Living in Argentina: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Argentina.
Nicknamed the "Land of Silver", Argentina is a multiethnic country, holding a huge historical and cultural wealth. It is known to be South America's second economic powerhouse after Brazil. Argentina is a popular destination with expatriates for the numerous opportunities it provides.
Living in Argentina can be an extraordinary experience thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and its pleasant environment.
The Republic of Argentina, also known as Argentina, is a South American country. It is divided into four zones: fertile plains, flat country, dry plains and mountains. Stretching over 2,780,400 km2, it shares its borders with Paraguay in the north, Bolivia in the northwest, Chile in the west and Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast and east, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires. Its major cities are Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza and Santa Fe.
Demography
To date, Argentina's population amounts to over 42 million people. It is one of the Latin American countries with the strongest influence of European culture. This is mainly due to the annual expatriation rate experienced by the country. Buenos Aires remains the most popular city being the main place where expatriates from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and Asia have settled.
Argentina's official language is Spanish. However, some indigenous languages such as 'Quechua' and 'Guarani' are spoken in many regions. Moreover, English and Portuguese are taught at school during the second cycle.
Economy
Argentina is one of the most developed Latin American countries. It is also the region's third largest economy. In 2012, its gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to 475 billion U.S. dollars. Growth rate was 3 % while inflation stood around 10%.
The country's key economic pillars are the agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services sectors. Argentina's main allies in terms of exports are Brazil, Chile, China, the United States and Spain. Moreover, the country mainly imports products from Brazil, the U.S., Germany and Mexico.
Politics
Argentina is a Presidential Republic with a multiparty governing system. The executive power is held by the government. The President of the Republic is also head of state and head of government. The legislative power, on the other hand, is held by members of the government and those of the two houses of parliament. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is the President since December 2011 and Aníbal Fernández has been elected Prime Minister of Argentina.
Climate
Argentina has a humid subtropical climate in the north and an arid sub-Antarctic climate in the south. In some parts of the country, the temperature can drop to 0°C in winter and can climb up to 45°C in summer. As for rainfall, some 2500 mm are occasionally recorded in the forest regions. Arid regions only enjoy 100 mm rainfall. Patagonia is the coldest part of the country with a temperature of -10°C in winter and 35°C in summer.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Argentina.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Argentina.
Visa for Argentina
As an expat in Argentina, you will most likely need a visa of some kind, unless you are planning to ...
Work visas in Argentina
Many people who travel to Argentina and stay for an extended period of time consider getting a job ...
The Working Holiday Visa for Argentina
Do you dream of gaining work experience in Argentina while having enough time to enjoy a variety of ...
Work
Dive into the Argentina labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Argentina.
Finding a job in Argentina
It is not difficult to find a job in Argentina as an expat, as the country is home to numerous ...
The labour market in Argentina
Since the economic crisis of 2001, the Argentine economy has seriously improved. Several ...
Jobs in Argentina
Discover professional opportunities in Argentina and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Argentina. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Argentina
With all the accommodation options in Argentina, finding a housing solution that suits you should ...
Places to live in Argentina
Argentina is a magical place to live, but it's such an enormous country that deciding upon ...
Find your ideal home in Argentina
Explore real estate listings in Argentina to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Argentina.
Study in Argentina
Argentina has numerous world-famous universities from which you can choose if you wish to study in the country.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Argentina: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Argentina: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Argentina.
The tax system in Argentina
If you are moving to Argentina, or if you are working in the country, you will probably want to know how the tax system works. According to the law, ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Argentina.
Getting around in Argentina
Are you wondering how to travel through Argentina? Several means of transport are available, including planes, trains, buses, and taxis, so just ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Argentina, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Driving in Argentina
The landscapes in Argentina are about as spectacular and multifaceted as they come, with beaches, forests, mountains and glaciers, making it the ...
Removal
Moving to Argentina? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Move to Argentina
Are you planning to move to Argentina? Find useful tips in this article.
Traveling to Argentina with your pet
If you intend to move to Argentina with your pet, you will have to follow certain procedures and ...
Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Argentina.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Argentina.
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Argentina.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Argentina looks like? Here's a taste.
Moving to Argentina with children
Argentina is a country where family comes first and is very child-friendly. Its numerous plazas and public parks, most of which come with ...
Articles from the magazine
Argentine tax reform: Monotech regime could benefit remote workers saving earnings in USD
The Argentine Congress might soon pass a new tax bill that will be a game-changer for remote workers who earn money from abroad. Until now, to legally keep their earnings in an Argentine bank, they had to convert them into pesos. The depreciation of the peso and lack of regularization of freelance work has pushed the state to come up with a bill that would allow these workers to leave up to US$30,000 unconverted in their Argentine account. The Congress's lower house has already approved this bill, but the upper house's vote is pending.
Cherie: "The tango of Buenos Aires is unique"
Originally from California, Cherie lived in France and Mexico before settling in Argentina in 2003. She now lives her passion for dance in Buenos Aires, giving tango classes and enjoying Argentinian way of life...
Jerry in Buenos Aires: "I like pretty much everything about Argentina"
Jerry moved to Buenos Aires last year after marrying his Argentine wife. He works as a freelance photojournalist, which makes him travel extensively. He shares with us his relocation in the country...
Noruega en Argentina
My name is Eirin, I am originally from Oslo, Norway and I currently live on an estancia in Cañuelas, in the province of Buenos Aires, one hour from the city of Buenos Aires. I moved here from Washington, DC, where I had lived for eight years.
Discover street art in Buenos Aires
Argentina is a Latin American country where European culture is notably evident, blending with the country's breathtaking landscapes and variable climate. Being the financial and cultural heart of the country, Buenos Aires caters for a pleasant lifestyle to expatriates. It's been a few years since Buenos Aires has also become the capital of street art.
From Canada to Patagonia for an eco-friendly lifestyle
Born in the Fraser Valley, close to Vancouver, Sharilyn spent some 20 years in Calagary where she worked with the Red Cross before setting up her own consultancy company. Six years ago, she chose to move to Argentina where she got the opportunity to develop an eco hotel inside a wildlife reserve. Sharilyn speaks to Expat.com about her daily adventures in Patagonia and everything she likes about the country, from the amazing landscapes to the warm and friendly people.
The key to a stress-free life as an expat
Jerry Nelson is an American expat writing his way through life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This week, he tells us a little about the challenges he has faced as an expat and how he has dealt with them. Transport, shopping, language... Argentinian punctuality (or lack thereof!). Here are his keys to living a stress-free expat life!
An expat talks about her professional retraining in Argentina
Lorraine has always loved travelling and started living abroad when she was barely 20 years old. However, she had never thought that one day she would be working with horses in the heart of Patagonia. She talks to Expat.com about her adventure in Argentina, from her arrival in Buenos Aires to settling in a small Southern village surrounded by nature.
