Argentina

Region

Southeastern South America

Area

2,780,400 km² (1,073,518 sq miles)

Population

40.7 million (official estimate 2008)

Population density

14.6 per km²

Capital

Buenos Aires. Population: 3 million (2006 estimate)

Government

Federal and Democratic Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1816.

Geography

Argentina is situated in South America, separated from Chile to the west by the long spine of the Andes. Its eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean, with Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil to the north and northeast.

It can roughly be divided into four main geographical areas: the spectacular Andes mountain range, the dry North along with the more verdant Mesopotamia, the lush plains of the Pampas and the windswept wastes of Patagonia.

Mount Aconcagua soars almost 7,000m (23,000ft) and waterfalls at Iguazú stretch around a massive semi-circle, thundering 70m (230ft) to the bed of the Paraná River. In the southwest is the Argentine Lake District with a string of beautiful glacial lakes framed by snow-covered mountains.

Language

Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken with some French and German.

Religion

More than 90% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant with small Muslim and Jewish communities.

Time

GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Saturday in March to first Saturday in October)

Social Conventions

The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. Dinner is usually eaten late - from around 2100. Dress is not usually formal, though clothes should be conservative away from the beach. Formal wear is worn for official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres. Casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war can seem insensitive and is best avoided.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 60Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two-pin round type, but most new buildings use the v-shaped twin with earth ping. Travellers should bring a world travel adaptor.

Head of State

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner since 2007.

Recent History

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner succeeded her husband, Néstor Carlos Kirchner, becoming Argentina's first elected female president in October 2007, with a majority of 44%. Billed as her husband's top advisor during his four-year tenure, she came to power promising more of the same centre-left populist policies that had served her husband so well.

Soon however, the US claimed to have found evidence of 'suitcase scandals' - where illegal money from Venezuela was allegedly couriered in to aid her election.

In early 2008, she took a hard line with the country's farmers, imposing export tax hikes that she hoped would be perceived as punishing wealthy landowners. But the whole agricultural sector (rich and poor) rebelled, blocking every major road in the country. This crippled Argentina's budget 'road trip' tourist industry, and more seriously, food shortages were reported in major cities.

Former Kirchner acolytes were then involved in violent actions against the protesters, bringing back horrific memories of former strong-arm governments. The tax increases were eventually overturned by a rebellious senate, and Cristina Kirchner's popularity has plummeted.

Climate

The climate of Argentina ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north, through to the pleasant climate of the central Pampas and the sub-Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing in the north. Warm clothes are necessary in the south, in the mountains and during winter months in the central area. It is sensible to carry waterproofs in all areas.

Hotels

Hotels range in standard from the most luxurious in Buenos Aires to the distinctly rustic in rural areas. In Buenos Aires, the cheaper hotels can mostly be found around Avenida de Mayo. Note that hosterías are not hostels, but anything from a budget to a luxury hotel.

Most hotels add at least 20% tax to any quoted room price. Check correct charges when booking.

Grading: Ranges from 5-star (highest) to 1-star (lowest). Be aware that this rating system rarely reaches international standards, especially with regard to service. Watch out too for 'design' hotels that may feature the latest in interior design, but tend to disappoint when it comes to staff and attention to detail.

Self catering

It is possible to rent cheap self-catering apartments, with or without maid service, either by the day or week. Most apartments are in Buenos Aires, although they can be found in all cities.

Camping / Caravanning

Most resort cities welcome campers, and there are campsites and caravan sites throughout Argentina. Campervans can be hired.

Bed & Breakfast

Available in small family hotels in Buenos Aires and other cities. Maid service is generally included in the price, but laundry service often requires a small extra charge. Bed & breakfast hotels can also offer useful tourist advice.

Youth Hostels

There are youth hostels throughout Argentina, from Tilcaru in the north to El Calafate and Ushaia in the south.

