Moving Guide

CUIL (Código Único de Identificación Laboral) is Argentina's social security and labour identification number for foreigners - equivalent to a US Social Security Number or UK NI number. You need it for: opening a bank account, signing a lease, enrolling in a health plan (prepaga), registering as a Monotributista, and any official Argentine transaction. Get it at any ANSES (social security administration) office - bring your passport, wait in line, and you'll have your number on the same day or within 1–3 business days. It's free. This is your first task on arrival in Argentina.

Use a freight forwarder with Argentina experience - customs documentation is bureaucratic and local knowledge matters. From the US East Coast (NYC/Miami), a 20-foot container costs $2,500–$4,500 USD with 20–35 days transit time. From Northern Europe, expect $2,000–$4,000 with 25–40 days transit. For smaller moves, a shared container (LCL) starts from ~$1,500 USD. Personal effects owned for 12+ months enter duty-free under the menaje de casa regime - but this requires you to have legal immigration status (residence visa) on arrival. New items are taxed. Keep your shipping documentation (purchase receipts) organised.

Yes, and it's relatively straightforward. Required: (1) International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) with a Spanish section, issued by an accredited vet and endorsed by USDA-APHIS; (2) rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel; (3) parasite treatment within 15 days of the certificate. No quarantine on arrival if documents are correct. No pre-import permit needed for owner-accompanying pets. The USDA-APHIS endorsement step is the most important - go to a USDA-accredited vet and allow 2–3 weeks for the APHIS endorsement process. Airlines flying into Buenos Aires (EZE airport) have varying pet cabin/cargo policies - confirm directly.

Traditional banks are genuinely difficult without a DNI (national ID, only issued after residency approval). The practical solution for 95% of new expats: open Brubank immediately. Brubank is a fully Central Bank-authorised digital bank that allows account opening online with your CUIL and a selfie - no DNI, no branch visit. You get a multi-currency account (hold USD and ARS separately), a physical debit card delivered to your address, and full online banking. Set up Mercado Pago wallet simultaneously (with CUIL) for local payments. These two apps + a foreign card will cover everything for your first 6–12 months.

Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezeiza (EZE) for international flights (35km south of the city) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for most domestic flights (3km from Palermo). From Ezeiza: (1) Tienda León shuttle bus to Madero/Once/Retiro - ~$15 USD, frequent, safe - recommended for first arrival; (2) Uber (only if you have data and the app set up before landing); (3) Official licensed taxis from the Ezeiza taxi desk (pay at the desk before entering the car) - ~$35–$50 to Palermo. From Aeroparque: Uber or taxi (~$5–$10 to Palermo); or bus if you have a SUBE card. Avoid unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal.