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Argentina (AR)

Argentina is South America's second-largest country — a land of European-influenced culture, world-class wine, legendary beef, breathtaking landscapes from Patagonia to the Andes, and one of the most vibrant expat communities in Latin America.

Capital: Buenos Aires
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: ARS ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 25)
Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Argentina.

Public Transport Overview

Buenos Aires has a comprehensive public transit system including the Subte (metro, 6 lines), extensive bus network (colectivos — over 140 routes), and suburban trains (Ferrocarriles). The SUBE card is the unified payment card required for all public transit — cash fares are not accepted on colectivos. Outside Buenos Aires, transit quality varies significantly: Córdoba has a city bus network, but most other cities and towns rely primarily on buses and taxis.

Main operators:
Subte Buenos Aires (6 metro lines, operated by Emova)Ferrocarriles Argentinos (suburban trains — Mitre, Sarmiento, Belgrano lines)Colectivos (city buses — hundreds of private operators)Flecha Bus / Andesmar / Cata (long-distance coaches)Aerolíneas Argentinas (domestic flights)JetSmart Argentina / FlyBondi (low-cost domestic airlines)

🎫 Transit Passes

SUBE Card ARS $880 card fee (at kioscos or online at argentina.gob.ar/sube). Colectivo fares from June 2026: ARS $728–1,011 per trip (distance-based; Buenos Aires city lines). Subte fare: ARS $800+ per trip (verify current rate at sube.argentina.gob.ar — fares adjust regularly due to inflation).

All Subte lines, colectivos (buses), suburban trains in Buenos Aires metropolitan area and other major cities.

💡 Get your SUBE card at kioscos (newsstands), SUBE terminals, Correo Argentino, or Mercado Pago app. Register online at sube.argentina.gob.ar for loss protection and senior/student discounts. Reload at kioscos, SUBE machines, or via the Mi SUBE app. Fares are adjusted frequently due to inflation — always check current rates before travelling.
Mi Argentina App SUBE Integrates SUBE card

Check balance, load credit, view trip history.

💡 Download from App Store / Google Play. Officially provided by the Argentine government.
Long-distance bus pass (abono) ARS 30,000–80,000+ for multi-trip passes

Some intercity bus companies offer loyalty discounts for frequent travellers.

💡 Flecha Bus and other companies have apps for booking and managing intercity travel.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are metered and widely available in Buenos Aires and major cities. Always use official licensed taxis (black and yellow in Buenos Aires) or ride-share apps (Uber, Cabify, inDrive). Uber operates freely in Buenos Aires despite grey legal status — widely used and generally safer than hailing street taxis due to robbery risks. Starting fare approximately ARS 1,500–2,000.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber, Cabify, and inDrive are all available in Buenos Aires and growing in other cities. Cabify is the most legally compliant. Uber exists in a legal grey area but operates openly. Always use apps rather than hailing taxis on the street to reduce robbery risk. Book through the app and verify driver/plate before entering.

Cycling

Buenos Aires has a public bike-sharing system (EcoBici, managed by Tembici) with ~380 stations. A free basic tier exists for registered residents (4 trips/day, 30 minutes each, weekdays); heavier use and tourist rides require paid plans (from ARS $350/45-min trip). Cycling infrastructure is developing — dedicated cycleways (ciclovías) exist on major avenues. EcoBici bikes can be reserved via the BA Cómo Viajo app. Be cautious of traffic — Buenos Aires drivers are assertive. Helmets are not legally required but strongly recommended.

Intercity Trains

Long-distance rail services are limited and infrequent in Argentina. The most practical intercity option is coach (colectivo de larga distancia) — Argentina has an excellent long-distance bus network with modern, comfortable buses (cama — fully flat beds; semicama — reclining). Retiro bus terminal in Buenos Aires is the main hub. Buenos Aires to Córdoba: ~9 hours; to Mendoza: ~13 hours; to Bariloche: ~20 hours. Aerolíneas Argentinas and low-cost airlines (FlyBondi, JetSmart) serve major cities affordably.

Driving

Driving is on the right. Speed limits: urban 60 km/h, provincial highways 110 km/h, national highways 130 km/h. Buenos Aires city traffic is chaotic but manageable. Long-distance driving is practical and popular — Argentina has extensive national highway network. Petrol stations common on major routes but plan ahead in remote Patagonia. GPS essential in rural areas. Argentine drivers are aggressive but accidents are generally not catastrophic.

Airports

Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezeiza/Ministro Pistarini International (EZE) — main international airport, 35 km from city centre. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) — city airport for domestic flights and some regional routes. Transfer: taxi or Tienda León shuttle from Ezeiza (ARS 8,000–15,000 to city centre or USD 10–20). Mitre train to Puerto Madero then taxi from Aeroparque. Other major airports: Córdoba (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), Bariloche (BRC), Salta (SLA).