Rural/Farmstay Accommodation

Don't miss the chance to stay in one of Argentina's unique estancias (farm estates) which offer a fascinating glimpse of rural life. Often luxurious, many have swimming pools and offer horseriding and other activities.

GDP

US$262 billion (2007).

Main exports

Soya beans and oil, cereals, mineral fuels, beef and leather.

Main imports

Machinery and equipments, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal manufactured goods and plastics.

Main trade partners

Brazil, USA, Chile and China.

Economy

Argentina is rich in natural resources and also has a large and profitable agricultural sector. For all its potential, the economy has been historically blighted by high inflation and a massive foreign debt. The Menem government of the mid 1990s made a reasonable attempt to tackle these through privatisation, free market economics and cuts in public spending. In addition, the value of the Peso was fixed to the US Dollar. The immediate results were reductions in the national debt and the inflation rate. However, the policy of Peso-Dollar parity eventually led to a sharp fall in exports and government tax revenues, as well as a large increase in government debt.

With external debt topping US$130 billion in 2001, Argentina was on the point of defaulting on its overseas debts, potentially leading to a complete economic meltdown. At the end of the year, the government was forced to devalue the Peso and freeze bank accounts. In the intervening years, the government has taken a number of steps to restructure its economy and in 2005 President Kirchner made the bold move of paying off the country's debt to the IMF. Despite the severe economic crisis, Argentina has battled back and industry is buoyant. Although the GDP growth has hovered around 8% in recent years, economic forecasts predict that will half in 2009, with inflation rates set to rise.

Business Etiquette

Business cards are usually given and businesspeople expect to deal with someone of equal status. Personal contacts are highly valued in business negotiations. Meetings commonly start 10 or 15 minutes late. Literature is in Spanish, although many Argentine businesspeople speak English as a second language.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1900, although many workers start late and finish late.

Currency

Peso (ARS; symbol AR$) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of AR$5, 2 and 1, and in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centres. Confusingly, both peso and dollar prices are often preceded by just '$', so check if you are uncertain.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorised cambios (bureaux de change), which are available in all major cities.

Credit / Debit Cars

Most major credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in the US or Europe, and even some large hotels do not have credit card facilities. ATMs are available in most cities but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment as daily withdrawal limits are low and machines don't always work.

Travelers Cheques

These can be exchanged at banks, cambios and some hotels. It is often difficult to exchange these in the smaller towns. Travellers are advised to use ATMs and credit cards, but if they do take traveller's cheques to bring them in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1500.

Exchange Rates

Date Jan 2009

£1.00 = AR$5.02

$1.00 = AR$3.45

€1.00 = AR$4.73

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Argentina without incurring customs duty: (a) Travellers over 18 years of age coming from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one year's stay in these countries, may import the following quantities of these goods:

200 cigarettes and 25 cigars

1l of alcohol

2kg food

1 bottle of perfume. Travellers under 18 may import half these totals. (b) Travellers over 18 years of age coming from countries other than those listed above, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one year's stay in countries other than those above, may import the following quantities of these:

US$300 in gifts

400 cigarettes and 50 cigars

2l of alcohol

5kg of food

2 bottles of perfume. Travellers under 18 may import half these totals. Note: Items that might not be considered part of normal luggage (such as expensive camera equipment or musical instruments) should be declared upon arrival and the declaration shown on departure.

Prohibited Exports

Animals and birds from Africa or Asia (except Japan) without prior authorisation, parrots and fresh foodstuffs, particularly meat, dairy products and fruit. Explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material are also forbidden.

Shopping

Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, but don't expect any bargains. Smart, but mostly bland, shopping centres are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. For an altogether more atmospheric shopping experience, visit one of the country's many local ferias (fairs). Leather goods can be made to measure in a few days.

Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas. Chocolates from Bariloche and wines from Mendoza make particularly welcome gifts. Try to shop ethically wherever possible. Beautifully crafted textiles, furniture and clothes are sold by Pasion Argentina (www.pasion-argentina.com.ar) which supports often forgotten indigenous communities.

