Argentina, Spring
A curated packing list for your trip between Buenos Aires neighborhoods, Mendoza vineyards, and Patagonian glaciers. Built for porteño nights, Andean wind, and the staggering north-south climate range of a single Argentine trip.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 90 days
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free. Extendable once for another 90 days through the National Immigration Office. Onward ticket and proof of funds may be requested. Passport must be valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages.
Cash discipline matters: blue-dollar rate
Argentina has a parallel "blue-dollar" exchange rate that beats the official rate by 30-50%. Use Western Union to send yourself dollars and pick up at favorable rates, or pay cash in USD at hotels/restaurants for a better deal. ATMs give the official rate. Bring crisp USD bills.
Tipping is appreciated
10% at sit-down restaurants is standard. ARS 200-500 per bag for porters, ARS 200-500 per night for housekeeping, 10-15% for taxis and tour guides. Cash tips beat card tips. Service charges (cubierto) are not tips.
Asado and dinner run late
Dinner reservations rarely start before 9pm; locals eat at 10-11pm. Lunch is 1-3pm. Restaurants in tourist neighborhoods open earlier. The asado (barbecue) is the national meal; vegetarians need to plan ahead, especially outside Buenos Aires.
Patagonia weather flips fast
El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Bariloche can see four seasons in one day. Strong winds, sudden rain, snow possible even in summer at altitude. Pack a real wind shell, warm layers, and sturdy hiking shoes for any Patagonian leg.
Type C and I plugs at 220V
Type C (European two round pins) and Type I (Australian-style three flat pins) at 220V/50Hz. US, Canadian, and UK travelers all need an adapter. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle 220V; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Layered for the BA-Mendoza-Patagonia climate range. One nicer outfit for tango or Don Julio dinner.
Shoes
Cobblestones in San Telmo, trail in El Chaltén, dance floors at midnight.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies (farmacias) are good in cities. Bring everything for Patagonia.
Health & Medications
Altitude in NW (Salta, Jujuy) and big temperature swings everywhere.
Documents & Money
Crisp USD bills are the secret weapon. Cards work but lose 30% to the official rate.
Tech & Electronics
Type C/I at 220V. Universal adapter is the safe play.
Luggage & Organization
Internal flights have strict weight limits (15kg checked, 8kg carry-on on FlyBondi).
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to BA from US/Europe; long internal flights to Patagonia.
Weather & Climate Gear
Wind is the Patagonian story. Sun is the Mendoza story. Pack for both.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Tango, asado, vineyard tasting, glacier hiking each ask for something.
Safety & Precautions
Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires tourist areas is the main everyday risk.