Planning a Trip to Argentina: Travel Tips + Expenses
I almost never went to Argentina.
Part of me was terrified of buying that plane ticket. I pondered a good couple of weeks on whether I would go back to Asia, which felt comfortable and familiar or to take a chance on a continent I knew nothing about.
Thankfully I went for the latter. The best decision I made, which got me to my next stumbling block...
What to do in Argentina and planning my trip to South America.
Updated for 2026: I originally wrote this article after spending three months travelling around Argentina. I've kept many of my original experiences and observations because they're an important part of my journey, while updating the practical information to reflect how travelling in Argentina has changed over the years.
How to plan your trip to Argentina
My first impressions of Buenos Aires felt a little confused. Inspired by Paris, Madrid, London amongst other cities, I felt like I had flown 14 hours to arrive in... well Europe.
Yet the city has its own distinct charm as it unfolded before me. The large boulevards of 9 de Julio, quaint alleyways of La Boca and hip corners of Palermo have its own vibrant and unique characters.
As I travelled around the country, on some of the longest bus journeys, I fell more and more for a place that I could call home for 3 months. From sharing mate and socialising, embracing the 'shh' pronunciation of 'llamas' in words, devouring the best (and cheapest) avocados, summer night Asados and barbeques, sweaty tango sessions, climbing some insane mountains, Argentina kept me endlessly entertained and engaged.
If you're heading to Argentina, I have a few handy tips and hacks for you.
Summer hikes in El Hoyo
Money-saving tips and hacks in Argentina
You may or may not have heard, but Argentina has some hefty atm withdrawal fees. If you have to do a withdrawal in Argentina, take as much dinero as you can get out of that machine! Otherwise, avoid!
Before you head to Argentina, come prepared. With cash preferably.
I'm not exaggerating when I say withdrawal of $100-$150 can cost around $10-15. There are many factors that can affect this. The three best methods I found were:
1. Bring cash: USD preferably but Euros and other major currencies are also accepted. They're also quite picky about the crispness of the notes, so try to keep them smooth and away from damage. In other words, don't fold them up in your wallet.
If you're coming in from a neighbouring country such as Chile or Bolivia, it'll be cheaper to withdraw cash there and change it in Argentina.
2. Western union: where you can transfer money to a pick-up location that you pre-select before the transfer.
It's a cheaper way of getting hold of cash. As a European, I was able to transfer money using my debit card. The only pain in the butt might be waiting in line to pick up the money, which can be quick on some days or reaaallly slow on others. Keep in mind that the fees for the transfer can depend on the country you’re banking from.
3. Credit card: There are times when you'll be able to pay by card. I used my card as much as possible whenever there wasn't a 10% fee slapped onto it.
Throughout South America, I almost always used Revolut. Its easy interface allows you to track your spending and block your card whenever you're not using it. The exchange rate is the mid-market Reuters rate so you don't pay any sneaky/stupid fees.
It's a pre-paid debit card that you can top up as go and you see the transaction go through almost immediately.
Money in Argentina changes constantly, so always check the latest exchange rate and payment advice before your trip.
Hanging out with a llama :)
How to find cheap flights to Argentina
When I booked my first flight to Argentina, I knew I wanted to keep costs as low as possible. Flying to South America from Europe isn't exactly known for being cheap, so I spent a lot of time comparing routes and prices. Once in South America I had more options for travelling around the continent.
My main advice is to be flexible with your dates.
If your travel dates aren't fixed, you'll often save a significant amount of money by flying a few days earlier or later. I almost always search by month first to get a feel for the cheapest travel periods.
I have a few go-to's for when I'm looking for cheap flights. Given that I was going to South America in July, peak summer holiday season, getting a ticket as cheap as possible was going to be a challenge.
Skyscanner for comparing airlines and flexible dates.
Trip.com for booking flights and checking multi-city itineraries.
Kiwi.com for finding alternative routes and combinations of airlines.
Booking.com and Agoda, which occasionally have competitive flight deals alongside accommodation options.
Laguna de los Tres
Flying within Argentina
Getting around Argentina very often results in a uber-long bus journey or a very short flight. The longest bus journey I did was getting from one side of Patagonia to the other in 24 hours. The price difference between taking the bus or plane is usually minimal the more in advance you book.
Some flights were as cheap as $60 (Bariloche to Buenos Aires) whilst others went up to $200+ (El Calafate to Bariloche). Some of the airlines to look out for include:
Aerolíneas Argentinas
JetSMART Argentina
Flybondi
Getting the bus in Argentina
I found the bus network to be pretty reliable in Argentina. On my 24 hour journey from El Chalten to Bariloche, we boarded on one bus for 12 hours with two drivers, then switched buses and had new drivers for the second half.
Two platforms I found useful for booking bus tickets online were:
Busbud: Be sure to print off your bus ticket if it asks you to! Otherwise, you'll be paying to get it printed at the station.