Tierra Adentro (www.tierraadentro.info) sells exquisite, fair trade native silver jewellery, textiles and furniture crafted by aboriginals. Look out for the 'Tax Free' shopping sign which means foreign visitors can claim back the 21% sales tax on any purchases made in the country. For more information, go to www.globalrefund.com.

Shopping hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300, but many shops close for a long lunch. Opening hours are often unpredictable.

Food and Drink

Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink, although choices are often restricted to meat, pasta and pizza. Argentines tend to dine very late (2100 is considered early). Famed for the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat eater's dream and a visit to a parrilla (grill) restaurant should be on a visitor's must-do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have vegetable options and salads are widely available.

Traditional confiterías (cafes) as well as more fashionable resto-bars (restaurant-bars) are popular in big cities. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires. Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina - although at heavily inflated prices, but there are many fine local varieties.

National specialties

Bife de chorizo (rump or sirloin steak)

Bife de lomo (tenderloin or filet mignon)

Empanadas (little pastry pies stuffed with beef, chicken, vegetable or cheese)

Parrillada (mixed grill) which might include morcilla (blood sausage)

Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce)

National drinks

Yerba mate (tea-like drink)

Quilmes is the national brand of lager

Malbec wine

Tipping

Around 15% is acceptable in restaurants as well as bars (unless you were dissatisfied) which waiting staff rely on to survive.

Nightlife

Argentines like to party and even the smallest of towns in rural areas have late night bars and discos. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a centre for South American clubbing, boasting line-ups of world famous visiting and home-grown DJs. Things rarely get going until midnight and the music keeps pumping until well after daylight.

Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas(tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Mendoza, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras.

Health

Diphtheria - Yes;
Hepatitis A - Yes;
Malaria - No*;
Rabies - Yes**;
Tetanus - Yes;
Typhoid - Yes;
Yellow Fever - No.

NOTE - * Argentina is a low risk area for malaria and instances are limited to northern lowlands in the Jujuy, Salta, Corrientes and Misiones provinces. Protection against mosquito bites should be enough, but chloroquine can be used as an extra precautionary measure.
** Recommended if visiting jungle or remote rural areas. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Health Care

Medical insurance is highly recommended as there are no reciprocal health agreements. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, though of varying quality outside Buenos Aires. Immediate cash payment is often expected by doctors.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period:

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day; 24 Mar Truth and Justice Day; 2 Apr Veterans' Day (Malvinas); 10 Apr Good Friday; 1 May Labour Day; 25 May National Day (Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution); 15 Jun National Flag Day (Belgrano Day); 9 Jul National Independence Day; 17 Aug San Martín Day (Anniversary of the Death of General José de San Martín); 12 Oct Race Recognition Day; 8 Dec Immaculate Conception Day; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day; 24 Mar Truth and Justice Day; 2 Apr Good Friday; 2 Apr Veterans' Day (Malvinas); 1 May Labour Day; 25 May National Day (Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution); 14 Jun National Flag Day (Belgrano Day); 9 Jul National Independence Day; 16 Aug San Martín Day (Anniversary of the Death of General José de San Martín); 11 Oct Race Recognition Day; 8 Dec Immaculate Conception Day; 25 Dec Christmas Day.

Things to Do

Trek Argentina's vast landscapes, mountains and deserts; stunning scenery is guaranteed in the Lake District around Bariloche and San Martín, the Sierras de Córdoba and around MountFitzroy in Los Glaciares National Park(website: www.losglaciares.com).

Dine at a parrilla, or grill restaurant, where a large variety of barbecue-style dishes can be sampled in authentic Argentine fashion.

Ski down the eastern slopes of the Andes (best May to September). Bariloche is the oldest and best-equipped ski resort, although purpose-built Las Leñas (website: www.laslenas.com) is gaining popularity.

Get into the rhythm of the city and learn how to tango at lively milongas (tango clubs) or watch a tango show at venues throughout Buenos Aires.

