Student discounts are very common in Argentina, but usually only if one has appropriate ID. STA Travel (tel. 800/781-4040 in the U.S., 020/7361-6144 in the U.K., or 1300/360-960 in Australia; www.statravel.com) specializes in affordable airfares, bus and rail passes, accommodations, insurance, tours, and packages for students and young travelers, and issues the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This is the most widely recognized proof that you really are a student. As well as getting you discounts on a huge range of travel, tours, and attractions, it comes with a 24-hour emergency help line and a global voice/fax/e-mail messaging system with discounted international telephone calls. Available to any full-time student over 12, it costs $21.
Argentina is great for college students on vacation and on a budget. The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18. There are places to drink and socialize all over Argentina. Within Buenos Aires, the bars around Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho offer inexpensive beers on tap and pitchers of sangria. This is often served up with inexpensive snacks and live music, meaning having fun won't break a student budget. In other cities, if it's not listed here in the book, ask around at the central square. You might make new friends in the process.
