Useful Information for the Tourist

Some Facts about Argentina

Language

The official language in Argentina is Spanish (the Castilian variety). Distinctive features include the use of "vos" rather than "tú" (meaning “you”) to suggest familiarity, and the use of "che" as a common term of address. English and Portuguese are spoken by most people in the tourist industry.

Seasons

Summer (December 21 to March 20)
Autumn (March 21 to June 20)
Winter (June 21 to September 20)
Spring (September 21 to December 20)

Climate

Due to its area and elongated geography, there is a wide range of climates in Argentina, going from mild, or hot in the north, to ice cold in the south. Ask for details about your destinations.
From ºC to ºF: multiply by 1.8 and add 32.
From ºF to ºC: subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9.

Religion

Though the official religion is Roman Catholic, Argentinean citizens enjoy freedom of worship. Religious practices include Jews and Muslims, among others.

Airports

Argentina’s main international airport is Ezeiza (its actual name is Ministro Pistarini), located in Buenos Aires Province. It operates most international flights.
The main airport for domestic flights is Aeroparque, located in the City of Buenos Aires (Ezeiza is a one-hour cab ride away from Aeroparque)
The country’s main airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas and Lan Argentina, operate most domestic flights to major destinations (Other local airlines serve domestic routes also).

Traveling by Plane

Due to the country’s large size, planes are best to travel long distances, and you can then take overland transportation to get to your final destination. Buying Airpass Visit Argentina in your own country, you’ll obtain more economical prices for flights within Argentina. por Aerolíneas Argentinas / Austral, Andes Líneas Aéreas, LADE, LAER, LAN Argentina and Sol Líneas Aéreas operate domestic flights. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the city beside the Río de la Plata. Airport taxes range from $ 7.05 to U$S 8.

Domestic flights schedule from Buenos Aires to:

State	Time
San Salvador de Jujuy	2 h 10 mins
Salta	2 h.
San Miguel de Tucumán	1 h 50 mins
Puerto Iguazú	1 h 45 mins
Posadas	1 h 30 mins
Rosario	52 mins
Mendoza	1 h 50 mins
Córdoba	1 h 15 mins
Mar del Plata	45 mins
San Carlos de Bariloche	2 h 20 mins
Trelew	2 hrs.
Río Gallegos	2 h 55 mins
El Calafate	3 h 15 mins
Ushuaia	3 h 20 mins

Traveling by Bus

Buenos Aires bus station is located at Av. Ramos Mejia 1680 close to Retiro Station (Tel. 4310-0700). Long-distance buses are equipped with toilets, air conditioning and bar.

Distances from Buenos Aires:

Provincia	Distancia
Bahia Blanca	660 Km
Cafayate	1.703 Km
Córdoba	710 Km
Corrientes	1.074 Km
El Calafate	2.681 Km
Esquel	2.050 Km
Formosa	1.181 Km
Humahuaca	1.782 Km
La Plata	52 Km
La Rioja	1.168 Km
Luján	64 Km
Mar del Plata	410 Km
Mendoza	1.037 Km
Neuquén	1.156 Km
Paraná	495 Km
Pinamar	401 Km
Posadas	1.060 Km
Puerto Iguazú	1.346 Km
Puerto Madryn	1.382 Km
Rawson	1.441 Km
Resistencia	1.019 Km
Río Gallegos	2.630 Km
Río Grande	2.850 Km
Rosario	306 Km
Salta	1.605 Km
San Antonio de Areco	114 Km
San Carlos de Bariloche	1.627 Km
San Juan	1.119 Km
San Luis	820 Km
San Martín de los Andes	1.607 Km
San Miguel de Tucumán	1.310 Km
San Rafael	999 Km
San Salvador de Jujuy	1.654 Km
Santa Fe	476 Km
Santa Rosa	607 Km
Santiago del Estero	1.150 Km
Termas de Río Hondo	1.150 Km
Tigre	33 Km
Trelew	1.436 Km
Ushuaia	3.171 Km
Viedma	970 Km
Valle de Las Leñas	1.218 Km
Villa Gesell	416 Km
Villa La Angostura	1.695 Km

