Argentina has everything you ever want from a country: beautiful nature, bustling cities, and exciting culture. For young people or young at heart, you can go clubbing, playing soccer, dancing tango, hiking, shopping, eating, or just lounging around on the beach. Argentina is also a great place for seniors to travel as it is a relatively safe place and seniors are much respected there. In this how to visit Argentina page, you can find some basic information about one of the biggest countries in South America.

Argentina's national language is Spanish and the local currency is Argentinean Peso (ARS).Argentinean Peso has $ symbol. US Dollar is usually represented by u$s or us$. http://www.allaboutar.com/gen_info.htm Carrying traveler's checks is not recommended a it is hard to exchange it for local currency in Argentina. Always bring cash because not all establishments accept credit cards. Sometimes you might be even charged for 5 % - 10 % if you use credit cards to pay.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina/practical-information/money-costs

If you come from most of the countries in the world, including from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, you only need passport to enter Argentina for tourism purpose for up to 90 days. Note that from December 2009, all visitors from US, Canada, and Australia will be charged an entrance tax equivalent to the amount of an Argentina citizen pay for visa to the respective countries.http://www.allaboutar.com/transportation.htm This fee is valid any number of visits within 10 years. Always carry at least a photocopy of your passport in case a police stop and ask you for identification.

Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere. The country has four seasons which are the reverse of the countries in northern hemisphere.http://www.allaboutar.com/planning_trip.htm Summer is from December to February and winter from June to August. Argentina covers vast area of lands and each area might have different climate conditions. You should always check for the weather and seasonal considerations before visiting certain places, especially if you plan to go on climbing or hiking.

You can travel to Argentina by air or land. Argentina has multiple crossing points with its neighboring countries: Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Chile. Entering to Argentina by the sea is rare.

One of the best ways to get around Argentina is to use domestic flights. Argentina also has great bus networks that connects almost all areas in the country. Buses in Argentina are economical, safe, and very comfortable, especially in first class buses such as Chevallier and Andesmar. Do not forget to tip the bus attendants who are usually very helpful. You can also save an accommodation fee by taking overnight buses. You can also get the sleeper class for overnight trips. Prices can vary between seasons and classes. Different companies also have different rates.

Although intercity buses are excellent, the same cannot be said to the local buses. Local Argentine buses are called colectivos. The local bus systems can be complicated to sort out. Pay local buses with coins, although in some cities you need to buy prepaid cards or tokens.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina/transport/getting-around

Another option for exploring is by renting a car. The better alternative is to hire a private car and driver, which is call a remis. The driver can act like a guide and drive you to places of interest. Fee is on hourly basis, but you might negotiate for a discount if you book him for a whole day.

There are many accommodation options available in Argentina depending on the type of accommodation and the location. Accommodations in tourist frequented areas such as Patagonia and big cities such as Buenos Aires are more expensive than the rest of the country.

Food in Argentina is excellent, although they are not as varied as food in other countries. Steaks are local specialties with very low prices compared to American steak restaurants. Bife de chorizo and bife the lomo are the national steak specialties in Argentina.http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Argentina/Dining;$sessionid$GQHXRNQAANH2MP2MN5XCFEQ Other Argentine specialties are empanadas, parrillada, and alfajores. You can also find popular Asian food in Buenos Aires. Tip the waiters about 15 % of the total bill when you eat at restaurants or bars.

Argentine famous drinks are yerba mate, quilmes, and Argentinean wine which is internationally recognized. Imported spirits are usually expensive. Tap water is not drinkable unless you boil it first or disinfect it with iodine.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina/practical-information/health

Partying is the way of life and you will find good clubbing experience in Argentina. Argentina has many bars and discos, even in small towns. For authentic Argentina's experience, visit milongas or tango nightclubs where you can learn and practice the famous tango dance.

The first step to Argentina is Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. The city has some great architectural sites such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and Teatro Colon, the world's largest opera house. An avid shopper will love to browse around local and international fashion boutiques as well as the more economical and down to earth local fairs (ferias). Some great purchase in Argentina are leather goods which can be made to order and native handicrafts such as silver jewelries, textiles, and furniture made by indigenous people.http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Argentina/Shopping;$sessionid$GQHXRNQAANH2MP2MN5XCFEQ

If you are spiritual, visit Argentina's famous pilgrimage destination, Basilica Nuestra Senora de Lujan. Also visit the village for some local handmade souvenirs such as silver studded belts, paraphernalia and knives. Other spiritual site is Jesuit Block and Estancias of Cordoba, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you prefer beach vacation, visit Mar del Plata, the main tourist resort on the Atlantic Coast. Banquina de Pescadores located in the area is a beautiful wharf with restaurants and cafes.

Patagonia is a place to visit in itself, especially for nature lovers. Located in the Southern Argentina, the area has mountains, lakes, wildlife, and national parks. Argentina has many national parks scattered around the countries including El Leoncito National Park, El Palmar National Park, Iguazú National Park which is home to the famous Iguazu Fall and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lanín National Park, Los Alerces National Park, Los Arrayanes National Park, Los Glaciares National Park which is another UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Guillermo National Park, Talampaya National Park, is another UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Tierra del Fuego National Park.