Obtain a United States passport through the local Post Office. The passport is valid for 10 years.
Visit the website for the Consulate General and Promotion Center of Argentina in New York to get information on relocation and documentation requirements.
Research the different cities and locales you would like to visit by going to the Travelnotes website.
Join an online community of expatriates living in Argentina to get free advice and tips on what to expect. Check out the Transitions Abroad website for a list of resources.
Start learning Spanish. Look around for free Spanish courses at different community centers. Do not get discouraged if you can't master the language right away. You will get plenty of practice later on.
Plan a trip to Argentina once you have determined which cities to visit. Look for the best deals on hotels and flights online. Book at least a 30-day stay or more. American citizens can stay legally in Argentina for 90 days without applying for a tourist visa ahead of time. The longer you stay the better; it will give you an idea of what day-to-day living is like.
Find a bank that does not charge an international processing fee for using an ATM/debit card in a foreign country. Citibank has branches throughout all the major cities in Argentina. Banking with them will give you direct access to your account and completely eliminate ATM/debit card withdrawal fees.
Fill out direct deposit forms for all current retirement or income funds. This makes it easy to get funds deposited directly into your account without having to sign and deposit checks in person.
Find a mail forwarding service. USAbox offers a great deal. You get a United States address and the ability to keep track of your incoming mail via the Internet. Choose to receive mail once a month or once every six months.
Locate a home in Argentina. Renting is a good way to start until you get a chance to visit and compare different residential neighborhoods. Some hotels allow prolonged stays and include meals.
Make the move. Do not plan on taking your household belongings or vehicle with you to Argentina. There are no trade agreements with the United States and the import fees are extremely high.
Enjoy your newfound freedom and peace of mind.
