Useful Information

Entry Formalities

Citizens from most Western European countries and the USA do not need visas to enter Argentina. Passports are required. Upon arrival, all non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card, valid up to 90 days.

Population

The current population of Argentina is estimated to be around 35 million of which almost 40% live in the Federal Capital and the province of Buenos Aires. These figures give us a population density of 10.1 inhabitants per sq km. The 86% of the Argentine population is white and principally descendants of Italians and Spaniards. In the far northern provinces, colonized from neighbouring countries, at least half the people are mestizos though they form only about 13% of the population of the whole country. The pure indigenous population, the Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos, and Chiriguanos amounts to 0.5%.

Language

Spanish is the official language. As Italians are the single largest immigrant group, the Italian language is widely understood. While many Argentinians study English as a second language, outside Buenos Aires it is often only in tourist offices or major hotels that you will encounter individuals with a good level. Along the border with Paraguay or Bolivia, some native languages like Guaraní or Quechua of the indigenous minority are spoken.

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the official state religion. Other religions such as the Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and others are practised.

Currency & Payments

The official Argentine currency is the Peso. There are notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos and coins of 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and of 1 peso. The current exchange rates are always available at banks or at a “casa de cambio” (exchange office). US-Dollar in cash is widely accepted as form of payment but please be aware that only “clean” US-Dollar notes are taken. The Euros however have to be changed at a casa de cambio. Changing hours are from 10 AM to 3 PM only. Traveller Checks have to be changed into local currency and it is common to pay a commission of at least 1%, in rural areas like Patagonia even up to 20%! Therefore, it is advisable to stock up with cash before leaving the big cities. All major credit cards are widely accepted, however sometimes a 10% discount is offered when paying in cash.

VAT Tax

A 21% VAT tax is imposed on all purchases. At the airport you can recover this if you have purchased local products for an amount more than $200 in the shops affiliated to this system.

Electricity

Electric current operates on 220 V. 50 cycles. European Continental-type plugs are used in old buildings, Australian 3-pin flat-type in the new ones. Adapter can be purchased locally for either type.

Time

There is a difference of minus 3 hours to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). There is usually no daylight saving time during summer.

Clothing

The general standard of dress among Argentinians is very high. Collar and tie with jacket for men and elegant dresses for women is very much the standard for evening outings in Buenos Aires, but not so much at tourist spots or in the interior of the country. You must remember that the seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Summers are hot and humid for Buenos Aires and the northern part of the country, but air conditioned restaurants or buses can be often too cold. Shorts are worn in Buenos Aires and residential suburbs in spring, summer, and autumn, but their use is not common outside the capital. If travelling to Patagonia, you must always bring warm and waterproof clothes, protection against strong winds, good and comfortable shoes, and a raincoat. Even during the Patagonian summer the climate is always cold. Gloves, cap, and scarf are highly recommended if you travel on a cruise ship around the Patagonian fiords or if you plan to do some excursions on Patagonian lakes.

Souvenirs

As Argentina is famous for beef, so Argentine clothing is famous for leather. In Buenos Aires, many downtown shops cater to the tourist trade in leather jackets, handbags, shoes, or leather belts. Quality and price can vary greatly. Argentinians are very fashion-conscious with the latest styles displayed along Florida and Santa Fe streets in Buenos Aires and on main shopping streets in cities throughout the country.

Mate paraphernalia make good souvenirs. Gourds and bombillas range from simple and inexpensive aluminium, often sold in street kiosks, to elaborate and expensive gold and silver from jewellery stores or specialty shops. In the province of Salta, the distinctive ponchos de Güemes are a memorable choice.

In artisans' ferias, found throughout the country, the variety of handcraft is extensive. There are good places in Buenos Aires like San Telmo district.

