Tipping tour guides in Argentina is a common practice, especially for private, multi-day, and walking tours. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 10 percent of the tour cost, adjusted based on the quality of the experience. Teachers should also tip 10 gratuity for any type of restaurant. For tour and trek guides, it is customary to tip around 10 of the total tour cost as long as you are satisfied. For more expensive private tours, such as private fishing or hunting, it is customary to give them around 10 percent of the total tour cost.
A good rule of thumb for tipping is 10 percent per day, depending on the quality of the experience. If you have had an excellent tour with a professional guide, especially those offering bilingual tours, it is common to give them 10 percent. The average tip for tour guides is around 15-20 pesos per day. On treks, a good guide who does the job well may receive a tip of up to 20 percent.
In Argentina, it is customary to leave between 10 and 15 as a tip, always in cash. Credit cards do not allow for tipping, so tipping is customary for pre-booked tours. If you had an enjoyable day, a tip of about 10-15 would be recommended. Overall, tipping tour guides in Argentina can make or break your travel experience, so it is essential to consider the quality of the experience and the amount you need to tip.
📹 ARGENTINA 101 | Everything You Need to Know Before Coming (31 tips)
EDIT: You cannot do envase with wine, but you can do it with soda bottles. This was a mistake. No need comment about this …
How much should I tip on a free tour?
Free public tours typically run during peak tourism seasons from spring through summer and into fall, with some cities offering winter tours due to their hardcore nature. Tiping is optional on paid tours, but it’s a great way to show appreciation for the guides’ hard work. Paid food and drink tours are offered most of the year, but may be closed during winter. Private and group tours are always available for booking, and winter bookings are welcome. Check the calendars for availability in each city.
How much do you tip a local tour guide?
A common practice is to provide gratuities of 10-20% of the tour cost, or $5-10 per person per day for the guide. However, if the guide provided exemplary service, a higher gratuity may be appropriate.
How much to tip in Argentina on Reddit?
The amount of gratuity is typically determined by the customer’s satisfaction with the service provided by the waitstaff and the customer’s budgetary constraints. The typical family tipping amount falls between $100 and $500, as they do not frequent establishments of a particularly high caliber. A suitable gratuity is approximately 4%. The average gratuity for a single transaction is approximately $5, 000.
How much do you tip a VIP tour guide?
It is customary to tip your guide $20. A travel agent can facilitate the addition of a VIP tour guide to your booking and can also provide information regarding pricing and other relevant details. Amy Westerman, the Chief Magic Officer at The Mouse Experts,
Is it rude not to tip in Argentina?
Tipping is a customary etiquette in the U. S. and South America, including Argentina. It is not obligatory but is customary, and Argentines are discreet and subtle in business transactions. When tipping someone, it is helpful to express appreciation verbally, shake their hand, and hand the bills folded. The practice varies, but this guide aims to cover most situations encountered by tourists.
Argentina’s currency is the Argentine peso, and US dollars are not accepted. It is essential to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Credit and debit cards can be used, but cash is essential in rural areas. Currency exchange desks can be found at airports and cities.
In most restaurants, a 10% tip is required to the waiter. If not included, leave a 10% tip. If service is excellent, add an additional tip. If not satisfied, forgo a tip altogether. Bartenders receive a tip equivalent to 50 cents to $1.
How much do you tip a fishing guide in Argentina?
Fly Fishing Patagonia offers customary tips for guides and lodge staff in Patagonia, northern Argentina, and for chauffeurs. Guides charge $80/day with one or two anglers, and lodge staff charge $35/day. In northern Argentina, guides charge $60/day, and lodge staff charge $15-20/day. Fly fishing is only allowed in Patagonia’s trout rivers, with the exception of one King Salmon lodge where spin fishing is permitted for private groups. Guests are advised to bring their own rods and lures.
What is considered disrespectful in Argentina?
