Argentina
Argentina
has a very European culture and feel. Which makes it one of the
most unique and exciting places to be. In fact, most of its
population of almost 40 million has European ancestry, with roots
in countries such as Spain, Italy and Germany. This makes
Argentina one of the destinations of choice for Americans and
Europeans who want to go somewhere that they feel they can truly
blend in with the inhabitants and the culture. Also, Argentineans
are amongst the friendliest and most welcoming people in the
world. If the intricate, warm culture wasn’t enough just imagine
the amazing combinations of renowned world-class cuisine.
Argentina
provides a very diverse climate and landscape. From the glaciers
at its southern tip, where it practically reaches to Antarctica,
to the subtropical regions in the north bordering Brazil,
Argentina has just about every type of landscape you can imagine.
You can find snow covered mountains, vast farming plains, mighty
rivers with roaring waterfalls, and a seemingly endless coastline
with beautiful beaches, as well as large modern cities. Over 15
million people (more than one third of the country's population)
live in Buenos Aires, a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with a
European feel. All of this combines to make Argentina a very
attractive destination.
It
would take you a lifetime to visit all the restaurants and cafes
the city has to offer together with the countless tango clubs. You
will even run into couples dancing tango in the streets. If you
are a theater lover you will be astonished by the wide variety of
plays available and you won't want to miss a world-class opera or
ballet at the renowned Colon theatre.
Buenos
Aires, the capital of Argentina, is famous for its
European style and sophistication. Since democracy was restored in
1983, Buenos Aires has enjoyed freewheeling political dialogue.
Publishing houses make it the information center of Spanish
America. Gregarious Argentines engage in a stimulating cultural
life. Drama, music, painting and sculpting have flourished. Buenos
Aires remains the scene of some of the world’s major
international music events, many taking place at the famous Colón
Opera House.
Argentina’s
36 million people enjoy more than 2,000 miles of Atlantic
coastline. Not only is the political capital, Buenos Aires also
the commercial and industrial center of the country. National
organizations relating to labor, agriculture, commerce and
industry are headquartered here. One of the more highly developed
countries in the western hemisphere, Argentina is one of the 20
largest trading nations of the world.
General
Information
Currency
Pesos (1 pesos= 100 cents), 1 US dollar- cca 3 pesos.
Language
While there are seventeen indigenous languages spoken in
Argentina, the principal language used is Spanish. Italian is also
widely understood and there are several Anglo communities.
Climate
As a result of its vast size and various geographic factors,
Argentina has an extremely varied climate making a visit in any
season worthwhile. Its latitude is the main reason for the
differences in climate but so too are the extensive mountain
ranges and the presence of the sea. For sun lovers, this country
is the perfect choice of destination offering the choice of two
summers every year. In general, however, for skiing you do need to
visit in the winter months (which you will). And, for destinations
in Patagonia and Misiones such as the Moreno Glacier and the
Iguazu Falls you are best to choose the southern hemispheres
winter or spring when it is not so hot and humid. With regards to
Buenos Aires, anytime is fine as its main attractions are not
season dependent. The
average temperature will be approximately 65 degrees during the
day and mid 50’s at night throughout July.
Time Zone
Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and two hours
ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Opening Hours
Stores in Buenos Aires are open between 9.00am and 8.00pm from
Monday to Friday. In the other cities, some shops open an hour
earlier, close for lunch between 12.00 and 4.00pm and reopen until
8.00pm. Most shops will close at 1.00pm on Saturdays and they do
not open on Sundays. Government offices are generally open between
9.00am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday.
Banks and bureaux de change open from 10.00pm until 15.00pm and
business offices are usually open from 9.00pm and 12.00pm and
again from 14.00 in the afternoon until 19.00pm.
Eating establishments are open almost all of the time with the
exception of the hours between 02.00 and 06.00 and in restaurants
lunch starts from 13.00pm and dinner from 21.00.
Electricity
Electricity in Argentina operates at 220 volts.
Tax
If you are visiting from a country which does not border
Argentina, you are exempt from all taxes on articles with a value
under US$300 and an additional three hundred if they are purchased
in duty free shops within the national territory.
Visa Requirements
For residents of most countries, a current passport is all that
you require to enter Argentina. To find out if you do not a visa
you should consult your nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Tourist Office
Almost every municipality and province has a tourist office. These
are usually located at the bus terminal or in the main square or
plaza in the area. Each province also has its own tourist office
in Buenos Aires and these are usually open from Monday to Friday
between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks,
exchange shops (casas de cambio), hotels and in both Buenos Aires
Airports. Banks and exchange shops offer similar exchange rates
but American currency usually commands a better exchange rate and
a lower fee than travellers cheques.
Cashing travellers cheques can also prove difficult in the smaller
towns. Commissions can be anything up to ten percent so if you
want to avoid this, cash them at the issuing bank or company the
most popular of which are American Express or Thomas Cook.
You can use the more common credit cards - American Express, Visa,
Master Card and Diners Club. And, you can use your ATM card if it
is part of the banking network displayed on the machine.
Telephones
The international calling code for Argentina is 54 so to dial from
your home country you would use 00 54 followed by the local
number.
The majority of public telephones use tokens called fichas or
cospeles and these are available from kiosks and telephone offices
(locutorios). You can also use magnetic calling cards called
tarjetas which you will get in the same place.
Reverse charge calls are possible from most, but not all, of the
long distance offices so you should ensure that the one you are
using is before you make the call as the rates are exceptionally
high even in the evening and at the weekend.
Post
Encotesa (Correo Argentina), the private postal service in
Argentina, has some of the most expensive rates you are every
likely to come across. Sending surface mail is a good deal cheaper
but it is also a lot less reliable. In short, you really would not
want to rely too highly on the postal service in this particular
country.
Tipping
You should tip between five and ten percent of your restaurant.
Hairdressers should be tipped about five percent and hotel porters
and doormen should receive a tip equivalent to US$1.
Public
Holidays
It is worth noting what the public holidays are before you travel
to a country as the majority of businesses, banks and shops
usually shut for the day. In Argentina they take place on January
1st, April 12th, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1st and 25th, Jun
10th and 18th, July 9th, August 16th, October 16th and December
8th and 25th. It is a good idea to check the particular area too
as certain towns and cities also shut down during special events.
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