Phone & SIM Cards

The country code for Argentina is +54.

WhatsApp is the main app for communicating in Argentina (along with most other countries in the world). Install the WhatsApp app on your smartphone to message with everyone you meet, milonga organizers, teachers, friends, etc. If you bring a second phone to bring to milongas, you can now install and link your main WhatsApp account to your second phone – instructions here.

Roaming: While you can use a Roaming data plan from your mobile provider at home, you can get very cheap data plans by buying a local prepaid SIM card in Argentina. This is especially useful if you’re planning on using a lot of data.

eSIM: If you have a newer high-end phone that supports an eSIM (a virtual SIM card that’s installed by clicking on a link), then Airalo has data plans that you buy – and make sure to install & activate – before you depart your home country. You’ll have data working when your airplane lands in Argentina.

If you use our Referral Code, we both get US $3 off: RAVI9278 or click here. eSIM plans are cheaper than Roaming, but a local prepaid SIM card has the cheapest data plans.

SIM: If you have an unlocked mobile phone, you can buy and install a local prepaid SIM card that gives you an Argentinian phone number and cheap data plans.

The popular mobile providers are Claro, Movistar, Personal, and Tuenti (Tuenti is only for people with an Argentinian ID). They are more or less all the same, especially in the metro areas. Claro and Personal are the most popular.

Getting a local SIM card with a local number is an easy process:

1. Get a prepaid SIM card (called a “chip”)

Get your chip at one of the three provider’s official stores located in most of the shopping malls (search in Google Maps) – this is the easier method.

You can also buy one at a neighborhood convenience store (called a “kiosko”) – this is the harder method.

Remember to bring your passport if you go to the provider’s store. If the staff at the store doesn’t speak English, you can say: “quiero comprar un chip prepago con mi passaporte”.

Going to a Claro official store is an easier option as the staff in BA usually speak some English and they will do step #2 for you. The official stores are often busy; best to go at off-peak hours (early morning, mid-afternoon, or late in the evening).

2. Activate the SIM card using your passport

This step varies by provider.

For Claro, if you get the SIM card at their official retail store, they will automatically activate it for you – and you can skip to step #3.

For Personal, follow the written instructions they give to you at the store, which usually entails waiting for about an hour, then calling a specific number, and waiting for verbal confirmation.

If you buy a SIM card at a kiosco, you’ll need to activate it yourself by taking a picture of your passport.

Claro’s self registration is here and Movistar can be activated via their WhatsApp chat at +54 11 3903 4995.

3. Add money to your prepaid account

Go to the pharmacy chains or kioscos (look for “recargar” or the logo of the mobile provider) and say “puedo recargar mi saldo con [provider’s name] aqui?”

It’s good to start with at least the equivalent in pesos of about US$3-5 (depending on how long you’ll be here).

Do not leave the store until you get a receipt and a confirmation text message stating that you have “credito xxx”.

4. Subscribe to a plan

You’ll receive an SMS text with a link to subscribe to a data plan. Follow the instructions.

Tip: You can almost always find an official store of a major carrier in a shopping district, either near Av. Florida or in all the shopping malls such as Abasto Shopping, Alcorta Shopping, Alto Palermo, Galerias Pacifico, and Recoleta Mall.

There is a Personal store at the Ezeiza Airport (EZE) if you want to get one when you arrive. In the International Departures area, there is a kiosk in front of check-in counter 40, and a full store upstairs just before security check for departures. It is open from 9am to 10pm.

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