Platform 10: This is specific to Argentina and often has more availability than Busbud.
Buenos Aires
Accommodation in Argentina
Argentina definitely has a range of options from budget-friendly to splashing out. I opted for a mixture of shared and private rooms and couldn't be happier with the choices I made.
To avoid having to exchange a lot of cash, I generally stayed in places which accepted credit card. Hostels and hotels in Argentina are obliged to accept credit card. When you pay by card, the final bill should be the total minus the tax. In reality, the tax is pocketed by the hostel. My hostel in Bariloche claimed their card machine was "out of service", conveniently it had been that way for months.
Buenos Aires
$21 - $40 US per night
Let's just say, I moved around a lot in this city. When I first arrived in Argentina, I stayed at boutique hostel and opted for a private room in the area near metro Carlos Gardel. I found the location central and hopping onto the bus or the metro, I could get anywhere.
When I came back to Buenos Aires for the summer, I decided I wanted some privacy after staying in dorm rooms for much of Patagonia, so I hopped around the city trying out different apartments.
I took a risk and stayed as the first guest in an apartment, thankfully I got a pretty good discount on a top floor, with an Asado grill and terrace in Villa Crespo for $21 a night (fees included).
One of the best areas to stay in is Palermo. This was my favourite neighbourhood with access restaurants, bars and nightlife and it’s also one of the safer neighbourhoods to ponder and take a stroll. Here are a few options for your stay:
For an in-depth guide of Buenos Aires and the different neighbourhoods, you can view my blog post here
Casa Caravan - Plant Based Concept House
Located in Palermo, this hostel is booked up far in advance. Warm and welcoming, there’s air-conditioning and good facilities.
Shoshana Hotel Boutique
Modern, tastefully decorated and sophisticated, it’s location is amazing for visiting the Botanical Garden and discovering Palermo on foot.
Lina's Tango Guesthouse
Located in San Telmo, cosy and full of character, you’re within walking distance to several key attractions including the Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada, Puerto Madero and the Ecological Reserve.
Iguazu Falls
$30- $100 a night
With over 275 distinct waterfalls, stretching 2.7 kilometres wide and reaching drops of up to 82 metres, around 80% of the falls lies on the Argentinian side. If you’re staying on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, there are plenty of options to choose from including ranging from budget-friendly to boutique hotels.
Hospedaje Los Vencejos
Around 5-minutes from the bus station it's conveniently located for visiting the Iguazu falls.
Iguazu Jungle Hotel
With an outdoor pool and views of the rainforest, rooms are spacious and morning coffees on the balcony are a must-do!
Entre Arboles Iguazú, Singular Collection by Amérian
An elegant and beautiful place to stay, there’s really nothing not to like. With accommodation options ranging from a treehouse with a private pool, to a birdhouse capsule, this is the kind of place I’d love to stay if I ever go back to visit Iguazu Falls!
Salta
$15 - $150 a night
When in Salta don't miss out on dining out at a peña! The food and ambiance is nothing like anything I’ve experienced before. You can read more about Salta here.
Accueillant Auberge Salta
My favourite place and hostel I stayed in during my stay in Salta was the Accueillant hostel. A family run hostel, located a little outside the centre of town really feels like home from the moment you enter.
Villa Vicuña Salta Hotel Boutique
For a comfortable stay, Villa Vicuña is great for exploring Salta and taking day trips. In the heart of the city, it has a lot of character.
El Chalten
$20 - $100 a night
If there's ever a place I make it back to on my travels, I hope it's El Chalten. I stayed a week but could happily spend a month disconnected from the world, hiking the surrounding mountains.
Rancho Grande
Given that Patagonia is incredibly expensive, my home for the week was a decent 4-bed dorm room in Rancho Grande. It was clean. In fact, the bathrooms were cleaned so often, I had to find a time when they weren't occupied by cleaners!
This hostel is also pretty good at letting you know when a massive storm is coming!
Pitihué Aparts
Close to the trailheads and some lovely cafes, the apartments are homely and beautifully decorated. Quiet and comfortable, it’s a lovely place to relax after a long day hiking.
Kaulem Hotel Boutique
Overlooking the peaks of Fitz Roy, it’s a beautiful small hotel with a cosy and rustic feel. Around 10 minutes from the bus station and 5 minutes from the main street, you’re also close to all the trailheads.
Hiking in Bariloche
El Calafate
$40 - $150 US per night
The town El Calafate doesn't really have a whole lot to do apart from visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. But, it’s one of the most memorable treks I’ve ever done.
America Del Sur Calafate Hostel
Stopping by for a couple of nights, my hostel in El Calafate had a gorgeous view of the lake. A great vibe and a delicious barbeque, I met a lot of people here!
