Health & Safety

Staying Healthy

Argentina requires no vaccinations to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic.

Some people who have allergies can be affected by the pollution in Buenos Aires's crowded Microcentro, where cars and buses remain mired in traffic jams, belching out pollution. The beautiful spring blossoms also bring with them pollen, and even people not usually affected by plants might be thrown off seasonally and by species of plants different from those in North America and Europe. It's a good idea to pack a decongestant with you, or asthma medicine if you require it.

Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively. Do not expect buses and taxis to stop for you when crossing the street. Always use a seat belt, which has now become the law in Buenos Aires, even in taxis.

Most visitors find that Argentine food and water are generally easy on the stomach. Water and ice are considered safe to drink in Buenos Aires. However, you should be careful with Argentine steak. Since it is generally served very rare, if not almost raw inside, people with delicate digestive systems or immune deficiency should request it well done (bien cocido). You should also avoid street food and drinks served out of canisters at the ubiquitous festivals all over the city. Vegetarians should be aware that with so much leftover cow fat as a byproduct of the cattle industry, lard winds up being commonly used as a cooking ingredient, and finds its way into many baked goods. Read labels and ask.

Buenos Aires's streets and sidewalks can be disgustingly unsanitary. While there is a pooper-scooper law on the books, dog owners seem to take delight in letting their pets relieve themselves in the middle of the sidewalk. Even the best neighborhoods are an obstacle course to walk through, and it's a good idea to continually watch where you're stepping. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your shoes, even if you do not think you have gotten them into anything.

Drugs & Prescriptions -- Be aware that most drugs requiring a prescription in the United States do not necessarily need one in Argentina. Hence, if you lose or run out of a medicine, it might not be necessary to schedule a doctor's appointment to get your prescription. The same goes if you become ill and are sure you know what you need. Many of the pharmacies in the Microcentro have English-speaking staff. Not all medicines, however, are a bargain in Argentina.

Plastic-Surgery Tourism -- Because of the exchange rate, Argentina is secretly becoming a place for plastic-surgery tourism. If you are planning to be here for a long time, and have been considering cosmetic procedures, Buenos Aires might be a place to have them done. Scanning women on the sidewalks gives you an indication of the popularity of facial and breast augmentation procedures here, and Buenos Aires outpaces Los Angeles in this regard. In fact, it is so common that it is often provided free for locals who have private health insurance.

Austral Sun -- The summer sun is hot and strong in Buenos Aires. It's best to bring sun block, though it is available in stores and pharmacies throughout the city. There are no beaches within the city proper, but many people go tanning in the Palermo and Recoleta parks or in the Ecological Reserve.

Malaria & Other Tropical Ailments -- Malaria is not an issue in Buenos Aires. However, the humid summer months of January and February mean you will sometimes find swarms of mosquitoes, particularly along the Río de la Plata and in parks. Bring repellant to avoid bites. To get shots or advice for various illnesses if you are traveling from Buenos Aires to the jungle for long periods of time, contact Vacunar, a chain of clinics specializing in vaccinations and preventative illness, with locations all over Buenos Aires (www.vacunar.com.ar). Keep in mind that many shots require a period of time before they become effective. They will also explain country by country what is required if you are traveling to other parts of South America.

What to Do if You Get Sick Away from Home

Any foreign consulate can provide a list of area doctors who speak English. If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor -- even his or her own. You can also try the emergency room at a local hospital. Many hospitals also have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening; you may not get immediate attention, but you won't pay the high price of an emergency room visit.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a MedicAlert identification tag (tel. 888/633-4298; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert's 24-hour hot line.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Also bring copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

The medical facilities and personnel in Buenos Aires and the other urban areas in Argentina are very professional. Argentina has a system of socialized medicine, where basic services are free. Private clinics are inexpensive by Western standards. For an English-speaking hospital, call Clínica Suisso Argentino (tel. 11/4304-1081). The Hospital Británico (tel. 11/4309-6600) also has English-speaking doctors. If you worry about getting sick away from home, you may want to consider medical travel insurance. In most cases, your existing health plan will provide all the coverage you need, but call to make sure. Be sure to carry your identification card in your wallet. You should also ask for receipts or notes from the doctors, which you might need for your claim.