At the southern tip of South America is the country of Argentina. With its long coastlines, endless prairies, and towering Andes Mountains, it’s an exciting destination that should be on everyone’s radar.
It produces world-class wine, has a thriving nightlife, and is home to the national treasure known as Tango.
Every year, millions of people visit Argentina to experience its rich culture and fun activities. As incredible as it is to visit, living in Argentina is an even better way to enjoy the rich culture and beautiful surroundings of this one-of-a-kind country.
In this guide, we will talk about all aspects of moving and settling down in Argentina to help you plan your move and make your relocation successful.
In this guide:
- The legalities of moving to Argentina: visas and residency options.
- The cost of living: monthly expenses, rentals, and real estate.
- Argentina as a retirement destination.
- Infrastructure: travel connections, public transport, internet.
- Buying real estate.
- Healthcare and education.
- Taxes and bank accounts.
- Where to live in Argentina – an overview of the most popular expat locations.
- Tips for moving.
Argentina’s highlights
Argentina is a great place to live. The country has a lot to offer its residents. It is one of the safest countries on the continent, with a developed infrastructure, nice weather, and kind people.
What’s more, is that the country prides itself on its history of immigration. Many Argentines descended from European immigrants, mainly from Spain and Italy. Because of this, locals have a favorable attitude toward foreigners who move here.
Good healthcare: Argentina has one of the best healthcare systems in South America. You’ll have access to top-rated healthcare professionals at a low cost.
Kind and hospitable people: The people in Argentina are nice. Once you’ve made friends with a local, you’ll often be invited over for a traditional BBQ known as a parrilla, pronounced pa-ree-sha.
Rich culture: Argentina has a culture that owes itself to Spanish and Italian immigrants. Late-night BBQs, cafe culture, and a love for dancing well into the night are all Argentine qualities. The country’s cities, especially its capital, pride themselves on their world-class museums, famous restaurants, and architecture that rivals Europe.
Pleasant climate: Most of Argentina’s cities enjoy a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. Snow is rare in the capital, and heavy rainstorms are infrequent.
Well-connected: Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, has a large international airport with direct service to many locations around the world.
Inexpensive: Argentina is one of the most affordable countries to live in. Food, property, and rent are affordable. That being said, imports like clothing and electronics are sometimes double the cost of what you’d pay in Europe and North America.
Safe: Buenos Aires, Rosario, and other large cities have neighborhoods that foreigners and locals should avoid. That being said, most of Argentina is as safe as anywhere else in the world. Crime, especially violent crime, is low in many parts of the country. Aside from cities near the Andes, earthquakes are rare.
Things to keep in mind
Unstable economy: One of the biggest disadvantages of living in Argentina has been corruption. It is still one of the world’s more unstable economies with high inflation.
Bureaucracy: Very few things run as smoothly in Argentina as they do in Europe and the United States. Expect a lot of paperwork and rules that don’t make sense.
Dangerous roads: In Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires, pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. Looking both ways and staying aware of drivers is one of the most important habits to have in the country.
Visa and residency options
There are several easy-to-understand visa options for expats who want to live in Argentina.
Although there is often a lot of red tape and requirements as far as background checks, proof of insurance, and proof of income, finding a visa that’s right for you is not difficult.
People from dozens of countries can enjoy visa-free stays for up to 90 days.
Argentina offers visitors a chance to extend their tourist visas by 90 days. To do this, visitors must go to the Buenos Aires Immigration Office, complete a few forms, and pay a small fee.
Many people choose to skip this process and travel to nearby Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, or Paraguay to renew their 90-day visas. This is not a viable long-term option and will inevitably make the Argentine authorities suspicious.
Rentista visa – for digital nomads
Remote workers can apply for a Rentista visa. Officially, to qualify, you need to show a monthly income of at least ARS30,000.
In reality, you are expected to demonstrate at least $2,000 in income per month to qualify or deposit around $24,000 (12 x $2,000) into an Argentinian bank.
This type of visa is good for up to a year and is renewable up to three times.
After that, the Argentinian government expects you to apply for a permanent residency or the more lengthy process of citizenship.
Pensionado visa – for retirees
For foreigners wanting to retire in Argentina, there is the Pensioner visa.
Similar to the rentista visa, the official income to qualify is at least ARS30,000 a month. However, you will need to show at least £2,000.
You will need:
- Clear criminal record from your recent countries of residence.
- Entry visa stamp (if applicable).
- Proof of a stable pension or retirement income, including source, amount, and duration.
- Three payment receipts for your government pension.
- All documents must be translated into Spanish.
The visa is valid for one year. After one year, you can renew it if you still meet the requirements. After two renewals, you will be eligible for permanent residency.
