Argentinian pharmacies are a very useful first port of call for help with minor medical problems; staff are usually able to offer simple diagnostic advice and will often help dress wounds. You'll find a wider ranger of products and medicines available without prescription here than in many other countries and, while the brand names will undoubtedly be different, if you have the packaging of the product you're looking for, take it along so the pharmacist can find you the local equivalent. Medicines and cosmetic products are fairly expensive, however, so if you have room in your luggage, take plenty of supplies.

The easiest way to get treatment for more serious ailments is to attend the outpatients department of a local hospital , where treatment will usually be free. In Buenos Aires, the Hospital de Clínicas, José de San Martín, Av. Córdoba 235l (tel 011/4961-6001), is a particularly efficient place to receive medical advice and prescriptions; you can simply walk in and, for a small fee, make an on-the-spot appointment with the relevant specialist department - and English-speaking doctors can usually be found. For a list of English-speaking doctors throughout the country, contact the British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian or US embassy in Buenos Aires.