Do you need a visa for Argentina in 2026? +
No. French, Belgian, Swiss and EU citizens enter visa-free for 90 days as tourists. Passport valid 6 months after return date. Entry stamp issued at Ezeiza airport (Buenos Aires) or land borders. Possible to extend 90 more days at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.
How many days do you need in Argentina? +
Minimum 10 days for southern Patagonia (Buenos Aires + El Calafate + El Chaltén + Ushuaia). 14 days is ideal to add Iguazu. 3 weeks allows including Mendoza, Salta and the Northwest. The country is huge (3,700 km north to south), domestic flights are essential to optimize time.
When to go to Argentine Patagonia? +
November to March, austral summer. December-February: high season, 10-20 °C in Chaltén and Calafate, very long days (sunrise 5am, sunset 10pm in Ushuaia). April: still possible but temperatures dropping. May to September: most southern Patagonia tourist infrastructure is closed, treks impractical.
How to exchange money in Argentina, what's the "blue" rate? +
Argentina lives with two exchange rates: the official rate (low, unfavorable to tourists) and the parallel "blue" rate (close to free market). In 2026, since the partial monetary unification, the gap has narrowed but remains significant. Best method for travelers: withdraw pesos via Western Union (near-blue rate, reasonable fees) or change USD/EUR cash with declared arbolitos. Foreign bank cards have given a fair rate since 2024 (MEP rate) but check with your bank.
Is Buenos Aires safe in 2026? +
Generally yes, with standard urban vigilance. Avoid La Boca outside the tourist Caminito area, Constitución at night, Once. Safe and pleasant neighborhoods: Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano, San Telmo by day. Pickpocketing in tourist areas. Official Radio Taxi or Cabify/Uber recommended. No visible jewelry, backpack on chest in the subway.
What to eat in Argentina, are asado and empanadas worth it? +
Absolutely yes. Argentine asado (wood-fired grilled beef) is an institution: bife de chorizo, ojo de bife, vacío, asado de tira. Empanadas (filled turnovers) vary by region: carne (beef) in Buenos Aires, spicier salteñas in Salta. Also try choripán (sausage-bread), facturas (pastries), dulce de leche everywhere, mate (social infusion) and Malbec/Torrontés wines.
Can you combine Argentina and Chile? +
Yes, it's actually common in Patagonia. El Calafate-Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine, Chile) by bus 5h. Mendoza-Santiago de Chile by bus 7h via Los Libertadores. Bariloche-Puerto Montt via the lakes in 2 days (Cruce Andino). 3 weeks is enough for an ARG + CHI Patagonia combo with Torres del Paine.
Iguazu Argentine side or Brazilian side? +
Both sides have their interest and ideally you do both over 2 days. Argentine side (80% of the falls): immersive walkways running very close to the Devil's Throat, plan a full day. Brazilian side: panoramic view of all the falls in 2-3 hours. Easy border crossing, taxi €30-40 between Puerto Iguazú (ARG) and Foz do Iguaçu (BR).
