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Argentina Travel Guide

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Argentina is a country of immense beauty and proportions. Its geographic diversity spans the most breathtaking terrain from Antarctica, through the wild, glacier-filled mountains of Patagonia and massive open plains of La Pampas to the deserts and tropical jungles in the north.The country can be enjoyed for its natural wonders alone, but no visit here could be called complete without stepping into its soul, its capital city. The elegant Buenos Aires is home to 40 percent of the population, and is a buzzing metropolis with a rich, passionate and tortured history that is integral to its character. It is Europe and South America contained in one geographical location, with elements of the unknown around each corner. It is familiar and strange at the same time, but at its very core, wonderfully welcoming.Along the elegant avenues of the fashionable districts, sophisticated diners observe passers-by while they sip strong coffee or enjoy smooth cervezas. There is a constant smell of meat grilling from every corner and sidewalk that reveals the Argentine passion for 'asado'. Neither glamour nor passion is in short supply in this cosmopolitan hub where Porteños are equally versed in football, politics and fashion.There are disparities between the rich and poor, with many people living in near slum conditions in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Since 1992 the economy has teetered near collapse due to corruption and government mismanagement, prompting regular and sometimes violent demonstrations. However it is business-as-usual as far as tourism is concerned; in fact, the resultant devaluation of the peso has made the country much more affordable for travellers.With so much to see and experience in this exceptional country, most visitors find they need to return for a second rendezvous.


Argentina Climate and Weather

Argentina's elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter.


Argentina Currency

Money: The Argentinean Peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos. The recent devaluation of the Peso has made Argentina more affordable for travellers but there is still much economic uncertainty and travellers are advised to keep an eye on the exchange rate. Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most urban towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere. Cirrus cards sometimes aren't accepted. There can be problems using travellers cheques in rural areas, although most banks in major cities should accept them. It's best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Currency Exchange Rates

ARS 1 = US$ 0.32£ 0.15C$ 0.30A$ 0.34R 2.08EUR 0.22NZ$ 0.41

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.



Argentina Health Overview

There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor's advice when travelling to these areas. Outbreaks of dengue fever are on the increase, and visitors are advised to avoid mosquito bites as there is no effective treatment for it. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina as well as a typhoid vaccinations for those who might eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.

Argentina Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport for travel to Argentina, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Overseas Citizens. A visa is not required for a stay of up to one month for British Nationals (Overseas).
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians require a valid passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians require a valid passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South African nationals must hold a valid passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no tourist visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds (at least US$50 per day), as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Argentina by air require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. Where visas are not required, it is for touristic purposes only.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.



Argentina Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug however most older buildings have the two-pin round type.
Language: Spanish is the official language, however English is understood in the tourist areas.
Health: There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor's advice when travelling to these areas. Outbreaks of dengue fever are on the increase, and visitors are advised to avoid mosquito bites as there is no effective treatment for it. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina as well as a typhoid vaccinations for those who might eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.
Tipping: A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Porters expect some small change per bag.
Safety: Although the political and economic crisis is over, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to avoid such public gatherings and keep abreast with news to know whether any political unrest is expected. However, there is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. Be alert for bag-snatchers, pick-pocketers and con-men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo.
Customs: Argentineans are very fashion conscious and modest. Conservative clothes are best to make a good impression.
Business: Business people dress well in Argentina and visitors are expected to wear a smart suit. Handshaking is normal. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, political and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk. Use titles when addressing people: Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) followed by their surname. Business culture in Argentina can be bureaucratic and as with most South American countries negotiation and decision making can take a long time and is best done face to face. Make sure you see the right people, as only those in high positions are likely to be able to make a final decision. Business hours are 9am to 5pm in Buenos Aires, with an hour for lunch. Outside the capital it is normal to take a siesta between 1pm and 4pm. Many business people are away on holiday during January and February.
Communications: The international access code for Argentina is +54. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Buenos Aires is (0)11. Calls are usually made from public call centres, but there are also public telephones that take coins or phone cards, although one usually pays more than the unit value of the card. Mobile phones are increasingly popular; the area code must always be used when phoning a mobile in Argentina. Internet cafes are widely available in Buenos Aires and other popular tourist destinations. Many hotels also offer Internet access.
Duty Free: Travellers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: 2 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5kg of food items. Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material. Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate.

Argentina Airports

Ministro Pistarini International Airport

Location: The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) to the southwest of Buenos Aires.
Time: GMT -3.
Contacts: Tel: +54 (0)11 5480 6111.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by a covered walkway.
Transfer to the city: Manuel Tienda Leon run a bus every 30 minutes to their terminal in the city centre (Madero Terminal), taking about 40 minutes. Public buses are cheaper but can take up to two hours to the city centre. Metered taxis are also available outside the terminal buildings, and chauffeured cars (remises) are available for hire on the lower level of both terminals.
Car rental: Car rental companies have desks in Terminal A.
Facilities: There are several shops, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as duty-free shopping. Bureaux de change and ATMs are available as well as a 24-hour bank. There is a left-luggage facility and a tourist information desk in Terminal A. Other facilities include mobile phone hire, medical service, a VIP lounge and Internet access. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking: Long- and short-term parking is available in both a multi-level covered parking garage (adjacent to Terminal A) and an open-air lot.
Departure tax: Airport tax: US$18 (international flights), US$8 (regional and Uruguay), P6.05 (domestic). Security tax: US$2.50 (international), P1 (domestic). Immigration tax (international flights): US$10.