Residency options for US citizens
There is no special visa for Americans or Canadians. As long as you can pass a background check, have the correct forms translated into Spanish, and meet the requirements, you can get the appropriate visa.
Argentina recognizes dual citizenship for both countries.
The cost of living in Argentina
On average, the cost of living in Argentina is much lower than in the US, Canada, the UK, and Northern Europe. In fact, Argentina is among the cheapest countries to retire to in the world.
Here is how Argentina’s cost of living compares to North American and Northern European countries:
The lower cost of living gives you more bang for your buck and allows you to enjoy a high standard of living cheaply.
One of the best perks of living in Argentina is the low food cost. Fine dining for two at a popular parrilla (Argentine BBQ) with a bottle of nice Malbec from Mendoza will rarely set you back more than $100. Although most restaurants take credit cards, there are sometimes discounts for those who pay with cash.
Public transportation is cheaper than in most places in the world. In Buenos Aires, each trip on the subway (SUBTE), bus, or local train costs around a quarter of USD. You can buy a SUBE card for local buses, trains, and subways. The best thing is you can use the same card in dozens of locations nationwide.
Because of several factors, imported goods like electronics and clothing are significantly higher in Argentina. Finding shoes, jackets, iPhones, etc., for as much as you pay back home will be impossible, so it’s best to purchase these items back home.
Argentina’s cost of living vs. Mexico’s
Argentina is, on average, cheaper than Mexico. When you factor in rent, food costs, and transportation, Argentina is often over 10% cheaper than Mexico.
On the other hand, Mexico enjoys cheaper electronics, clothing, and vegetables than Argentina.
How much money does a couple need to live comfortably in Argentina?
The average cost of living in Argentina is roughly half that of the US, well under $20,000 USD a year. Therefore, if you earn over this number, you can live comfortably in Argentina.
Rent, food, and public transportation are so low that expats can save a lot of money living in Argentina, especially while keeping their foreign incomes.
Argentina as a retirement destination
According to the Expatra Global Retirement Index, Argentina is in the top 20 best countries to retire in the world.
The index is based on the Expatra Global Retirement Survey that asks international retirees to rate their retirement destination’s infrastructure, climate, ease of settling down, value for money, friendliness, and other aspects of life in their retirement destination.
Here’s how Argentina scores:
Argentina’s main strong points as a retirement destination include:
- No taxes on foreign pension income
- Low cost of living
- Easy and affordable residency option for retirees
- No legal restrictions on foreign ownership or sale of property except for agricultural land, where certain restrictions apply
Safety
Argentina enjoys far lower crime levels than many of its neighbors. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Argentina ranks number 126 in intentional homicides. This is just behind its neighbor, Chile (119), and ahead of the United States (137).
Most crime falls into the petty crime category. Generally, crimes against foreigners involve purse or bag snatching and property crimes.
Football (soccer) matches can turn violent. It’s best to avoid some stadiums unless you’re going with a group of locals you trust or with a tour operator. After major tournaments, you should avoid city centers, as these become filled with riotous supporters of both teams who are looking for conflict.
In Buenos Aires, neighborhoods to avoid are Barracas, N. Pompeya, Flores, and many of the Southern suburbs. La Boca, parts of downtown, and the eastern end of Retiro should be avoided after dark. Even during the day, expensive cameras, jewelry, and phones should be kept hidden.
Another plus for safety is rare weather extremes and earthquakes. Although natural disasters occur, they are less frequent and less severe than in neighboring countries. Unless you’re in the Andes, the risk of earthquakes is also low.
Is Argentina safer than Mexico?
Argentina is safer than many parts of Mexico. Unfortunately, some parts of Mexico suffer from high crime rates and violence due to organized crime. Even in Argentina’s largest cities, violent crime is much lower than in Mexico.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis are also safety risks that people living in Mexico have to consider. In Argentina, not so much.
Real estate in Argentina
There are many options for real estate in Argentina. The country’s affordable housing and excellent architecture make it easy for foreigners to find the perfect place to live for a fraction of the cost back home.
The typical 1000-square-foot apartment in Buenos Aires fluctuates just under $500 a month. Purchasing or renting a property in Argentina is straightforward.
When purchasing property in Argentina, besides a lawyer, it’s advisable to hire a public notary known as an Escribano to handle the paperwork and bureaucracy. If you’re well versed in Spanish and confident, you can follow all the steps. You can purchase property alone in Argentina.
The sizes of older apartments in Buenos Aires are quite large. It’s not unheard of to find affordable spaces over 2000 square feet.
