Chile or Argentina. Same prices?
 

With all this talk about the crazy inflation in Argentina, I am wondering if Chile is no more expensive that Argentina these days? I am considering a trip for next summer and have never been to Chile and am interested in going there. I also am budget minded so which country would give me the best bang for my buck?

topping

Having spent the last two months in Agentina and the prvious month in Chile,(on a budget!)I can't say I have noticed much of a difference in costs. Accomodation and food are perhaps a bit cheaper in Argentina.

People I have spoken to here in Argentina talk of the inflation problem but I haven't been here long enough to guage the actual rate. On balance my gut feel is that Argentina offers the better value, unless of course you are a foreigner and want to travel on internal flight.

I live part of the year in both Chile and Argentina. It seems to me that there is not that much difference once you put total costs together. Taxis are virtually the same, hotels of the 3 star and up are pricier in Argentina. Eating out is cheaper in Argentina but you now have to search out the good value places. A lot of restaurants which decided to cater to tourists are closing because they lost their local customers and there are now fewer tourists. In short, there is not that much difference to make a choice based on cost alone.
If you mean northern hemisphere summer, that would be a good time to visit the north in either country so you get good weather. If you like skiing, that would be available at that time in both too.

Thank you. Of course the dollar is stronger than it was in Chile a few months ago. Gracias de nuevo.