Moving to Argentina from the UK: A Practical Guide

Moving from the UK to Argentina is a genuinely exciting thing to do. It's also the kind of move where leaving your paperwork to the last minute creates unnecessary stress. Here's a practical sequence that makes the whole thing smoother.

Before You Leave: UK Admin

Banking and money

Don't close your UK bank account. You'll need it for HMRC, pension payments, any UK income, and as a fallback. If possible, open a Wise or Revolut account before leaving — both are excellent for sending money to Argentina at close to interbank rates, far better than traditional international wire transfers.

If you bank with HSBC, their Expat product is worth a look. It's designed for people living abroad and integrates with their global network, which matters in Argentina where HSBC has a real presence.

NHS and GP

Get a full medical summary from your GP before you leave. Include a list of all current medications with generic (non-brand) names — Argentine pharmacies use different brand names but will recognise the generic. If you take anything regularly, bring a 3-month supply while you find an equivalent in Argentina.

You lose NHS entitlement once you've been out of the UK for a meaningful period (generally after 12 months), so factor private health insurance into your budget from day one. See our healthcare guide for specifics on Argentine private health (obra social vs. prepaga).

HMRC

This is the one most people under-prepare for. If you're leaving the UK permanently or for an extended period, you need to tell HMRC. Complete form P85 (leaving the UK to live abroad) to establish your non-resident status for tax purposes.

Whether you remain UK-domiciled, whether your income is from UK or foreign sources, and how Argentina's own tax rules interact with your UK position is genuinely complex. See our dedicated HMRC guide — but the short version is: get this right before you leave, not after.

Driving licence

Your UK driving licence is valid in Argentina for up to 90 days. After that, you need an Argentine licence. The process involves an eye test, a short theory exam (available in English at some centres), and surrendering your UK licence (which you get back). Worth knowing: your UK No Claims history doesn't carry over to Argentine car insurance.

Shipping Your Belongings

Is it worth it?

Buenos Aires is well-stocked for most things you'd want, and Argentina's import duties on electronics and appliances are high — meaning some items are genuinely cheaper to buy in the UK and ship. Other things (mid-range furniture, kitchen equipment, books) might be easier to replace locally.

A 20ft container from the UK to Buenos Aires typically costs £3,000–6,000 depending on origin port and current rates; a shared container load (groupage) is cheaper for smaller volumes.

Argentine customs

Argentina has a reputation for unpredictable customs, and it's not entirely unwarranted. Personal household effects being imported permanently (mudanza) are generally duty-exempt if you can prove residency, but paperwork needs to be exactly right. Use a customs broker (agente de despacho de aduana) who handles UK imports — this is not DIY territory.

What to bring in your luggage

Electronics: bring your laptop, phone, tablets. Argentine import duties on new electronics make them significantly more expensive locally — sometimes 40–60% more than UK prices.

Medication: as above, 3 months' supply of anything you use regularly.

Clothes: Buenos Aires has good clothing options at various price points. Don't over-pack.

Books in English: the expat community has a healthy second-hand book network, but if you're particular about having your own library, it's worth bringing what matters to you.

Arriving: The First Two Weeks

Somewhere to stay

Book serviced accommodation or an Airbnb for your first 2–4 weeks — don't try to sign a lease before you've had time to explore different neighbourhoods and understand what suits you. See our guide to Buenos Aires neighbourhoods for the full breakdown.

Get a local SIM

The major operators are Personal, Claro, and Movistar. Personal tends to have the best 4G coverage in Buenos Aires. You can buy a SIM at any phone shop in the city with your passport. A decent data plan runs around ARS 5,000–8,000/month (a couple of pounds at the blue dollar rate).

CUIL number

This is Argentina's equivalent of a National Insurance number. You'll need it for almost everything official — opening a bank account, signing a lease, getting health insurance. Apply at your local ANSES office with your passport. It typically takes 1–2 days.

Bank account

Argentine banking is famously difficult for foreigners, but it has improved. The most realistic options are Mercado Pago (the fintech giant — quick to open, no branch visits required) or a traditional bank account once you have residency and a CUIL. See our banking guide for the full picture.