In the countryside or suburbs, you can find large modern homes and older estates for substantially less than in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For example, in the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires, you can easily find a 1500 square foot, three-bedroom home for $200,000 USD or less. A 1,000-square-foot condo in the heart of the trendy Palermo neighborhood can cost $200,000 or less.
One of the many problems with renting in Buenos Aires is that, because of the instability of the economy, landlords often raise their rent every six months. Negotiating new contracts based on the changing economic climate is a common practice.
Where to live in Argentina
Within Argentina, there are large cosmopolitan cities, beautiful countryside villages, and coastal communities that rival those from anywhere on Earth. Generally, expats prefer the cities of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata.
Argentina’s smaller cities and countryside are much cheaper than the capital of Buenos Aires.
For example, Mendoza, famous for its wine and access to the Andes Mountains, is, on average, cheaper than Buenos Aires. The exceptions are imported goods and clothes, which can be significantly more expensive outside of the capital.
You can find out more in our Living In Mendoza guide.
Here’s a list of the most popular expat locations, their climate, and the average property prices:
| Destination | Climate | Average property cost | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Mild, humid | $200,000 – $500,000 | Eastern Argentina |
| Mendoza | Dry, continental | $150,000 – $300,000 | Western Argentina |
| Bariloche | Cool, mountainous | $250,000 – $600,000 | Patagonia, Argentina |
| Cordoba | Mild, Mediterranean | $100,000 – $350,000 | Central Argentina |
| Salta | Subtropical | $120,000 – $250,000 | Northwest Argentina |
| Rosario | Humid, temperate | $150,000 – $400,000 | Central Argentina |
| Mar del Plata | Coastal, temperate | $180,000 – $400,000 | Eastern Argentina |
| San Miguel de Tucumán | Subtropical | $100,000 – $220,000 | Northwest Argentina |
For more suggestions and information on where to live in Argentina, check our guide on the best places to live in Argentina.
Travel and public transport
International flights serve several cities, including Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Cordoba.
To travel inside the country, you have the following options:
- Public buses (Colectivos): The most common mode of transportation in Argentina’s cities. The average cost per trip is around 10-25 Argentine pesos (ARS), depending on the city.
- Subways: Available in Buenos Aires and a few other cities. The average cost per trip is around 25 ARS.
- Trains: Argentina has an extensive rail network connecting major cities. Prices vary depending on the distance, but as an example, a train trip from Buenos Aires to Rosario may cost around 300-500 ARS.
- Taxis: Widely available in urban areas. The average starting fare is around 45 ARS, with additional charges per kilometer.
- Remises: Similar to taxis but require advance booking. Prices are generally higher than taxis as it is more like a private car hire with a driver.
- Ride-sharing services: Uber and Cabify are available in some cities. Prices depend on distance and demand.
- Car rentals: A convenient option for exploring Argentina. Prices vary based on the type of vehicle, duration, and location. On average, expect to pay around 1000-2000 ARS per day.
- Domestic flights: Smaller cities like Ushuaia in Patagonia have domestic airports that receive flights from all over the country. Prices depend on the destination and season, but a one-way domestic flight can range from 1000-5000 ARS or more.
Internet
The average internet speed in Argentina is 58.87 Mbps on fixed broadband and 29.77 Mbps on mobile.
Fixed internet (broadband)
Major cities have a decent broadband speed, with Buenos Aires and La Plata demonstrating the fasted available connections.
The main providers include:
| Provider Name | Actual download speed |
|---|---|
| Claro Argentina | 48.19 Mb/s |
| IFX Networks Argentina S.R.L. | 14.63 Mb/s |
| Informatica y Telecomunicaciones S.A. | 80.13 Mb/s |
| M247 Ltd | 47.22 Mb/s |
| Movistar Argentina | 23.15 Mb/s |
| NSS S.A. | 87.27 Mb/s |
| Personal | 107.67 Mb/s |
| TeleCentro | 77.32 Mb/s |
| Telecom Personal | 112.68 Mb/s |
| Telefonica de Argentina | 121.94 Mb/s |
Mobile internet
Argentina’s largest cities, such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, San Miguel de Tucuman, La Plata, Mar del Plata, and Santa Fe, have a good 4G coverage. Outside major cities, mobile coverage may be patchy. In this case, you might want to try a wireless hotspot device (pocket Wi-Fi) to boost your connection.
Satellite internet
Satellite internet is another alternative for the areas that are not serviced by traditional broadband or cable services. Providers include ARSAT, Telefonica, DirecTV, ArNet, and GlobalSat. The prices range from US$40 to US$100 per month. Starlink is also available now.
Healthcare and health insurance
Argentina has excellent healthcare, divided into private and public sectors.