Raft down wild rapids on the River Manso near Bariloche, the River Atuel near San Rafael or the Juramento Rapids near Salta.

Shop until you drop in Buenos Aires, a city with a well-earned reputation as a shopper's paradise. The elegant and cosmopolitan microcentro (north of Avenida de Mayo) includes the Florida and Lavalle pedestrian malls and the Plaza San Martín.

Head for the hills from Salta on the dizzying Tren a Las Nubes (website: www.trenalasnubes.com.ar). It winds its way over bridges and viaducts, through gorges and deserts, and across shimmering salt flats to over 4,000m (13,000ft).

Visit an estancia to witness the workings of an Argentine farm. Some offer the chance to ride horses like an Argentine cowboy. Others provide unadulterated luxury.

Saddle up on a horse trek amid the arid, rose-tinted mountains around Salta in Argentina's far northwest.

Taste some of the New World's best wines and learn about the region's winemaking heritage at a traditional bodega in Mendoza.

Things to See

Soak up the atmosphere of the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires, with its many cafes, antique shops, tango clubs and a Sunday flea market on Plaza Dorrego.

Stroll through the capital's chic Recoleta district, famous for its Cementerio de la Recoleta (where many members of Argentina's elite are buried) and the renowned Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) (website: www.mnba.org.ar).

Marvel at the multi-coloured houses and artistic talent of La Boca, where Italian immigrants settled to work in the shipyards and the tango was supposedly born.

See the top spots of the Pampas and visit the scenic peaks of Sierra de la Ventana (website: www.sierradelaventana.com). Note the traces of colonial past in Santa Fe and glimpse the pink granite rock formations of Lihue Calel National Park.

Be dazzled by the sheer power of Iguazú Falls(website: www.iguazuargentina.com). Experience Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) via a system of catwalks over the thundering water and take an exhilerating boat to the base of the falls.

Visit one of Argentina's oldest cities, Corrientes(website: www.corrientes.gov.ar/turismo), and see Santísima Cruz de los Milagros church and the San Francisco convent. Corrientes is the land of the chamamé, a type of rhythmic music derived from the polka.

Gaze at the Andes topped by Mount Aconcagua (6,995m/22,944ft) (website: www.aconcagua.com.ar), the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere, in Aconcagua National Park. Nearby, the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue offers magnificent views from almost 4,000m (13,120ft) above sea level.

Be awestruck by nature on the Valdes Peninsula. See herds ofseals, sea lions and take a whale watching boat trip then visit the penguin colony at Punta Tombo.

Take in the scenery of glacial lakes, mountains and forests in Bariloche's Lake District. Continue on to Lanín National Park, dominated by the extinct, snow-capped LanínVolcano (3,776m/12,386ft).

Feel the chill in Los Glaciares National Park(website: www.losglaciares.com). The Perito Moreno Glacier is its centrepiece, where huge icebergs calve and topple into Lake Argentino.

Travel to the 'end of the earth' at Tierra del Fuego(website: www.tierradelfuego.org.ar), the gateway to the Antarctic. Explore the marine and bird life of the Beagle Channel by boat and wander through Ushuaia, the world's most southerly city.

Discover the architecture of colonial Salta (website: www.turismosalta.gov.ar). Stop in on the nearby pre-Incan ruins at Santa Rosa de Tastil and travel through the stunning red gorge of the Quebrada de Humahuaca(website: www.quebradadehumahuaca.com), scattered with verdant oases.

Wander around the Ischigualasto National Park(website: www.ischigualasto.org). This desert valley is also called 'the valley of the moon', owing to its distinctive rock formations and fossils dating back 180 million years.

Travel Advice

Most visits are trouble-free. It is advised to keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as Internet cafes, and train and bus stations where distraction thefts commonly occur. There are occasional outbreaks of social unrest. Visitors should avoid demonstrations. Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.