Hotel Posada Los Alamos
In the heart of El Calafate, close to Argentino Lake, it’s a short walk to town. With a spa, it’s a great place to relax after a trek.
El Hoyo
$25 - $80 per night
Nestled on the outskirts of El Bolson, surrounded by mountains and gorgeous scenery, it's the perfect place to chill in a hammock on a summer day.
Cabañas Hacia El Sur
Comfortable rooms with a view, if you’re looking for a quiet place in the mountains, it’s worth checking out.
Cabañas LuCes del Pirque 2
Recently renovated homes, cabins are cute, spacious and bright.
Bariloche
$30 - $120 a night
I dream of coming back here. With stunning alpine lakes and mountains, there’s so much to explore and see!
Bonita Lake House - Hostel & Bungalows
A lovely hostel with stunning views, Bonita Lake House is the perfect place to stay for a few days. Located nearer to Cerro Campanario and the Chico Circuit.
Hospedaje Penthouse 1004
Hospedaje Penthouse gets booked out quickly. It has gorgeous views from the balcony over Bariloche. Christmas dinner here is a lot of fun too!
Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa
A retreat away from all the ski slopes and hikes, rooms are beautifully decorated. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, turkish bath and spa.
Mar del Plata
$30- $80 a night
I did a short few days here. It’s a popular beach spot for residents of Buenos Aires during the summer.
Las Golondrinas Mar del Plata
Comfortable and chilled, it’s in a great location to visit the southern beaches.
Rooftop views in Buenos Aires!
Food in Argentina
Eating out in Argentina can vary a lot depending on where you are, so I often balanced restaurants with cooking my own meals.
In places like Salta, I found incredible local shops and markets with some of the freshest fruit and vegetables. I remember buying produce that still had the compost on it, I spent ages washing it before cooking it! It felt really satisfying.
If you're eating out, expect restaurant prices to vary widely depending on location and type of restaurant. Tourist-heavy areas will naturally be more expensive, while local spots and empanada places tend to be much more budget-friendly.
One of my favourite meals in Argentina was actually at a peña in Salta. It wasn’t the cheapest dinner I had, but the combination of traditional food and live music made it unforgettable.
Fruit and vegetables, especially in northern Argentina, were very affordable. In Salta, I remember avocados being really cheap compared to what I was used to in the UK.
A few practical tips I learned:
Cooking your own meals can significantly reduce costs, especially in Patagonia where prices are higher.
Stock up on groceries in El Calafate before heading to smaller towns like El Chalten, where the vegetables are not always the freshest and prices are higher.
Buenos Aires has a huge range of options, from budget-friendly empanada shops to more upscale restaurants and cocktail bars with happy hour deals sometimes 2 for 1.
Mmmm... empanadas
Excursions + activities in Argentina
What I spent really depended on the activity, with everything from affordable city experiences to more expensive once-in-a-lifetime trips.
In Buenos Aires, I did several weekly tango classes, which were such a fun way to experience the culture beyond just watching it from the sidelines. The atmosphere in milongas was unforgettable, even if you're (like me) very much a beginner.
In Bariloche, I rented a bike and spent the day exploring the lake scenery.
One of the most memorable experiences was ice trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier. It was one of the more expensive activities I did in Argentina, but absolutely worth it for me.
Over in the north, I joined a tour to Cerro de los Siete Colores, which felt completely different again, with dramatic landscapes and vibrant colours that don’t really look real in person.
And in Iguazú, the entry fee to the falls was more than worth it for the sheer scale of the experience.
If I had to budget for Argentina again, I’d prioritise spending on experiences like Patagonia hikes and glacier trekking, and save on everyday costs like transport and accommodation.
Laguna Torre | Los Glaciares
Hiking in El Chalten... Insane!
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must for not just Argentina but where ever you go in the world. Whether it's for delayed flights, lost baggage or an unforeseen medical emergency, unless you want to pay for every penny out of your pocket, travel insurance is a necessary purchase before you travel.
There are many providers and policies depend on your country of residence. I normally go with World Nomads as they're easy to extend.
Handy tip: Always read the policy before buying so you know what you're covered for and what's excluded!
How to stay safe in Argentina
I found Argentina relatively safe, even in big cities like Buenos Aires. But, I did hear of muggings and robberies (like anywhere else). So always stay vigilant and alert.
Uber's and taxis are relatively cheap if you're coming home late.
Random expenses
If you ever want to use the post office in Argentina, be prepared to wait! Things don’t tend to move quickly when you’re running errands :)
I sent home a package (relatively light IMO) for $60. Thankfully it arrived around a month later!
Ready to plan your trip? Here are some of my favourite travel suggestions.
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Trip.com: A one-stop shop for flights and anything else you need ✈️
Viator: Experiences across the world 🌟
Favourite travel items: Some of my go-to travel essentials 🥾
Affiliate links above!
Mandatory Disclaimer:We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