In Argentina, it is important to dress appropriately and avoid casual attire, such as shorts and flip-flops. In public, avoid yawning or eating, and avoid making the “OK” or thumb-up gestures. Arrive for social occasions on time, as it is considered rude. Instead, say you are from the United States, the U. S., or North America. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like Argentina’s relationship with Brazil, Great Britain, or The Falkland Islands, as they could evoke strong reactions.
Tip 10 at restaurants and 1 peso per bag to hotel porters. Share mate (tea) with fellow travelers or strangers as a sign of friendship and acceptance. Expect to be kissed on the cheek when meeting or departing from acquaintances. Sleep in, as nightlife in Argentina is thriving, especially in Buenos Aires.
Try learning the Tango, a way of life in Argentina, as it adds excitement to your time there. Check out a Polo match, as Argentinians love it. Finally, have a coffee at the famous Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires, which has been popular with artists and intellectuals since 1858.
These tips will help you have a wonderful time in Argentina and other 39 other countries.
Do you tip a tour guide in Argentina?
It is recommended that tourists in Argentina consider offering gratuities to their guides, as these individuals can significantly influence the quality of the travel experience. A standard gratuity of 10% of the total cost of the tour is appropriate. They are available for private, multi-day, or walking tours.
Can you tip in USD in Argentina?
Tourists can show their appreciation by tipping ‘propinas’, which are small notes or loose change, to hotel porters and taxi drivers. They can tip in the local Argentina Peso or US dollars, as the Argentine Peso fluctuates. Keep in mind that these people make their living by carrying luggage, so it’s important to be aware of the fluctuating Argentine Peso and avoid leaving a tip if you’re not satisfied.
Is gratuity included in Argentina?
In restaurants, gratuity is typically 10 pesos, with going over 10 being rare and generous. In fine-dining establishments, tipping is essential for great attention and large parties. Cubierto, a “cutlery” charge, can be charged from $10-50 pesos and is not part of the tip or the waitstaff. It is used for bread, sauces, and simple appetizers served pre-meal. Restaurants do not have a “tip” section on credit card receipts, so if paying with plastic, it is essential to bring cash to pay the tip separately. Large parties or large groups of people may leave a little extra, but beyond 10 is the golden standard.
How much do you tip a guide in Argentina?
It is widely acknowledged that offering gratuities to tour guides in Argentina is an integral aspect of creating a memorable travel experience. It is advisable to provide gratuity in the amount of 10 stars, irrespective of the nature of the tour, whether it is private, multi-day, or walking.
📹 Buenos Aires Travel Guide for First Timers – Things to know BEFOREvisiting
In this video I share the most important things to know before visiting Buenos Aires. Top things to do: http://bit.ly/488clcK …
As an Argentinian, I can say that everything Nicki said in this article is 100% spot on! The smallest correction I will make is that, while true that ordering water at a restaurant will result in you getting bottled water that you have to pay for, you can instead ask specifically for tap water (agua de la canilla /ka-NEE-sha/) and they will bring you a glass free of charge.
Ok…I am just a guy from New Jersey. I came to Beunos Aires in 2016 and Santiago, Chilie at the same time. It was really an overnight decision…talk about it at a bar at 8 p.m. At 700 Am…you are on a plane. Actually on Route to see the Stones in Santiago of the opening night of the south American tour…south America is really really special..talk about fans…I probably have around 500 American concerts under my belt. You go to Santiago and actually survive…you travel to Beunos Aires to see the Rolling Stones…..I have to say one thing…the fans are second to none…Beunos Aires…was especially..probably..most likely…the craziest crowd ever..a really grass roots fan base…quite frankly you made Philadelphia look like sleepers…I will have to deal with that later
When you said Spanish in Buenos Aires is different from what you learned at school is because the Spanish in BA is full loaded of slang basically words of Italian influence. And it also have a name that way of speaking which is called Lunfardo Dialect. Example Beer is Cerveza in Spanish but Birra in Lunfardo; to work is trabajar but Laborar in Lunfardo; Money es dinero but Guita in Lunfardo .and so on.
