Living Abroad

We cannot wait for you to dive into life and work in your new home country.  So that you can become a pro on navigating the ins and outs of life abroad, you can find below information on important aspects of getting settled in and making the most of your time in Argentina.

Money

The national currency is either the Argentine peso (ARS).  You can check the current exchange rate here.  You can withdraw pesos from bank ATMs anywhere.  It’s recommended to use ATMs during banking hours (10am to 3pm) so that, if there should be an issue with the machine, you can go inside the bank for assistance.  Puentes Pista: In Argentina, between 3 and 4pm ATM’s are offline, so you will not be able to withdraw money.

When you call your bank to tell them the dates that you will be abroad, you can ask them to waive the withdrawal fee as an exception during that time frame.  Some banks will do this and others will not, but it is worth it to ask. As a foreigner without a resident ID card, you will be unable to open a local bank account. Thus, for getting cash in Argentina, you have a few options:

1. Recommended! Bring U.S. dollars to exchange them into pesos at a local exchange house.  This depends on how much U.S. dollar cash you are comfortable bringing with you on the flight. Read about the Dollar Blue below for more information on why U.S. dollar bills reign supreme in Argentina right now.

2. Transfer money from your U.S. bank account to Western Union and get the pesos at one of their pickup points in-country. This has a transaction fee, so check if it is more favorable than your bank’s ATM withdrawal fees. Typically, Western Union will use a rate between the official and the Dollar Blue, which may actually make up for the transaction fee.

3. Use your debit card to make withdrawals from ATMs.  If your bank charges you withdrawal fees, we recommend that you withdraw larger amounts of pesos at a time and leave the extra pesos safely in your housing bedroom.

Often participants do a combination of these three options, or sometimes they do just one.  It is a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Many major businesses allow credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely accepted.  However, there is still a strong cash culture, so you should also always have pesos on hand.  It’s also recommended to have smaller bills with you, as small businesses and taxis typically do not take larger bills.  You can usually get change in supermarkets, restaurants, or larger stores. 

Important Details on the Dollar Blue (Argentina only)

While planning your trip to Bariloche, you may have read about the different exchange rates for the Argentine peso.  We want to make sure that Puentes participants understand how this works, so that you can make the most out of your travel budgets.

Background: The Argentine government has imposed restrictions on buying foreign currency.  Argentines have historically kept their savings in U.S. dollars, which is more stable than the Argentine peso, so lately Argentines have wanted to buy U.S. dollars but not been able to do so.  As a result, the demand for U.S. dollars is extremely high, while the supply is very low.  A parallel currency exchange market has emerged in order to address this difference in supply and demand. 

What does this mean for tourists and Puentes participants? This means that there are multiple exchange rates for foreign currencies: official, unofficial, blue, etc.  The unofficial, or “blue,” exchange rate is the most important one for travelers arriving to Argentina with foreign currency.  Argentines are willing to pay a higher price than the official exchange rate in order to buy dollars, so tourists can exchange their dollars for a more advantageous rate (as of November 2021, this is about a 50% inflated rate as compared to the official). You can check the daily rates for these different types of exchanges here.

How do I get the unofficial exchange rate? One of the only ways to get the unofficial exchange rate is to bring cash in U.S. dollars with you for your trip.  You can then exchange this cash in person in Argentina and get pesos at the unofficial blue rate.  Be aware that bringing large amounts of money in cash with you when traveling always has its risks, so please only bring the amount with which you feel comfortable.  Then once in Argentina, we recommend exchanging money with an Argentine you know personally (for example, with your housing host, the language school, or your internship supervisors). There are also unofficial exchange houses called cuevas, which would provide you with the blue rate, but these are unregulated.

Identification

You do not need to have your passport with you when out in your home city, so you should leave it in a safe place in your home.  You can keep your driver’s license, your student ID card (for possible museum and activity discounts), and a photocopy of your passport with you to use in case you need identification.  It is also a good idea to memorize your passport number because you will need to know it when signing credit card receipts or completing other documents.  Do note that you should remember to take your passport with you when traveling outside your home city on buses or planes.

Local Communication

If you are using your unlocked phone with a local SIM card, this is similar to AT&T’s pay-as-you-go cell phone plan in the U.S. because you can buy cell phone credit to be used as needed for your local calls, texting, and data, and you can also rely on widely available Wi-Fi for free over-the-internet messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. Keep in mind that Argentina’s country code is +54.

Movistar SIM card

To activate the Movistar SIM card, go to the nearest Movistar location with a copy of your passport, your SIM card, and your phone.

Once the SIM card is activated, you will need to charge money to your phone number. You can do so by going to a kiosk, supermarket, pharmacy, or other commercial location that has a sticker of the Movistar logo on the window. You’ll need to have your local cell phone number on hand.

After charging money to your phone number, you will choose which pack (or plan) you’d like to purchase. Pack options for tourists can be found here. At the bottom of each pack description, it has a code that you can text to the Movistar phone number to purchase the pack. Once your pack is purchased, you are all set!

After your pack has run out of credit or expired, you can recharge money to your phone number and purchase a new pack.

