U.S. Embassy in Argentina

The U.S. Embassy cannot get involved in private legal disputes, such as those between you and an Argentine business. In these cases, we offer a list of attorneys if you choose to proceed with your case.

Medical and dental care in Buenos Aires are acceptable but vary in other areas, particularly in rural zones. Doctors, dentists, clinics, and hospitals generally require immediate payment, in cash, for services provided. U.S. medical insurances are not always valid outside the United States. Medicaid-Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance that covers medical evacuations from foreign countries has proven useful.

Sometimes concerned relatives and friends call us when they haven’t heard from a loved one who is abroad. We can help to pass messages to these missing U.S. citizens. Consular officers use the information provided by the family or friends of a missing person to locate the individual, and pass the caller’s message. We check with local authorities in Argentina to see if there is any report of a U.S. citizen hospitalized, arrested, or otherwise unable to communicate with those looking for them. Depending on the circumstances, consular officers may personally search hotels, airports, hospitals, or even prisons. The more information that the caller can provide, the better the chances are that we can find the missing U.S. citizen.

The U.S. Embassy provides a list of hotels and hostels in the main neighborhoods in the City of Buenos Aires.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid becoming a victim. Crimes reported by U.S. citizens to the Embassy indicate that they are most often victims of theft or non-violent robbery, especially within tourist neighborhoods like La Boca or Recoleta.

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes, how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.

If you live in Argentina and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Argentina.

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.

Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Embassy Voting Assistance Officer at VoteBuenosAires@state.gov.