How to Use a Cell Phone in Argentina

Argentina is a country in South America worth exploring. Traveling to Argentina will be a true adventure, but it's also calming to know that family members can be reached. While you're watching the tango dancers at La Boca and dining at Cafe Tortoni, you want to make sure that you are able to use your cell phone in the case of an emergency. Using a cell phone in Argentina is easy if you follow the correct procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Plug adaptor
• List of important phone numbers
• Transformer

Instructions

1. Buy the correct plug adaptors from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Argentina. Argentina uses plug types "C" and "I."

2. Purchase a transformer that can handle 220 volts, which is the voltage used in Argentina, to use when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone will likely fry if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Notify your cell phone company that you will be traveling abroad. Ask if they offer phone coverage in Argentina and request to be upgraded to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Argentina.

5. Familiarize yourself with how to dial locally within Argentina. If you are dialing a place in Argentina with the same area code as which you are calling, just dial the number. If the number is located around Buenos Aires, dial "0114," plus the phone number. If the number is located in Southern Argentina, dial "02," plus the area code, plus "4," plus the phone number. If the number is located in Northern Argentina, dial "03," plus the area code, plus "4," plus the phone number.

6. Know how to call the United States from Argentina. First dial "00" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Argentina). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that by the area code and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to charge your cell phone each night using the correct plug adaptor and transformer.