Moving to Argentina

Argentina offers a stunning and relatively undiscovered destination for expats seeking to relocate to a new country. Argentina's vast plains, the Pampas, are a verdant swathe of natural beauty, stretching out along the country's eastern coast. The imposing Andes mountain range to the west provides a majestic and awe-inspiring backdrop to the country's already stunning landscape.

Despite its immense size providing an expansive sense of space and natural beauty, with an area 11 times larger than the United Kingdom, Argentina's population is just over 46 million. Only by taking a leap of faith and committing to a long-term stay can an expat moving to Argentina truly appreciate the breadth of its exquisiteness.

Living in Argentina as an expat

Argentina's 23 provinces are a colourful mosaic of distinctive regions, each with unique character and allure. The cosmopolitan capital city of Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis that pulses with the rhythms of daily life, a vibrant blend of European, indigenous and African influences. Outside the main urban areas, expats will find a sparsity of other foreigners and English speakers.

Despite Argentina's robust GDP, political and economic stability remains elusive in a region plagued by corruption and mismanagement. One upside of Argentina's economic instabilityis that it has created a dynamic and exciting real estate market, full of opportunities for those looking to invest in this extraordinary country. There are opportunities for foreigners to purchase land, although the legal requirements can be complex.

Outside of being assigned by a large multinational corporation and getting transferred to Argentina, or relocating to Argentina with a specialised and in-demand skill set, employment opportunities are rather limited for expats. English teaching, tourism and hospitality are popular jobs for expats. Argentina also presents interesting freelance and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly in technology and education.

It is advisable for expats to have a good working knowledge of Spanish, as it is the official language and is essential for daily life. That said, in some regions with higher levels of tourism, English proficiency may be more prevalent. 

Argentina has an efficient and extensive transport system, including buses, trains and subways, making it easy for expats to move around cities without needing to own a car. It is worth noting that rush hour traffic can be heavy in major cities, so it may be best to plan accordingly to avoid long commute times.

Cost of living in Argentina

Argentina offers expats an affordable and high quality of life, with the cost of living in the country's rural areas being particularly low. Still, salaries in Argentina tend to be low too, and expats should look to find a job with an international company where they are not earning Argentinian pesos. Due to the country's economic instability, inflation is severe at times and prices can soar, which is all the more reason to earn an offshore income.

Expat families and children in Argentina

Expats moving to Argentina with their families will find a range of schooling options available, including both Spanish and English-language schools. The cost of tuition fees can vary depending on whether the school is state-funded or privately owned. Expats should research and visit potential schools before deciding on which one to enrol their children in.

Families with children may be interested in housing options with large gardens or proximity to parks, particularly in major cities. This will provide ample space for children to play and explore their surroundings.

Healthcare in Argentina is generally considered to be of good quality, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities in most urban areas. The country's public healthcare system provides free, tax-funded medical care to all citizens and residents. Expats are recommended to have private health insurance to cover the cost of private healthcare services, as the public system can sometimes experience long waiting times and overcrowding.

Climate in Argentina

From the sultry heat of the subtropical north to the snow-capped peaks of the southern Andes, Argentina's climate is a diverse and ever-changing canvas of natural wonder, ready to be explored by adventurous expats.

Expats moving to Argentina can expect to experience four distinct seasons, with summer closing out the year and winter dominating the middle months. In Buenos Aires, which is Argentina's most popular expat destination, summers can be humid and hot, while winters are generally mild. The majority of the rainfall in the city takes place during summer.

With its delicious cuisine, rich history, and vibrant culture, Argentina is a country that rewards those who take the time to fully immerse themselves in its many charms and delights. Those who take the time to learn the language and immerse themselves in the local culture will find that they can easily adapt to life in Argentina and make it their home.

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Fast Facts

Full name: Argentine Republic (República Argentina)

Population: Around 46 million

Capital city: Buenos Aires

Other major cities: Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza

Neighbouring countries: Argentina is bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Chile to the west and the Drake Passage to the south.

Geography: Argentina is the second-largest country in South America by geographic size. It has a varied landscape ranging from its extended coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the rain forests in the north, the flat Chaco plain, the grasslands of the Pampas and wastelands of Patagonia, to the Andes Mountains in the west. Aconcagua is the highest point in Argentina, which is also the highest point in the Southern and Western Hemispheres.

Political system: Presidential democratic republic

Main languages: The official language of Argentina is Spanish. English is spoken widely in large cities and tourist centres.

Major religions: The most common religion in Argentina is Roman Catholicism (more than 90 percent), but religious freedom is guaranteed by the country’s constitution and expats will be able to practice their religion in peace.

Time: GMT -3

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Old buildings use two-pin, round-pronged plugs, whereas newer buildings use three-pin, flat-pronged plugs.

International calling code: +54

Internet domain: .ar

Money: The official currency is the Argentine peso (ARS), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreigners are permitted to open a bank account in Argentina as long as the appropriate paperwork is in order. It is possible to open an account in pesos as well as in dollars. There are many ATMs in and around Argentina’s larger cities.

Emergency numbers: 101 (police), 107 (ambulance), 100 (fire). 911 can also be used in Buenos Aires.

Transport and driving: Argentina has an extensive road network that spans the entire country. Most areas of Argentina are covered by a comprehensive public transport system, particularly in and around the country’s large cities. Vehicles in Argentina drive on the right side of the road.

Education: Argentina provides free public education for all of its residents, including expats, though this is almost exclusively offered in Spanish. There are numerous private and international schools in Argentina, most notably in Buenos Aires.