I just came across your articles today and I find them to be very informative! I’ve been to Argentina once, in 2019, and can’t wait to return. After traveling all over Europe and once to Argentina, Argentina has become my favorite county to visit. Thanks so much for all of the great information. Your articles are very well done! Look forward to view more of your articles!
Bienvenidos a todos los turistas y personas que deseen vivir en mi país. Argentina es el octavo país más grande del mundo y tiene gran variedad de paisajes y lugares para visitar, desde selva hasta desierto; desde mar hasta montañas, por ejemplo en Mendoza está el “Aconcagua” el pico más alto de América!🇦🇷
As an argentinian it is fascinating for me to see what calls the attention of foreigneers when visiting our country. The fact you got surprised by dog walkers was a new one for me, but I guess it’s true, I haven’t seen something like that in any other country I’ve been. Regarding right of way, legally pedestrians have priority over anything else. Unfortunately, in our country sometimes laws are taken as suggestions rather than ubreakable rules that must be followed cumpolsorily. Great article!
Thank you so much for these articles. My family and I are visiting in October and planning to move to BA summer of next year. We have done so much research, but your articles really help elaborate and give great insight. This article has really helped raise our excitement and confidence in this move. Please continue to post if you have more information to provide!
This is such a good article, and one of the best balanced articles I’ve seen about visiting argentina. The outlet/plug issue is a nightmare (I’m married to an Argentinian and I worked and lived there many years), but it still a pain when you move apartments. The envase thing confused me so much when I first arrived – I never saved the ticket. Great hints for the conjugation – I live in Spain now but I retain my Argentinian accent and verb forms – but these are very useful hints. Totally true also about the differences in European and Argentinian (architecture/cafe) culture; it’s completely unique. I never had any security issues in Buenos Aires when I lived there, even walking around with my cellphone in my hand, and when I was there in February 2023 to visit family, but obviously being aware of possible risks. A slight update is that there is a tourist rate for foreign card payments – so you get the blue rate, although it is returned afterwards. I always drank the tap water (but it came from a storage unit on top of the building which often had the lids off, so potential dead pigeon water). Nevertheless, I was never unwell. Enjoy Argentina, it’s a great country.
Thank you! I’ve been in Argentina for three over two months,–and your info has helped me make it a great trip. Anyway,–that directional problem with google maps is exactly what happens,–it’s counter intuitive. Anywa,–I’ve paid in dollars and Euros on this trip,–and received the Blue dollar rate,–and even got change back. It’s hilarious,–because even at a feria. Good Job!
I am an Argentinian, and I have lived in the US since 1984- Going back to visit my family after 10 years and I am seriously lost on the many changes regarding the money ( Dollar Exchange) your tip from Western Union and the card for the ” colectivos/buses “and subways is fabulous, Thank you. Tap water is the only thing used there, never had a problem. Thank you…
HAHAHAHA I love it, I’m an Argentinian but I really like seeing the point of view of a foreigner in this case Nicki who is American or as we Argies say (una Yankee) LOL!!! We have our positives and negatives like any big country with big cities but, to any foreigner who is thinking of visiting my country!!! I can assure it’s a quite safe country with LOTS to see and we Argies like to show our country and culture to any person so all are welcome or bienvenidos!!! BTW if you happen to have a friend in Argentina when you visit they will want you to stay with them and not in a hotel, it’s part of our culture! Good work Nicki and cheers to you!!!