In April 2007 severe flooding caused by heavy rain has affected the provinces of Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Cordoba. Travel has been severely disrupted. It is advised to contact local authorities for further information if travelling in the area and to adjust travel plans accordingly.It is strongly advised not to become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a minimum four and a half years' sentence. The threat from terrorism in Argentina is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart above. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details).

Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Telephone

Country code: 54.

Phone centres known as locutorios can be found in most towns. Users are given their own phone booth and calls are added up and paid for at the end. Public pay phones are available in shops and restaurants and on some streets. These take 1 peso or 50 and 25 centavos coins. Most public telephones accept international phone cards.

Mobil Mobile Phones

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies, but phones must be tri-band. Coverage is good in most parts of the country, but may be lacking in remote and mountain areas.

Internet

Available in most towns and cities in locutorios (phone centres) and internet cafes. Many estancias and rural areas are cut off from both internet and telephone access. Internet and Wi-Fi access are increasingly found in upper range hotels.

Media

Following the return of democracy, freedom of the press was enshrined in the law, and newspapers, magazines, radio and television generally function free from government interference. However, individual journalists critical of the establishment are often bullied and ostracised by the powers that be, particularly in the provinces.

Post

Airmail to Europe is slow and generally takes over a week, or even two. Surface mail to Europe takes on average 20 to 25 days but can take as long as 50 days, so it is advisable to send everything airmail. An express service offers guaranteed 24-hour delivery in Argentina, and one to five days worldwide. The main post office in Buenos Aires is located in Sarmiento 189.

Post office hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0900-1300, with some regional variation.

Press

Argentina's principal dailies include Clarín, La Nación, Crónica, El Cronista Commercial, Página 12, Diario Popular and La Prensa.

The Buenos Aires Herald is the leading English-language newspaper in Latin America.

The Argentimes is an English-language newspaper for young people.

Radio

There are hundreds of radio stations in Argentina, many of them unlicensed.

Some of the biggest stations are Radio Nacional, Radio America, FM Palermo and Radio Mitre.

Getting around by Air

Argentina is huge, making air travel the most practical way to get around. However, airlines in Argentina operate a two-tier pricing structure, which means that foreign travelers pay twice, or even three times as much as locals. Many flights are inconveniently (and expensively) routed through BA and delays are the norm.

Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) (website: www.aerolineas.com.ar) serves many domestic destinations from its key hubs in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Bariloche. Southern Winds (website: www.swvirtual.com.ar) also serves key destinations including Mendoza, Ushuaia, Mar del Plata, Salta and Iguazu.

Air Passes - Visit Argentina Pass: allows overseas visitors to buy reduced-fare coupons for flights within the country. These must be purchased in the visitor's country of origin and are not available once in Argentina.

Getting there by Air

The national airline is Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) (website: www.aerolineas.com.ar). Air Passes - Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Aerolíneas Del Sur (AS), Pluna (PU) and VARIG Airlines (RG).

The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for seven to 45 days.

South American Pass: valid on Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral (its domestic subsidiary) flights only.The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and whose international flights are booked with Aerolíneas Argentinas. Up to 10 flight coupons are allowed and it is valid for 7 to 45 days.

Oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 30 destinations. You can take as many flights as you like, but a minimum of three flights must be booked. For further details, go to www.oneworld.com, or contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure tax

US$18. For flights to Montevideo (Uruguay) and regional flights, the departure tax is US$8. Passengers in transit and children under two years of age are exempt. Visitors are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as the departure tax is subject to frequent changes.

Main airports

Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)(website: www.aa2000.com.ar) is 37km (23 miles) from Buenos Aires.
To/from the airport: Regular shuttle buses connect to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). Taxis and private hire cars are also available. There is also a coach connection to Jorge Newberyairport (locally called Aeroparque) for domestic flight connections. To reach the city by car, drive on the Teniente General Ricchieri freeway.
Facilities: 24-hour bank, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, tourist information kiosk, duty-free shops and car hire.