Moving To Argentina From The UK
Moving to Argentina
If you are planning to move to Argentina, whether to Buenos Aires, Mendoza or the south, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.
Importing Personal Effects to ArgentinaReturning citizens and those holding a permanent residence visa who have been living abroad for more than one year can import personal effects and household goods duty free. Those without a permanent residence visa can import used personal effects on a temporary basis. To import your personal items and move to Argentina, you will need a detailed inventory in Spanish, a passport, and a residence permit. Your local Britannia member will provide you with detailed customs regulations, and we will also supply all required documentation upon arrival. |
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Argentina Prohibitions and RestrictionsIn general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:
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Transit Times to ArgentinaSole-use containers will take approximately 6-8 weeks to reach Argentina from the UK, while crated consignments may take longer, on average, 9-10 weeks |
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Protecting Your Items for Transport to ArgentinaAll groupage consignments will be barcoded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin. |
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Moving to Argentina with PetsBritannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport. |
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Moving Motor Vehicles to ArgentinaCars can be imported to Argentina by returning citizens and those with permanent residence status and are subject to 79% to 100% duty. Those possessing a temporary visa can import vehicles duty free, but only for the duration of the visa. |
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Argentina Currency TransferWhen you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers:
More info on the IFX website. |
Moving to Argentina with Britannia
Your Move to Argentina with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door-to-door shipping service to Argentina, and can either ship your effects by sole-use container, or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate (LCL). In addition, we can offer a door-to-door airfreight service to some destinations in Argentina. Our agents in Buenos Aires will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.
Additional Removal Services – If you require additional removal services when moving to Argentina, Britannia is authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, and arrange international storage or pet transport.
If you are interested in moving to Argentina, you can request a quote, read about our international removals, and contact us for more information.
Living in Argentina
With a variety of landscapes, a land area more than 10 times the size of the UK, and diverse cultures and lifestyles, Argentina has always been an exciting tourist destination and can be an ideal expat destination for many. Buenos Aires, often referred to as the Paris of South America, is a cosmopolitan city, with a rich cultural life, eclectic architecture, resembling cities like Madrid or Barcelona, and an increasing number of British and American expats. The huge southern expanse extends over an impressive number of climates and diverse landscapes, from rain forests to pampas and the rugged Andes mountains.
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, bordered by Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a federation of 23 provinces, and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires, and is a representative democratic republic. Argentina is one of South America’s largest economies, has a high GDP, and a high rating on the Human Development Index. Argentina is also a relatively important political power, and is a founding member of the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization.
In spite of some negative effects of the economic recession, and a rather high inflation rate, finding employment in Argentina is relatively easy. Teaching English is a possibility, or you can find a job in the services, or manufacturing sectors, especially if you speak Spanish. While living standards vary, settling down to a comfortable way of life, especially in urban areas shouldn’t be too difficult, and Argentina also has good quality education and health care. Whether you are relocating to Argentina for professional reasons, to experience a different lifestyle, or to explore the authentic tango, Argentina offers a rich and varied culture, an open and multicultural society and beautiful landscapes.
Argentina Visas
For UK citizens wishing to work in Argentina, a work visa is necessary. To obtain this visa, you must secure a job offer from an Argentine employer, who will sponsor your application. The visa typically requires a work contract and can be issued for one to two years, with the option to extend. Argentina also offers an investor visa for those looking to start a business or make significant investments. Applicants must provide evidence of the investment and meet financial requirements.
Visa regulations can change, so it is important to verify the latest requirements with the Argentine consulate or a visa agency. Additional documents, such as a police clearance or medical certificate, may also be required for certain visa applications.
Working in Argentina
Argentina offers a variety of opportunities for UK expats, with certain sectors particularly open to foreign workers. Common jobs for UK citizens include roles in education, especially English language teaching, which remains a popular option given the demand for English skills. Expats with experience in technology and IT, particularly software development and digital marketing, are also in demand as Argentina’s tech industry continues to grow. In addition, roles in hospitality, sales, finance, and tourism are often available in major cities like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza.
The working culture in Argentina can be quite different from what UK citizens may be used to. Argentina places a strong emphasis on personal relationships in the workplace, with a friendly and informal atmosphere. Communication is generally more indirect than in the UK, and building trust with colleagues is key. While punctuality is valued, there is often a more relaxed approach to time, particularly for meetings, where arriving slightly late is not uncommon.
Argentine work culture is hierarchical, so respect for seniority is important. Decisions will often be made by those in higher positions. Work-life balance can vary depending on the industry, with some sectors, like finance or tech, expecting longer hours, while others, particularly in education and tourism, may offer more flexibility.
Cost of Living in Argentina
The cost of living in Argentina is generally lower than what most UK expats would experience at home. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Argentina is around 40% lower than in the UK, not including rent costs. Rent alone is nearly 68% lower in Argentina. Salaries are also, on average, lower in Argentina, but they can vary depending on the industry you work in and your role.
You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Argentina below. Prices are shown in Argentine peso and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.
Item | Price in Argentina | Price in UK |
Milk (1l) | $1.30 £1.02 |
$1.57 £1.24 |
Loaf of white bread | $1.91 £1.51 |
$1.57 £1.24 |
Eggs (12) | $2.27 £1.79 |
$3.75 £2.96 |
Bananas (1kg) | $2.06 £1.63 |
$1.50 £1.18 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | $6.26 £4.94 |
$8.39 £6.63 |
Bottle of water (1.5l) | $1.44 £1.14 |
$1.41 £1.11 |
Pair of quality jeans | $95.32 £75.20 |
$81.84 £64.57 |
Chain store dress | $73.95 £58.35 |
$40.82 £32.21 |
Mid-range trainers | $118.14 £93.21 |
$94.42 £74.54 |
Cinema ticket | $5.50 £4.34 |
$12.67 £10.00 |
Fitness Club Fees (1 month) | $25.37 £20.01 |
$42.56 £33.58 |
Interesting Facts About Argentina
- The official language in Argentina is Spanish, with the most prevalent dialect differing slightly from the Spanish spoken in Spain. There are also a significant number of Italian and German speakers in Argentina.
- The print media industry in Argentina is developed, with a high level of freedom of press, and hundreds of newspapers independent of the government.
- The cuisine of Argentina is influenced by traditional cuisine from Spain, France, Italy and other European countries.
- Argentina was one of the first countries to have radio broadcasting.
- Both the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in South America have occurred in Argentina.
Choose Britannia for Your Argentina Relocation
If you are thinking about moving to Argentina and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.