Traveling By Car (Car rental)

All international car rental companies operate in Argentina. The following companies have offices In Buenos Aires: Ai Rent a Car International (Maipú 965, Tel. 4311-1000), ), Alamo Rent a Car - National (Carlos Pellegrini 1175, 1st Floor “C”, Tel. 4322-3320), Avis Rent a Car (Cerrito 1527, Tel. 4326-5542), Budget Rent a Car ((Marcelo T. de Alvear 590, 10th Floor, Tel. 4311-4555), Dollar Rent a Car (M.T. de Alvear 449, Tel. 4315-8800), Hertz - Annie Millet Rent a Car (Paraguay 1138, Tel. 4816-8001), Localiza Rent a Car (Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1180, 2nd Floor, Off. 205 “C”, Tel. 4121-5600), Thrifty Car Rental (Carlos Pellegrini 1576, Loc.24, Tel. 4326-0418).

Travel Health

No vaccinations are required before entry into Argentina. Running water is fit for consumption in most cities, though it’s best to ask first. Public hospitals are open for emergency care 24 hours a day, free of charge. Health care professionals are acknowledged worldwide as exceedingly competent.

National Holidays

Banks, offices and some businesses will close, but most cinemas and theatres stay open. Tour operators are usually open for business. If a holiday falls on a weekend, or a weekday, the holiday is generally moved to the following or previous Monday.

Argentine national holidays:

Date	Description
1 de Enero	New Year
24 de Marzo	National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice
Marzo/Abril	Easter - Good Friday
2 de Abril	Veterans’ Day and tribute to the fallen in the Malvinas War
1 de Mayo	Labor Day
25 de Mayo	Anniversary of the First Independent Argentine Government
20 de Junio	National Flag Day
9 de Julio	National Independence Day
17 de Agosto	Anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín
12 de Octubre	Columbus Day
8 de Diciembre	Columbus Day
25 de Diciembre	Christmas Day
Floating Holiday. If the date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the holiday will be effective on the preceding Monday; if it falls on Thursday or Friday, the holiday will be effective the following Monday. Holiday effective the third Monday of the month.

Time Zones

The time zone is GMT -3 hours. At present, Daylight Saving is not in use in the summer months. In some provinces, Daylight Saving is in use in winter.
City life is hectic; people in most cities are late to bed and early to rise.

Phone Services and Internet Access

The existing telecoms networks provide pay pone services throughout Argentina. Pay phones can be operated with 25-cent, 50-cent and one peso coins. Calling cards are available at any kiosk or shop.
Pay phone shops (called locutorios) are widespread, providing pay phone services and Internet access.
An hour’s worth of Internet Access goes from USD 0.50 to 1.00 at a pay phone shop.
Many coffee shops and stores have expanded their services to free wi-fi internet access.

Currency

The Argentinean currency is the peso ($). Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and two. Coins come in denominations of one peso, 50, 25, 10 and five centavos (cents).
US dollars and Euros are the preferred foreign currencies. Dollars and euros can be exchanged at banks or casas de cambio, where a passport must be shown. Most shops will take credit cards and US dollars (though it’s best to ask first).

Exchange rates

Local exchange rates mean that Argentina is better value for travelers than other destinations.
US dollar quotes (2007) may range from $ 3.15 to 3.20. Euro quotes may range from $ 4.70 to 5.00.

VAT and Tax Free shopping

VAT (Value Added Tax) is 21%. For tax free shopping, customers must keep their receipts and fill in a form available at an International Airport.

Electricity

Power supply: 220V, 50HzHz. Plugs may have two circular metal pins (Australian-style) or two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade (European-style). Carrying a plug adaptor is advised.

Consulates and Embassies

Link to the Chancellery site