International Communication

We don’t recommend making international calls from the phone with your local SIM card because it is very expensive. An excellent way to keep in touch with family and friends while abroad is Skype.  It’s easy to set up and free to use.  Simply download the program and register a username online. You can use Skype to make video calls for free, and you can make calls to landlines for a fraction of a penny.  Another option is FaceTime on iPhones or Macs, and you can also try Google Hangouts.  For free international texting over wifi, WhatsApp is an excellent mobile app, which also has free voice and video call functions.  WhatsApp is also very frequently used as an alternative to texting and phoning. 

Postal Mail

The three main postal carriers in Argentina are Correo Argentino, Andreani, and OCA.  You can buy postage and send items wherever you see a sign for one of these, often located within kiosks or other businesses.  Postal mail sent from Argentina typically takes about ten days to two weeks to arrive to international destinations.  FedEx, UPS, and DHL also have locations throughout the country.  Sending valuables through the mail is strongly discouraged.  Also keep in mind that packages shipped internationally to Argentina are often held at customs upon arrival and taxed heavily, so we recommend that you do not receive international shipments in order to avoid burdensome costs and logistics.  If you would like to receive postal mail letters while in Argentina, you can have them sent to your housing.

Public transportation

There are buses that connect all of Bariloche. But “ojo!” - they do not run that often, so be prepared to wait. To take the bus, you can us your SUBE card (Unified Electronic Ticket System), which we will give you upon arrival in your Welcome Pack. You can charge your SUBE card at many kioskos, and other shops can do so as well. 

Taxis

If you are downtown, you can either go to a taxi stop or hail a taxi. If you don't know where a taxi stop is, ask a local store owner where the closest “parada de taxi” is. Taxis in Bariloche are white with a blue roof, a sign on the rook that says “taxi,” and a circle sign on the driver door and front passenger door that says “taxi” and has the taxi’s registration number. Taxis charge based on a meter that is located above the front passenger seat. Cash pesos only.

Remises

In Bariloche, you can call or WhatsApp remises to request a car to take you wherever you need to go, and they charge you based on the distance and, if you have a wait time more than ten minutes, based on the wait time. If you need a remise at a certain time, try contacting them one hour in advance and see if they can let you schedule a remise for a certain time; sometime this will do this, and sometimes they will not. Some recommended remise companies are the following:

• Remises Nahuel: +0294 443 5007

• Auto Jet Remises: WhatsApp +54 9 2944 50 6167

• Remises Patagonia: +0294 444 3700; WhatsApp +54 9 2944 96 5218

Traveling throughout Argentina

Argentina is a wonderfully diverse and engaging country, with many different options for travel – the Pampas in the center of the country, the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the southern half down to Tierra del Fuego, the subtropical flats of the Gran Chaco in the north, and the rugged Andes mountain range along the western border with Chile. You can find overviews of key Argentine destinations, with recommendations for travel plans, in our Destination Guides.

Due to the country’s large size, airplanes are an excellent option for long distance travel.  Aerolíneas Argentinas operates domestic flights, which typically depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (airport code AEP), located in the north of Buenos Aires City, near Palermo and beside the Río de la Plata.  International flights typically depart from Ezeiza Airport (airport code EZE). Puentes Pista: While there are usually more international flights leaving EZE, if you are lucky enough to find one from AEP, it is a far more convenient option because it is within the city. There are also low cost airlines like Flybondi and JetSmart, but expect long delays and logistical problems, as they are not as reliable.  

Traveling by bus in Argentina is also reliable, very comfortable, and safe.  Most long distance buses have toilets and air conditioning and provide meal services.  You can search for bus schedules and fares at Plataforma 10 or Central de Pasajes.  Some of the major long distance bus companies include Via Bariloche, Chevallier, Plusmar, and Flecha Bus.   

If you do travel outside of Bariloche, please complete the Puentes Travel Form so that we can reach you for any emergencies.  Also, don’t forget to take your passport with you when you travel.

Laundry

There are lavanderias (laundry centers) where you can drop off your clothes to be washed and dried, normally in twenty-four hours or less.  You will be charged either by the size or by the weight of the load being washed.  Do keep in mind that lavanderias are not known for their attentive care in handling clothes, so if you have delicate items, you might prefer to wash them by hand at home.  Most lavanderias also do dry cleaning (tintorería) too.

Food

Argentina is known for its steak and its Malbec (a type of red wine), but it also hosts a variety of international cuisine, thanks to its immigrant population.  Breakfast typically consists of coffee and medialunas (croissants), toasts, or cereal and is much lighter than most US-style breakfasts.  Lunch is around 1pm and includes a sandwich, a tarta (similar to quiche), or a salad.  Argentines then enjoy a “merienda” (snack or tea) of coffee or mate and pastries in the late afternoon.  Dinner is around 9pm, with restaurants becoming crowded near 10pm.

Supermarkets

La Anonima and Todo are excellent chains of supermarkets.  You will also find many very good local supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as fruit and vegetable stands (verdulerias) in your neighborhoods.  Puentes Pista: The smaller, local supermarkets are not likely to accept credit or debit cards.

