Iguazu Falls, on the border with Brazil, is a massive attraction for Argentinean tourists. Other natural sights such as Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park provide mesmeric views, while the charming La Boca neighbourhood is well worth checking out.
Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean time, which should require major changes to your diabetes management.
There are five diabetic associations in Argentina, with the addresses and contact information listed inside the travel guide.
Getting to Argentina
Airplane is the only viable means of transport available from the United Kingdom to Argentina.
Flight times will inevitably be very long, regardless of where you are travelling to, with Birmingham to Buenos Aires – Argentina’s capital – requiring around 19 hours, on average.
If you are unsure as to how best to stick to your medication schedule then it is best to discuss a plan with your diabetes team.
Climate
The average climate in Argentina marks a stark contrast to that in the UK, with temperatures between January-April and September-December above 25°C in several cities.
However, in the traditional UK summer period, the temperature in Argentina drops to a similar level in which UK tourists will find much more manageable than when visiting outside of June-August.
Preparing for heat
Travellers with diabetes visiting Argentina outside of this period should prepare for substantial heat , which will require vigilant checking of blood sugar levels, especially if you take insulin and are susceptible to hypoglycemia.
Prolonged periods of activity, such as walking, can result in enhanced insulin absorption in hot weather so you could consider reducing your dosages before periods of activity or exercise.
Currency
The currency used in Argentina is the Argentinean Peso. Better rates of exchange will be found prior to entering Argentina and it is advised to collect currency beforehand.
ATMs are scattered widely across major shopping centres and many large supermarkets, with most major and debit cards accepted in large hotels, restaurants and shops.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Argentina, however some are recommended. You should consult your doctor eight weeks prior to your departure in order to receive the vaccinations in time.
All travellers are recommended to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid, which can both be contracted through contaminated food or water.
Some travellers are also recommended to receive vaccinations for other diseases, including hepatitis B and rabies, which can be carried by dogs, bats and other mammals in Argentina.
You should also talk to your doctor about how to prevent the contraction of malaria while travelling Your doctor may prescribe you medication before, during and after your stay and will advise you on what to do to avoid getting malaria.
Yellow Fever is a risk in certain parts of Argentina, but there is no vaccination certificate required to enter the country. It is recommended for travellers over nine months of age or over to receive vaccine for yellow fever.
It is advised to consult your doctor eight weeks before travelling to assess whether you should receive yellow fever vaccination.
Otherwise, the opportunity should be taken to ensure existing vaccinations such as your yearly flu jab and those against polio and tetanus are also up to date.
Pharmacies and access to medication
UK citizens with diabetes will not be entitled to any free medication services while in Argentina. Securing comprehensive medical insurance will be essential in order to obtain even basic treatment.
Diabetic medication is available in Argentina, but payment will be required from all pharmacies, for which the Spanish translation is “ Farmácia” Blood and urine testing kits are available from pharmacies in Argentina.
The emergency services telephone number to be called in Argentina is 107
It is advisable to contact the manufacturing company of your medication prior to leaving the UK to find out what is available in Argentina if your medication gets lost, stolen or damaged. It is also worth checking to see what different names your medication may be listed as.
Insulin
You should note which syringes are available in Argentina, with U-100, U-80 and U-40 syringes the most commonly used
The vast majority of insulin in the UK is U-100 insulin. If you take, or are given any other strength of insulin (e.g. U-80 or U-40 insulin) whilst abroad, your current doses will not be applicable.
For example, you would use a U-40 syringe for U-40 insulin. You will need to work with a doctor getting the right dose if you’re using a different form of insulin.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency. There are five diabetic associations in Argentina, the addresses are:
- Asociacion Civil de Diabetes Argentina (a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) since 2006),
Calle Italia 2550,
B° Villa Cabrera,
5009 Cordoba,
Argentina
Tel: +54-351-4800173
Email: [email protected] - sociación para el Cuidado de la Diabetes en Argentina – CUI.D.AR (a member of the IDF since 2013),
Alem 30 Piso 1º San Isidro,
1642 Pcia. Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Tel: +54-11-47329000
Email: [email protected] - Federacion Argentina de Diabetes (a member of the IDF since 2009),
Esteban A Gascon 273,
C1181ACC Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Tel: +54-11-155 1801405
Email: [email protected] - Liga Argentina de Proteccion al Diabetico (a member of the IDF since 1976),
Tucumán 1584 – PB A,
1050 Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Tel: +54-11-43718185
Email: [email protected] - Sociedad Argentina de Diabetes (a member of the IDF since 1979),
Calle Paraguay 1307,
Piso 8, Dpto 74,
1057 Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Tel: +54-11-4816 2838
Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Argentina? mg/dl
- What language is spoken in Argentina? Spanish, although English is spoken widely
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Argentina? Yes
- If I want to hire a vehicle during my visit, will I face any form of discrimination? No
- What sugar free drinks are available in Argentina? Diet Coke, Diet Spite and Pepsi Max, among others