The basic private sector provides good coverage with little to no charge. Even for expats, dental, medical, palliative, and emergency care are free. As inviting as this may seem, long waits and lengthy paperwork drive many expats and locals to seek private insurance instead.
Private healthcare is a better option for finding an English-speaking specialist and avoiding those sometimes grueling wait times.
In addition, Argentina’s private healthcare system is some of the best in the world. Many plans cost under $50 a month, making private insurance an excellent option.
Some expats for international health insurance. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal.
Taxes in Argentina for expats
Non-residents living less than six months in Argentina who earn money overseas or are living off their pensions do not have to pay taxes in Argentina.
However, once you have lived in the country for over 12 months or received your permanent residence status, you are expected to pay a Foreign Beneficiary Tax of 24.5%.
Argentina’s corporate tax stands at 25%.
The country uses a VAT (Value Added Tax) or IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) in Spanish. This is generally 21% for many items. Medicine, rent, hospital care, and even books are free from this tax.
Alcohol, tobacco, and sodas have their own added tax at 20% for alcohol, 60% for tobacco, and 8% for sodas.
How to open a bank account
To open a bank account in Argentina, you must provide your proof of residency, permanent address, passport, personal tax code (CUIL), and business tax code (CUIT).
Your personal tax code and business tax codes can be obtained online after you’ve become a permanent resident.
Most banks have two primary accounts: checking and savings. ATM withdrawals and many other transactions are made with the savings account, while checking is used for making payments by check.
Because of the unpredictability of Argentina’s economy, many expats choose to keep their money in foreign banks and wire their funds instead of opening accounts.
The primary perk of opening a bank account in Argentina is to save money on ATM withdrawal fees. If you’re working for an Argentinian company, you will have to open an account.
The best banks to use are HSBC, Banco Nación, and Banco Santander Río. These are not only located throughout the country but have excellent online services as well.
Things to know before you move
Life in Argentina moves at a slower pace.
There are more bookstores and cafes per capita than anywhere on Earth, and people rarely eat dinner until well past 8 or 9 p.m.
The most common foods include bottomless BBQs known as parrillas, flaky cookies filled with caramel known as alfajores, and delicious meat, cheese, and vegetable-filled empanadas.
Expats should get used to restaurants and businesses opening later than in their home countries unless you’re from Italy or Spain. Adjusting your sleep schedule for late nights is a must.
Argentines are very social, and there are a few norms to look out for.
The first one is kissing on the cheek. Getting close to each other and kissing each cheek is a common greeting here.
The next cultural norm is yerba mate. Every day, you will see Argentines working, driving, walking, and picnicking with their mate gourds and large thermoses of hot water.
Yerba Mate is a native South American plant with high amounts of nutrients and caffeine. Like green tea in Japan, drinking mate in Argentina is a social custom that you should enjoy.
Final thoughts on living in Argentina
What most expats love about the country is its people. Exciting, friendly, and passionate, they will take you in and make you feel welcome. Don’t be surprised when you get invited to a parrilla or a mate circle. These social customs, along with watching heated football (soccer) matches, will win you over.
You might find useful:
Helpful external links:
- Government guidance for British citizens moving to Argentina.
- U.S. citizen services in Argentina – U.S. Embassy.
- Find out about Argentina visa requirements and services on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
- Find information on driving in Argentina, driving licenses, and requirements on the International Drivers Association site.
5 comments
Dave Brown
What happens if I visit Argentina and just stay from then on? It happens here in the US all of the time.
Ola Degteva
Theoretically, you can get fined, ordered to leave the country within 10 days, and banned from re-entering again. There are horror stories on the web, showcasing all of these possibilities. For your own peace of mind, it’s best to seek legal residency.
Gustavo
Let me save some people from coming to this country.
I’m from Argentina, i live here since i was born. This country is a complete shit. It is true that the prices are low, but so are the salaries. Average salary is 200 dolars, so this country beign “cheap” is only true for foreigners. Good healthcare is another thing to comply, it isn’t good, if you have an urgency then you’re dead. Attendance times are between 2 months – months if you’re lucky. If you want good healthcare then you have to pay for it, and paying for it with a $200 salary it’s really hard. Insecurity is another problem, and it is not only in Rosario and Buenos Aires as the article said, it’s everywere. Taxes are something that this article doesn’t cover, you pay taxes for doing everything. Buy something = pay 50% of the price as taxes.
So, if you’re thinking of coming to Argentina to live then forget about it, go to Uruguay which is (as today) more stable and more livable than Argentina
Cheers!
Todd
@Gustavo, When you speak of $200 salary, you did not mention if that’s a day, week, month, or year. And is that $200 US, or your native country’s ARS?
Paul
@Gustavo, well played my friend…well played.