Planning a trip to Argentina? Time to start getting ready!  One of the most important things is to determine what you'll be taking with you for your journey. We've put together a clear and comprehensive packing list for you. This way, you'll be well-prepared and won't forget anything.

Argentina is a vast country and the eighth-largest in the world. It boasts a wide variety of landscapes. For example, the highest mountain in South America, the Aconcagua, with a height of 6,962 meters (22,841 feet), is located in Argentina. The Andes mountain range creates elevation differences of up to 7 kilometers (23 feet) compared to other areas in the country. Salinas Chicas, in eastern Argentina, lies 38 meters (125 feet) below sea level. Additionally, the equator line crosses through Argentina, which results in various climate zones.

Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning its seasons are the opposite of those in the Netherlands. The difference in seasonal temperatures increases the further south you go. In northern Argentina, the differences between summer and winter are relatively small. The north has a subtropical climate, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). In northwestern Argentina, on the dry Pampas, there is little rainfall. Central Argentina has a Mediterranean climate, where temperatures remain around 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) year-round. Southern Argentina has a maritime climate, with winter temperatures averaging 5 degrees Celsius (41°F) and summer temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68°F). Tierra del Fuego is the coldest region in Argentina. The further south you travel, the more rain, snow, and ice you encounter.

The central and northern parts of Argentina can be visited comfortably during both the Argentine summer and winter, although it may be cooler in winter. The best time to visit northern and central Argentina is from April to December. The best time to visit southern Argentina is during the Argentine summer, from November to March.

The first choice you have to make when you go on a trip is whether you opt for a suitcase or a backpack. There are advantages to both, and the best choice depends on your travel itinerary, the activities you'll be doing, but mostly on your personal preference.

The biggest advantage of a backpack compared to a suitcase is that you can carry it on your back. In Argentina, you won't always find good sidewalks and paved roads, especially when traveling to more remote places outside of major cities, so a backpack can be the obvious choice. On the other hand, traveling with a suitcase is much more comfortable. You don't have to carry a suitcase on your back, making it more relaxed for longer walks.

An important difference is that a suitcase is heavier than a backpack. With a suitcase, you quickly reach the maximum weight for checked baggage. A backpack can be packed heavier, but it often has less space than a suitcase.

A backpack offers a lot of flexibility, but in most places, you can travel just fine with a suitcase. For example, in locations with only unpaved roads, you can usually take a taxi. It may be challenging to move your suitcase only in places where there are no taxis and no paved roads. So, consider your route carefully and choose what's best for you.

We often travel with our Eastpak travel bags. These have all the benefits of a suitcase, but they are essentially wheeled bags. This results in a lower weight than a suitcase, allowing you to bring more.

• Bring layers of clothing that are easy to carry for higher-altitude areas.
• When traveling to Argentina, it’s important to consider which season you’ll be in at specific locations and plan your packing accordingly.
• Pack plenty of warm clothing if you’re heading to southern Argentina. Even during the Argentinean summer, it can be chilly.

• Passport + copies
• Visa
• Credit card(s) (with sufficient monthly limit)
• Debit card (worldwide)
• Cash
• Driver's license
• Medical passport
• Vaccination passport
• Copies of important documents such as health insurance, travel insurance, emergency numbers, contact information for family/friends
• Passport photos
• Boarding pass
• Backpack/Daypack
• Rain cover (for backpack/daypack)

Important: In Argentina, the currency is currently extremely devalued. As a result, you can only withdraw around $15 USD at most from most ATMs, with high fees and poor exchange rates. We recommend withdrawing money through Western Union. To do this, you must first create an account on the Western Union website. This works best on a laptop. Then, you can transfer money from your bank account to yourself via Western Union and pick it up at a Western Union office in Argentina. Major cities often have several offices. You usually pay a small fee, a few euros, for the transfer.

If you want to transfer more than $1,000 USD, it's important to verify your identity. A big advantage of Western Union is that you get a favorable exchange rate, allowing you to get more Argentine pesos for your euros. The money you sent to yourself can be picked up immediately. Most offices in major cities have sufficient funds in stock. However, you may need to wait in line. Outside of major cities, there may not be enough funds available, especially later in the day. So, go as early as possible, or inquire before transferring the money whether it's available.

Tip: Withdrawing cash abroad using your local bank card or credit card can be expensive. When withdrawing in a different currency, you often face unfavorable exchange rates and additional transaction fees. Our solution is Wise. For a one-time fee of $9 USD, you can open an account and receive a VISA debit card. You can hold and convert money in more than 50 currencies, always at a favorable rate. Additionally, you can spend money in over 170 countries without any extra charges.

Tip: For some countries, you may need an international driver's permit, or it can be useful to have one just in case.

• Toiletry bag
• Deodorant
• Shampoo (+ conditioner)
• Shower gel
• Hairbrush/comb
• Razor and/or trimmer
• Contact lenses and/or glasses
• Contact lens solution
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss/toothpicks
• Nail clippers and/or manicure scissors
• Tweezers
• Sunscreen
• Aftersun lotion
• Daytime moisturizer/night cream
• Tampons/sanitary pads
• Sanitary pad disposal bags
• Birth control pills
• Condoms
• Wax, gel, or hairspray
• Lip balm
• Makeup
• Hand sanitizer gel
• Moist towelettes

• Mobile phone
• SIM card removal tool
• Camera
• E-reader
• Tablet or laptop
• Power bank
• Chargers and batteries
• Worldwide adapters (type C and I)
• Splitter
• Earphones or headphones
• Mouse, keyboard, SD card

• Insect repellents/mosquito repellents with (ideally 40%) DEET
• Betadine ointment
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• First-aid kit
• Malaria pills
• Regular medication
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
• Vitamin supplements
• After Bite
• Tiger balm
• Motion sickness medicine
• Blister plasters

• Sneakers
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Hiking boots
• Underwear
• Socks
• Outdoor/fleece jacket
• Thin long-sleeve shirt
• Thin sweater
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Dresses/skirts
• Thin long pants
• Sunglasses
• Belt
• Thermal clothing
• Pajamas
• Poncho or rain gear
• Swim trunks/bikini
• Cap/hat
• Sportswear

• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Elastic bands
• Pen and paper
• Small towel
• Travel towel
• Collapsible umbrella
• Dry bag
• Travel games and playing cards
• Headlamp
• Ear plugs for sleeping
• Snorkel mask and snorkel
• Sleeping bag line
• Sewing kit
• Mosquito net (impregnated)
• Lock for backpack
• Luggage tag
• Travel alarm (mobile smoke detector)
• Small roll of tape
• Universal sink stopper + clothesline
• Hand wash detergent
• Travel guide (e.g., Lonely Planet)
• Vacuum bags for clothing
• Packing cubes