The question about cash is mostly if you have an Argentinian issued credit card it could be preferable to cash since the huge inflation rate, since when you pay the card (some days or weeks later) the inflation may have increased the price around 8% or even 10% but also most shops started to add a 10% when paying with CC or a discount when paying with cash, to compensate fgor the money they may be losing in a few days due to the inflation, with a foreign card to make things worse you get the official exchange rate and you get at best half of the money, it would be the opposite way for Argentinians using an Argentinian credit card abroad, you pay in dollars at the oficial exchange rate and that may look like a great deal, but then you have aditional taxes and you end paying even higher than at the unoficial exchage rate, for example today July 5 the official exchange rate in 1 dollar for 271 pesos the unoficial (blue) is 492 pesos and the turista (what an Argentian have to pay when uses a CC to pay in dollars ) is 541 pesos. And it’s all the fault of a corrupt and incompetent goverment. So for any foreiner visiting Argentina, bring Dolars, Euros, etc, then here look where you can get the unoficial exchange rate and use cash, your money will be worth at least twice than if you go for the official exchange or attempt to pay with a credit card.
I’ve been to Buenos Aires twice in the past, but it was a long time ago. I plan on living in BA for a year or two when I retire at the end of 2023. I shall spend a 2 or 3 week holiday in BA in January 2023 to see if I could live there. The biggest problem I see is that I am vegan and worry about finding enough vegan restaurants and options in Buenos Aires.
Your articles are just incredibly helpful!! Full of information… I love them!!! Regarding regional or long distance buses schedule, I would suggest using sites like Plataforma 10. Also, keep in mind that bus schedules only come online with a month in advance aproximately. So, if you need to check a bus schedule for later than that, I’d say, check the schedule for the same day of the week you’re planning to travel, but within the next month. Most bus companies keep the same schedule for same days. For instance, you will be traveling on a Thursday but in three months time, do a search for any Thursday within the next month. It can happen that they change it, but I’ve been doing this for years now and it works most of the times. I hope this works!!
Hi Nicki, my name is Anna and I am new to your website. I am loving your articles. I am planning to visit Argentina probably in December for the first time. Your articles have been extremely helpful. I am trying to decide what places to visit in 2 weeks. I am planning to stay in Buenos Aires for a week…it looks like my kind of place, museums, history, comida rica, markets, artesanias….I get so excited when visiting a new country….Saludos
It´s funny when you say waiters are not annoying like in the States. I am an argentinian and everytime i go to the US i love how attentive the waiter are there and in comparison how hard it is to get a waiter attention and how rude they are here in Argentina 😀 I think i now understand how annoying this can be when it´s an everyday thing for you in the US
hahha that was extremely funny. -shop owners do what they want SO TRUE AND ANNOYING – Car drivers always feel entitled over pedestrians. TRUEE! The only correction is that We dont have “medialunas” or ” empanadas” as at 6 or 7 pm for merienda. Anything is valid there. But empanadas is not a normal thing for a merienda. GREAT article!
Nikki, I’m in San Telmo, Buenos Aires now. I watched your articles before I got here and what a wealth of useful information. I took all your advice and I have my SUBE card, my Western Union app and “yes” I had to go to 2 different Westeen Unions – like you said… great articles, great info. If you are in Buenos Aires, let’s do lunch or dinner so I can say thank you. From Al Magdaleno – Citizens Of The World
It’s crazy how Argentina it’s so different from the United states. I can’t imagine myself there! I can’t imagine myself trying to buy something with my Spanish. I did learn some Spanish, but she says it’s different, and only with what she said I got confused! 🙅! I also hate going to physical places, and I’m not used to WhatsApp! 😐! Also, public transportation!? No! I’m used to my cute comfy car, but I guess that country sounds fun too. It sounds like there’s a lot of culture, and it sounds like it’s a beautiful place. I would love to go one day and visit.🎉
I am Argentinian and I use all the time google maps. Even having and iPhone. Never notice something different than Italy or USA or France. I live in Palermo and works totally fine. Did you try plataforma 10 for bus ticket’s? Maybe you can use your passport number. Is a way to identify the people on board in case of accidents. As the ✈️. We have a awfully train crash and because we don’t now how many people was there so many die waiting to be rescued. There we create the Sube card. Btw you miss the Argentinian helado 🍦 is even more indulgent than Italian. Even in the cheapest places 😋
Nicki! This was a super helpful article! I’ve liked and subscribed 🙂 I’m about to watch the money article (and this may be explained therein) but would really love to learn more about why one would not want to pay by credit card. Is it primarily because of the exchange rate? Or is there some other security concern? Thanks again!
