I just happened to be reading The Argentine Post blog and one of their articles mentioned that Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. Hmm, I never knew that. I guess that old saying that you learn something new every day is actually true. I headed over to their web site and under “Citizen Services” is a link to the U.S. Department of State which gives some of the reasons for registering:
Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.
Registration is particularly important for those who plan to stay in a country longer than one month, …[edited] …
In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to inquirers without your expressed written authorizations. Registration through the website is not considered proof of citizenship. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
At the site, you create an account, add emergency contact info, and specify the details of your trip. You can also specify who you are traveling with. At the end, you can chooose to be added to their mailing list to receive travel warnings, public announcements and consular information sheets that are issues by the Department of State for Argentina.