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Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Argentina

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Argentina

Argentina is home to everything from vital cities to a wonderful display of landscapes to rich cultural experiences. But like any international trip, it's well worth getting informed about health and safety practices so that your visit will not only be enjoyable but also trouble-free. The following guide explains the major health and safety tips for travelers to Argentina so you can explore the country with confidence. Stay safe in Argentina: drink bottled water, avoid undercooked foods, and carry insect repellent. Stay alert in crowded areas to prevent theft. Secure your Argentina visa online before planning your journey!

Vaccination and Health Requirements

While there are no regular vaccine requirements to enter Argentina, the following are recommended vaccinations you may consider taking before traveling:

  • Routine vaccines: Ensure your routine vaccination is updated including measles, mumps, and rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
  • Hepatitis A: It's recommended for most travelers, as it may be spread through the food and water.
  • Hepatitis B: Recommended if one considers the possibility of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids through possible medical treatments or sexual exposure.
  • Typhoid: Recommended if you will be consuming street food or going into rural parts of the country.
  • Yellow Fever: While this is not required for all travelers, it is recommended for those visiting the northern parts-for example, Misiones and Corrientes-for proximity to Iguaçu Falls.

Check with your healthcare provider or visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks prior to departure so that you will be able to obtain any vaccinations and updates you may need. 

Food and Water Safety 

Argentine food is wonderful, but quite different from what one may be used to. Because of the increased possibility of stomach concerns, take the following precautions:

  • Tap water: In large towns and cities, like Buenos Aires and Mendoza, the tap water must not be an issue. For small towns and more rural areas, it's best to look for bottled or filtered water. 
  • Street food: The street food of Argentina-such as choripán, a type of sausage sandwich-is very tempting, but make sure that your food has been cooked well and served hot. Avoid salads, raw foods, and meats that are undercooked.
  • Ice: In most urban areas, this is made from safe tap water but in the rural places, avoid ice in your drinks unless you are sure of the source.

Sun and Heat Protection

Argentina is a big country and the climate differs greatly according to the geographic region and season. Patagonia can get very cold for example, while Buenos Aires or Salta can reach very high temperatures during summer time.

– Sunscreen: one should make sure to wear sunscreen for protection against UV rays in the sun, greater than 30, even on overcast days.

– Hydration: if travelling in hot weather, always pack water and drink regularly, especially if one will embark on outdoor activities like hiking or visiting national parks.

– Hats and Sunglasses: the face and eyes should be protected against the sun, most especially when one travels to areas receiving strong UV radiation, like the Andes or Pampas.

Diseases Caused by Insects

Although not as bad as for much of the rest of South America, there is a modest risk from mosquito-borne diseases in some parts of Argentina: 

  • Dengue fever: There is a risk of dengue infection in the subtropical north during the warmer months. There could also be infected mosquitoes around the Iguazu Falls or Salta.
  • Mosquito repellent: The use of insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin will be very helpful, especially in the north and at peak mosquito hours, such as during dusk or dawn. 
  • Long sleeves and pants: In such regions, long-sleeved, lightweight clothing will keep off the mosquitoes, especially if visiting during the hot seasons. 

Emergency Numbers and Medical Facilities

Large cities in Argentina have modern medical facilities, and Buenos Aires enjoys the best health options. You should be prepared that rural services may not be as good or accessible. 

  • Emergency Number: The number for medical emergency purposes is 107, while for general emergencies, it is 911.
  • Travel insurance: Ensure comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical treatments and emergency evacuation in case it should be necessary to transport you to a bigger city for care.
  • Pharmacies: In towns and cities, pharmacies are common and well-stocked with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Look for a "Farmacia" sign and note that many pharmacies are open 24 hours.

Crime and Personal Safety

Generally Argentina is a very safe country for tourists; there is just the need to have caution with the usual concerns about petty theft in larger cities and areas frequented by tourists. With that said, petty crimes-like pickpocketing or snatching of bags-can be experienced at any instance, especially in the crowded areas of Buenos Aires and Mendoza, among other popular tourist attractions. Here are some tips you can apply to make yourself secure:

– Be alert: be informed about everything and take note of your surroundings, especially when taking public transport, in markets, and in bus stations.

– Avoid exhibiting flashy values, such as very expensive jewelry, fashionable electronic equipment, or large sums of money. 

– Safeguard your belongings with the use of cross-body bags or backpacks with secure zippers, having them always in sight in public places. 

– Take only official taxis or use online services like Uber or Cabify. If you need to take a street taxi, at least make sure that they are marked, and ask your hotel for a trusted taxi service.

Avoiding Scams

Like most tourist destinations in the world, Argentina has its fair share of common scams, most especially in major cities. Be aware of the following:

– Money exchange scams: Always use official currency exchange or ATMs. Avoid exchanging money on the street, where counterfeit bills are a risk.

– "Spilt liquid" scam: If someone spills something on you, and another person hastens towards you with a view to cleaning it off your clothing, be on your guard because this is a hackneyed ruse. 

– Fake taxis: Of course, travel by official or app-based taxis so as not to be overcharged or taken on superfluous routes. 

Driving and Road Safety

If you want to hire a car and travel independently around Argentina, especially in more rural or isolated regions such as Patagonia or the Andes, following are some tips to help ensure safe driving:

  • Driving license: You can drive in Argentina, using a valid foreign driver's license for a period of three months. However, for safety, it is highly recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit.
  • Road conditions: Most highways in major cities are well maintained, but those in rural and more remote areas can be graveled or dirt. Always drive carefully, even on main highways, when driving through states with extreme weather conditions.
  • Driving behavior: The traffic in the big towns, such as Buenos Aires, is chaotic. Drivers often behave aggressively. Watch out for local driving habits and always look out at the junctions because not all drivers respect the rules of the road.

Altitude Sickness in the Andes

For those traveling to areas of high altitude in Argentina, say Andes Mountains near Mendoza or Salta, pay much attention to altitude sickness.

– Get acclimatized: Spend some time below the altitude before going high up to allow the body time for adaptation.

– Hydrate yourself well: A lot of water is recommended, with evasion from alcohol as it only heightens the effects.

– Medication: Acetazolamide for acclimatization can be considered, but with prior consultation with a doctor.

Respecting Local Laws and Customs

Argentina is a friendly country, but respect should be paid to all local customs and laws. A few things to remember:

– Greetings: Argentines commonly greet one another with a kiss on the cheek, even if meeting for the first time. Be prepared for this custom, especially in social settings.

– Public behavior: Public intoxication or rude behavior will be frowned upon most, especially outside major cities where conservative attitudes can prevail.

– Legal drinking age: The country has set 18 years as the legal drinking age, and driving in Argentina is accompanied by strict drinking rules.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only, and though the best most updated suggestions are provided, travel conditions or requirements for safety might change. It's always best to check with the current situation of relevant embassies or a travel agency before you go.

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