the police.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: August 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals.

• An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended.

• The minimum age for renting a car is between 21 and 25, depending on the rental company.

• A CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle are mandatory.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: long-distance trains are mainly operated by the state-owned railway company “Trenes Argentinos”. These trains connect major cities such as Buenos Aires, Rosario and Córdoba. Although they are an affordable travel option, they are often slower than coaches or flights and are therefore particularly suitable for budget-conscious travellers.

• Regional trains: particularly in and around Buenos Aires, “Trenes Argentinos” also operates regional rail services connecting the suburbs with the city centre. These trains are inexpensive and provide a quick way to reach the city, but they are often crowded during peak hours.

• Coaches: long-distance coaches (Micros) are the main form of transport for travelling between cities and across the country. They offer different levels of comfort, ranging from “Semi-Cama” (partially reclining seats) to “Cama Ejecutivo” (fully reclining seats). Major bus terminals such as Terminal Retiro in Buenos Aires are key hubs for these services.

• Underground: the Buenos Aires Underground (Subte) is the oldest in Latin America and consists of six lines serving the city centre and some suburban areas. It is the fastest way to get around the city, although it is often crowded during peak hours.

• Tickets: the “SUBE” card is used for local public transport, including the underground and buses. The card can be purchased and topped up online, at kiosks, railway stations and shops, and is valid in most cities. Long-distance coach and train tickets can be purchased online or at railway and bus stations.

• Apps: apps such as “BA Subte” for the underground and “Moovit” for buses and trains provide real-time information, timetables and routes. The “Cuándo SUBO” app shows estimated bus arrival times in Buenos Aires and other cities based on real-time data.

• Argentina has a well-developed network of airports, offering numerous domestic and international travel options. The main airport is Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) in Buenos Aires, which serves as the country’s primary hub for international flights. There are also several regional airports, such as Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires, which mainly handles domestic flights and connections to neighbouring countries.
• However, there are no direct flights between Switzerland and Argentina. Most connections operate via European hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris or Frankfurt, from where several airlines, including Swiss International Air Lines in cooperation with partner airlines, offer connections to Buenos Aires.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 911

• Police: 101
• Medical emergencies: 107
• Tourist police emergency numbers:
• Buenos Aires: +54 911 5050 3293 / 9260
• Mendoza: +54 35 1413 2135
• Córdoba: +54 35 1434 2168

Avenida Santa Fe 846

12th floor
C1059ABP Buenos Aires
Tel.: +54 11 4311 6491
Email: buenosaires@eda.admin.ch

• Do not exchange money on the street. Counterfeit banknotes are widespread in Argentina, particularly 100-denomination notes. Be especially cautious in taxis, as genuine banknotes may be swapped for counterfeit ones.
• In Buenos Aires, avoid the districts of “La Boca”, “Retiro”, “Constitución” and “Once” at night (the latter three are home to the city’s main railway stations).

• Travellers may find it useful to read our article on the best credit card for travel – particularly when visiting Argentina, which is one of the countries with the highest ATM withdrawal fees in the world.

• Avoid carrying valuables such as watches, jewellery or expensive cameras.
• Drug trafficking, drug use and possession of even very small quantities are criminal offences in Argentina and may result in severe prison sentences.
• The Andes lie in a seismically active zone, particularly in the provinces of San Juan and Mendoza, where earthquakes and volcanic activity may occur. Active volcanoes along the border with Chile can lead to evacuations and travel disruptions.
• Violent clashes between rival groups of football supporters may occur in and around stadiums, with the possibility of weapons being used.
• A permit from the Ministry of Tourism is required for mountain climbing and trekking in certain areas. Make sure that organisers comply with all applicable regulations.