Restaurants

At meals, locals take their time and linger for quite a while, and the restaurant staff never rush the customer.  A restaurant tip is typically around 10%, depending on service.  Puentes Pista: Tips typically cannot be added to credit card bills, so carry cash for this purpose.  Also, restaurant delivery is possible from some places and can be coordinated online with PedidosYa or even directly with some restaurants.

Gyms

Gyms and fitness centers are very common in Argentina.  Prices and amenities vary, so it’s a good idea to explore several options before purchasing a membership.  You will likely be required to bring a medical certificate (certificado médico or apto físico) in order to join a gym, so it is a good idea to bring one from home; it can be a simple note from a doctor stating that you are in good health to undertake physical exercise in a gym. 

Argentines are very sociable and love to go and hang out for hours.  Whether it’s for a coffee in the afternoon or drinks at night, locals find any possible excuse to celebrate and spend time with friends - or maybe with new people just like you!  Here are some ideas and tips on how to meet locals:

• Open up! Wherever you go, don’t stick with a large group of expat friends. If you go to a bar or to a boliche (night club), locals will feel inhibited to join a large group. Some will feel shy about speaking in English, especially around large groups of foreigners, so maybe split into smaller groups, and invite them to come over and practice both Spanish and English.

• Take the initiative. Most locals will not go out of their way to meet foreigners. You will likely have to approach them and start a conversation. Ask them about fútbol, mate, history, family, and traditions.

• ¡Vos podés! (You can do it!) Reduce your English as much as you can; locals will appreciate your effort to speak Spanish! It’s the best way to practice the language, and it’s a good excuse to talk to new people.

In case you’d like to learn more about your future home country, we have prepared the following list of books, movies, and articles about Argentine history and culture.

Films & Series

Local Slang

History

Government

The country is a representative federal and democratic republic, with Buenos Aires as the Federal Capital and 23 provinces. The national president and vice president, as well as the head of government of the city of Buenos Aires, the provincial governors, and the members of the legislative bodies are chosen by the universal, secret, and compulsory vote of citizens of either sex above the age of 18. Presidential reelection is allowed for one consecutive four-year period. Our current president is Alberto Fernández of the “Partido Justicialista”, inaugurated in December 2019. His current vice president is Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the former president of Argentina (2007-2015) and leader of the central-leftist political movement aptly titled kirchnerismo.

Economy

Argentina’s GDP is US$637.6 billion (2017), with a per capita GDP of US$14,400. Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, a diversified industrial base, and an export-oriented economy. Main destinations of exports in 2017 were Brazil (17.0%), China (7.2%) and U.S. (5.9%). Although one of the world’s wealthiest countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt, and capital flight. The most formidable challenge was a severe economic crisis in 2001 and 2002 that led to the resignation of several interim presidents.

The economy has recovered strongly since bottoming out in 2002. With the reemergence of double-digit inflation in 2005, the Kirchner administration pressured businesses into a series of agreements to hold down prices. The government renegotiated its public debt in 2005 and paid off its remaining obligations to the IMF in early 2006. Real GDP growth averaged 8.5% during the period 2003-2009, bolstering government revenues and keeping the budget in surplus. This trend has ended in the over the last few years, as growth has fluctuation between -2.5% (2014), 2.5% (2015), and -1.8% (2016). Argentina’s unemployment rate hovers around 8%, with around 30% of the population below the poverty line (2006). 2018 saw the worst inflation since 1999, clocking in at 47.1%.

Religion

There is complete religious freedom in Argentina, although the official religion is Roman Catholic. Other major religious populations include Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox.

Culture

Buenos Aires has great cultural production in cinema, theatre, visual arts, music, and literature. The Colon Theatre is ranked among the top three opera houses in the world. Painting and sculpture have a key role in cultural life. The country’s principal cities have prestigious art galleries. There is popular and folklore music and special mention should be made of the urban music typical of the River Plate area: the tango. Its idol, Carlos Gardel, is revered by millions. With regards to science and culture, Argentina has five Nobel Prize winners: Carlos Saavedra Lamas (1936) and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel (1980) for peace; Bernardo Houssay (1947) and Cesar Milstein (1984) for medicine; and Luis Federico Leloir (1970) for chemistry.

Geography

Located in the southeast tip of South America, Argentina encompasses 1,452,236 square miles and is populated by 44.7 million inhabitants, over 15.9 million of which claim home to the capital city of Buenos Aires. The dominant language is Spanish.

Argentina is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, and Uruguay to the east, Paraguay and Bolivia to the north, Chile to the west, and Antarctica to the south. The vast Argentine territory has a diversity of landscapes, where ice fields contrast with arid zones; mountains (the Andes) with valleys or plateaus; fluvial streams and lakes with large oceans, broad grassy plains with woods and forests. The southern area is the Patagonia region. The climate is generally arid in north and west, Mediterranean-type climate in the center-east of the country, and damp and cool in the south.

Temperature

The average temperature in Buenos Aires is 18°C/64°F, except during the summer, with a high of 35°C/95°F or in the winter with a low of 0° C/32°F.

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