Solo Travel Tips For Argentina

Heading off to Argentina on a solo trip this year? Be not afraid! BBM is here with the indispensable guide furnishing you with all those nitty-gritty things you’ll need to know before hitting customs.

Money

Yes, it is important. And complicated. Although the official rate sits at approximately 10 Argentine pesos to the US dollar, Argentina continues to have an unsteady rate of inflation. Luckily for you gringos, you can exchange cash at the semi-official blue rate, and cut your losses at the official exchange. You can easily find the day’s rate on national news websites. Any tourist hub will be full of blue-rate traders selling “cambio”. It is best to bring dollars in high denominations but Euros and Pounds are also generally accepted, albeit at a lower rate. Remember, you can’t withdraw dollars in Argentina, so stock up before you go!

If you’d rather not carry around a lot of cash, try www.xoom.com (if you have a US bank account) or www.azimo.com (for most other countries) and transfer money from a home account to a local bank or checkpoint. This usually takes less than 24 hours and you will need to show ID when collecting your money. It can be tricky to find change for larger notes, so try to keep those denominations small.

Visa

Getting into the country is easy: British citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. But if you are an Australian, US or Canadian National, you will have to pay a reciprocity fee of up to USD$160 which is usually good with multiple entries for up to a year.

Transport

The best and most popular form of transport in South America is by bus. Long buses. Very long. Be prepared for what was less than a centimetre on your map to quickly stretch into 10 or 20 hours on the road. The good news: standards are great, for the price. Expect wide comfy seats (you can usually upgrade your seat for a measly 100 pesos), action movies and perhaps even a complimentary meal (you lucky thing). It’s also a great opportunity to meet other travellers. But best book early!

Safety

The main danger word that stops solo travellers (especially women) from taking the leap is ‘safety’. Yes, it’s important. But Latin America isn’t a crime war-zone either, as Hollywood would have you believe. Despite YouTube sensation La Boca’s motochorro, the main threat you’ll face is pickpockets. And protecting yourself mostly involves just being aware of your surroundings and not flashing the bling. Yes, you can wear your wedding ring in public. No, don’t lose track of your handbag because you’re too busy taking iPad selfies. Money-belts may be overkill, but if you don’t feel comfortable taking your bag and are blessed with that second X-chromosome, why not resort to the old money-in-bra trick. Just remember to take it out before you get to the front of the queue.

If you are a woman, you will get catcalled. Honestly, if you are a man with long hair, guys will probably mistake you and catcall you anyway. Turn around and give ‘em a fright! It usually stops there. Even in Buenos Aires, walking alone at night is fine in busy areas, though if you feel uncomfortable, remember taxis are cheap.

That’s it, folks

The most important rule, to quote Douglas Adams’ Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy, is DON’T PANIC. Solo travel isn’t scary, it’s fun – I promise! Hostels are jam-packed with other lone travellers, and also towels. Towels are good.

By Sarah Morland