• Population: 46.2 million
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Demographics: Ethnic groups include Italian, Spanish, French, and German, as well as a large Arab population, most of whom are from Syria and Lebanon. There are also about many people of Chinese and Korean origins.
• Type of Government: Presidential representative democratic republic
• Currency: Argentine Peso
• Common food: Locro (Artentinian Stew), Asado and Parrillas, Empanadas, Choripan, Provoleta, Humita en chala, Milanesa, Fainâ (Argentine Pizza), Dulce de leche

The official language is Spanish, and particularly River Plate Spanish, which uses voseo, (vos instead of tú). Many also speak other European languages (Italian, Portuguese, French, Welsh, German, Swedish and Croatian), as well as Levantine Arabic.

It is pretty common for people to speak English in big cities, such as Buenos Aires, because it is taught in secondary schools. However, it will be useful to have some knowledge of Spanish, especially if traveling to more rural areas.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

For U.S. Passport holders, you will need a visa in advance. Your host provider will be aiding you through the process, so follow their instructions. You can also check the Argentine Consulate's website for more information.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• For cell phones, it may be best to buy a SIM card from telephone companies such as Movistar, Claro, Personal, and Nextel.
• You should check with your home country phone provider to make sure your phone is unlocked beforehand.
• You can buy a cell phone data plan according to how long you will be there, but this is pricey. Otherwise, try to connect to the internet with WiFi when possible.

Electricity

• Argentina uses Type C - standard European plug (pictured left), and Type I - used in Australia, New Zealand, China, and the South Pacific (pictured middle). For this reason, you will need to buy an adapter like the one pictured below (pictured right). Universal Adapters are good for all countries.
• Since the standard voltage is higher in Argentina than the U.S., you will need to buy a voltage converter if you want use your high-voltage appliances (such as hairdryers).
• Cell phones and laptops do not need a voltage converter, but for items that do (like hairdryers), it is often better to purchase these abroad rather than purchasing a voltage converter. Read more about voltage in Argentina.

Banking Tips

• It may be helpful to exchange $100-200 dollars to Argentine Pesos before leaving, and to always carry a small amount of cash with you.
• It is helpful to bring a credit/debit card that you can use at ATMs.
• It is important to know that ATMs can charge you withdrawal fees of about $11. Also know that ATMs tend to be closed from 3-4 pm on weekdays, and might run out of cash on Sundays.
• Some banks that don't charge withdrawal fees internationally are: TD Bank (Canada, USA, UK, etc), ING Orange One (Australian) and Charles Schwab (USA, UK, etc).

Geography

• Argentina is a country located in southern South America, and is bordered by Chile, Uruguay, and the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Climate

• The climate in Argentina varies by region. Buenos Aires and the Pampas have a temperate climate, which means it can be cold in winter, but hot and humid in summer. The deserts of Cuyo can be hot and dry in summer and temperatures can reach 122° Fahrenheit.
• Since it is in the Southern Hemisphere, winter and summer seasons are opposite those of the U.S.

Packing

• For clothing, feel free to have fun with outfits, as fashion is very popular in the city of Buenos Aires. That said, locals tend not to wear bright colors or shorts/clothing that shows a lot of skin during the day.
• Heels might be difficult to walk in while in downtown because many of the streets are made of cobblestone. It may be best to wear jeans and bring scarves or jackets according to the time of the year you will be there.
• Definitely bring an umbrella and sunscreen.
• Bring a day bag that will be safe from pick pocketing.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• You can take "colectivos", or older buses, around towns and cities. You can often flag these down depending on the location and asked to be dropped-off at stops outside of marked bus stops.
• In Buenos Aires specifically, you can take the Subterráneo (Subte), which is the subway.
• Long-distance buses are faster and cheaper than traveling by plane, and they also provide basic food service or restaurant stops. You can also take trains, but some companies provide more amenities than others.
• The Ferrocentral company will take you to northern Argentina, and the Ferrobaires company will take you throughout the Buenos Aires province. You can catch them from 3 stations in Buenos Aires: Retiro, Constitucion, and Once.
• To travel outside of Argentina, and specifically nearby Uruguay, you can take a Ferry Boat.

Flights

• Main Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeiza (EZE), Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque AEP), El Palomar (EPA)
• Common Domestic Airlines: Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN Argentina, Sol Líneas Aéreas

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.