Keeping Costs Down When Traveling in Argentina: A Definitive Guide

It's fair to say that Argentina can be one of the more expensive countries in South America to travel through. Over time, economic turmoil has caused the currency to become unstable, making prices fluctuate on a regular basis.

However, this doesn't mean that traveling in Argentina on a budget is totally impossible. It simply requires a bit more effort to keep costs down, and in this definitive guide, we'll show you exactly how to do it.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hitchhiking

Argentina is a country where hitchhiking is totally acceptable, especially when you start venturing further down south. Public transport between major cities and towns isn't as cheap as you might think, so a lot of people just decide to hitchhike to save money. Many drivers will be happy to pick you up for free as long as they're going in the same direction.

The two best ways to hitchhike in Argentina are either simply sticking your thumb out or going one step further by making a sign; this usually gives you a higher chance of securing a ride.

Eat Street Food and Lots of It!

Empanadas, Bondiolas, Chopiran, it's all waiting for you at the side of the streets in Argentina. Roadside eating is much cheaper than dining in mid-scale restaurants, so they're handy options when you're looking to keep costs low.

If you've never eaten street food before, you might have some reservations, but most of the time, it's clean. Spotting clean places is easier than you think; point out where the locals are eating, make sure the dishes are cooked to order, and stick to places that cook hot food.

Stay In Airbnbs for Private Rooms

Airbnb is a hot accommodation option in Argentina; the private rooms on their website tend to be more affordable than others like Booking.com and Hostelworld. That's not to say that you won't pick up a cheap bed in a hostel dorm, but if you want privacy, Airbnb is the way to go.

The downside of Airbnb is that you have to pay for the rooms in advance before you stay, unlike Booking.com, which offers free cancellation with a lot of options. This gives you less room to be flexible; however, if you know your plans are concrete, you're in for some nice savings.

Flying Often Works Out Cheaper Than Taking Buses

For long journeys on your itinerary, like Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche, flying tends to be cheaper than going by bus. While journeys like these are extremely long, it's possible to do them, but the costs are far higher than taking a quick flight on a budget airline.

FlyBondi and JetSmart are the two main budget airlines that operate in Argentina, so be sure to check their websites to compare the prices with any bus journeys you have in mind. There's also Aerolineas Argentinas, but this airline has far higher seat prices than the other two we've mentioned.

Consider Camping When Visiting the National Parks

Wild camping in Argentina is allowed in certain places, like some of the main national parks. Many people opt to pitch a tent when hitting the likes of Patagonia as it's much cheaper; a lot of the time, there are free facilities people can use after they've paid the entrance fees.

Alternatively, if you'd like to be slightly more secure, you can pop into any hostels in and around the national parks and ask them if you can set up shop for the evening. Usually, they'll agree when you offer them a few dollars but always ask first before assuming. Plus, clean up after yourself, or you could get hit with a hefty fine.

Skip the High Season

Argentina's main high seasons run from December to February; this is when the country experiences its most favorable hiking weather, drawing in millions of tourists. Unfortunately, the high number of tourists means the cost of everything is higher, whether it's flights, food or accommodation, you're going to spend more whether you like it or not.

It's better to visit Argentina during either of the shoulder seasons: September and October and April and May. This way, you'll still be able to hit the trails you want, enjoy some decent weather, and avail of cheaper prices.

Drink the Tap Water

In most parts of Argentina, it's perfectly safe to drink tap water. Of course, you might be slightly apprehensive at first, but it's completely fine. If you're unsure if it's safe in the place you're staying, just ask your host or the person working in reception; they'll be the right person to reach out to.

With drinking water being available in most of Argentina, it's best to bring a reusable bottle so you can refill it rather than having to go buy a plastic one in the shop when you arrive. Not only is it good for the environment, it's nice for your wallet, too.

Avoid ATM Withdrawals as Much as Possible

Withdrawing money from an ATM in Argentina tends to be quite unfavorable for foreigners. While ATMs are everywhere in the bigger towns and cities, when you go to use them, you'll be slapped with a heavy fee, so bringing a good chunk of cash into the country with you is advised. The US Dollar will certainly be the most favorable, but the Euro will do just fine for those coming from across the pond.

Taping your card everywhere you go in Argentina might seem tempting, but this will give you a less favorable rate because the currency value always fluctuates. It's better to use physical currency whenever possible to avoid being overcharged for products.

Travel Cheaply on Your Next Trip to Argentina With This Guide

Traveling around Argentina may be trickier than most other countries in South America when you consider money., but that shouldn't discourage you from visiting this amazing country. You just need to apply some of the most useful tactics so you get more bang for your back and keep more cash in your pockets.