Hello, I have just got back to France after a month in Argentina. An update for tourists with a VISA debit card. There is now the dolar MEP which is not far off the ‘blue dolar’ rate. Carry enough cash, but always ask if you can pay ‘con targeta’. My bank charged 2% fee. I was able to book and pay for all my coach journeys on line in advance with Busbud. It costs a bit more, but you can book your seat..go for ‘cama ejecutivo’. I did about 5000 kms like this. There is no food service available on the coaches, so be prepared and do not bring alcohol. Cordialement,
Hola Nicki, I’m coming to Argentina for the first time this fall. It’s an organized trip in Buenos Aires for language immersion, and I also plan to see Iguazú Falls on both sides of the international border. I mean, why not? Though many of the details in BA will be arranged, I appreciate your focus as a North American living there, and your no-nonsense manner of conveying really useful information.
Hey Nicki! You have such a great website! I’m hoping to visit Argentina next year for the very first time. How hard is Argentina for a solo adventure ?! I’ve never really done any International solo travel but I’m dying to experience Buenos Aires! Any tips on solo? Is it recommended? thank you in advance!
Since when is salt on the table illegal? I know for certain that my normal Friday parrilla always brings chimichurri, salsa criolla, and salt with bread as soon as we sit down. Also, who is eating dulce de leche for dessert? You have it with something like panqueques, not straight out of the container (that’s typically only reserved for when nobody else is around, haha). Also, you can ask for tap water in most places if you really want it.
Hi Nikki, I watched almost all your articles about Argentina as I and my husband have decided to move to that country. We just want to establish a company LLC before moving there. I just wonder if you have also some information about company Registration there or if you know any trustable agencies to do it for us? There are alot of advertisements in the internet asking from 3500 USD to 8000 USD to do this job but to whom we must trust is something confusing. I’ll be so grateful if you can share your information in this regard. Tnx dear
Hola! Me pareció muy bueno tu article, y seguramente muy útil para quienes quieran visitar el país. Pero me ha quedado una duda, y es que yo no vivo en Baires, y por lo tanto no lo sé, pero tenía entendido que los días domingos y feriados sí estaban abiertos los supermercados. No sé si todos, pero algunos sí. Esto no es así?
Good article, but as Argentinian I have to make some corrections: “Tu” is also used in the North of Argentina. “Usted ” is the formal version of “tu” and “vos”, and in hotel receptions, schools, people who do not know you, may use “usted” to talk to you. It’s a more respectful way of referring to an older person, too. And of course “ustedes” is used, as it is the plural form of “tu”, and “vos” (3rd person plural). Cheers!
Thanks for the article, I found it very informative. I have tried to visit Argentina twice, 2020 and 2022, but failed in both times. First time it’s cancelled due to Covid, 2nd time the airline just changed my date of travel (reduced 2 days) and totally disrupted my plan. My biggest issue is with domestic airline bookings within Argentina: when I booked domestic flight directly with the airline (Aerolineas Argentinas, and JetSmart) using American Credit card, when I tried to contact them for cancellation, I could never get any response, and finally gave up. Is there any better way to deal with domestic airline bookings?
I’ll tell you the only thing you need to know before coming to Buenos Aires: DO NOT, HEAR ME OUT, DO NOT COME DURING NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY OR MARCH. Come from April to October, you’re welcome. You can visit the Patagonia anytime, and as for the north is the same advice as with Buenos Aires
We just returned . Argentines hate American cash. They have to exchange it for a bad rate. Use your debit card instead. You will get the blue rate. If you try to pay a taxi driver in American cash they’ll get pissed of. Even waitstaff sulks when you flash U.S. cash. You can still use Western Union. I ate at two McDonalds and my BOA debit card offered the blue exchange rate on the screen and in the bill- $3 for a meal with a large drink.