Office Time

• Business hours in Buenos Aires are generally from 10.00 AM to 6.30 PM.
• Banks are open from 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM.
• Post offices are open from 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM.
• Food stores, supermarkets and shopping centres are open 7 days a week and up to 10.00 PM.
• On Saturdays, shops are open up to 12.30 PM or 1.00 PM.
• In the provinces, a nap after lunch (siesta) is common, even in colder climates like Patagonia.
• Business life starts earlier than in Buenos Aires, usually at 8.00 AM but comes to a complete halt between 12.30 PM and 4.30 PM.
• Souvenir shops and boutiques usually close at 7.30 PM. 
• Shopping Malls remain open up to 10.00 PM.

Telephone & Internet

Public telephones work with cards, which you can buy in kiosks and offices of the telephone companies. There are also many public booths/offices (Locutorios) where you can pay in cash. Most of these Locutorios also have computers available where you can use the internet to a very low cost. Costs for international telephone communication are considerable more expensive than in Europe or the USA. Please remember that most of the hotels charge an extra surplus between 50 to 100% to the telephone bill.

Transportation

Air Transportation

The size of the country makes it advisable to use air travel. Services are currently offered by Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, American Falcon, Southern Wind, and LADE. Foreigners may make use of the “air pass” called “Visite Argentina” which allows them to make, at any time of the year and for thirty days, four to eight flights of their choice at low prices. Another option is the “Mercosur air pass” which you can use, in addition to flights within Argentina, for flights to Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Buenos Aires has two airports; international flights leave from Ezeiza airport and domestic flights from Aeroparque.

Airport Tax

The current departure tax for an international flight is USD 31,50 however, only USD 18 has to be paid at Ezeiza airport. The rest is usually included in your ticket. Please check upon arrival with your guide or representative.
At some very few domestic airports, the departure tax applied is between USD 4 and 7. Sometimes, it is included in the ticket and sometimes, you have to pay it at the airport cashiers. Check-in personnel of the airlines will inform you.

Land Transportation

Argentine bus services cover a large portion of the extensive road network in the country. Long-distance buses are generally large and comfortable. Most cities and towns have central bus terminals at which each company has a separate office. There are good international bus connections between Chile and Argentina.

Most of the passenger trains stopped their services during the 1990s. There are projects to restore some of the old lines but nothing has been confirmed yet. However, there are a few interesting tourist lines. The most well-known attraction is the “Tren de las Nubes” (Train to the Clouds) leaving from Salta in north-western Argentina and passing through the multicolored Quebrada del Toro. The train goes over many bridges and stunning viaducts to an altitude of 4,575m, close to the Chilean border. Another interesting train ride is available close to Esquel in northern Patagonia. La Trochita is a narrow-gauge old steam train, which originally connected Esquel with Ingeniero Jacobacci.

Car Rental

Bearing in mind the enormous distances in the country, the lack of inhabitants in certain zones and the special climatic conditions of the high altitude provinces, it is necessary to take certain precautions. Nevertheless, travelling through Argentina in one’s own vehicle is an interesting and fun adventure. You must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age to rent a car. Rental stations are at all major cities or at the domestic airports.

Health

Although emergency medical care in Argentine public hospitals is good and sometimes even free of charge, international tourists should take out comprehensive travel insurance before they leave home. Argentina presents few serious health hazards. Cholera presents no more problem. If travelling to the high Andes, it is recommended to chew coca leaves or take coca tea to prevent altitude sickness. No special vaccination is necessary for Argentina.

Safety

Argentina is one of the safest countries in South America but in Buenos Aires and other major cities beware of the increasingly common trick of spraying mustard or ketchup on you and then getting an accomplice to clean you off (and remove your wallet). If you are sprayed, walk straight on. As in any major city in the world, it is recommended to use common sense. Overland travel is absolutely secure.

Holidays & Festivals

• The main holiday period is January to early March.
• Winter school holidays are two weeks in July.
• Easter Week goes from Thursday to Sunday. These four days are extremely busy and are always considered as high season.
• If there is a holiday in the middle of the week, it is usually changed to the following Monday.
• National holidays are:
• January 1st.
• Easter Week (March or April).
• The closest Monday to April 2nd.
• May 1st.
• May 25th.
• June 20th. (usually third Monday in June).
• July 9th.
• August 17th. (usually third Monday in August).
• The closest Monday to October 12th.
• December 25th.