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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-
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The 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 use the two-pin round type plug.
Language:
Spanish is the official language, but 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 traveling to these areas. However since the outbreak of yellow fever in neighboring Brazil and Paraguay in January/February 2008, it is recommended that all visitors to regions bordering these countries, including Iguazu Falls, be inoculated against yellow fever. Outbreaks of dengue fever are on the increase, and visitors are advised to avoid getting mosquito bites as there is no effective treatment for it. A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina as well as a typhoid vaccination 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.
Customs:
Argentinean are warm and unreserved people.
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 centers, 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.
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Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
National Secretariat of Tourism, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4312 2232 or www.turismo.gov.ar
Argentina Embassies
Embassy of Argentina, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 6400
Embassy of Argentina, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7318 1300
Embassy of Argentina, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 2351
Embassy of Argentina, Canberra, Australia: (02) 6273 9111
Embassy of Argentina, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3524/7
Embassy of Argentina, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1546
Embassy of Argentina, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 8330
Foreign Embassies in Argentina
United States Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5777 4533
British Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 2200
Canadian Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 1000
Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4779 3500
Embassy of South Africa, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4317 2900
Embassy of Ireland, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5787 0801
New Zealand Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4328 0747
Argentina Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:
Airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
Location: The airport is situated 22 miles (35km) to the southwest of Buenos Aires.
Time: GMT -3.
Departure Tax: Airport tax: US$18 (international flights), US$8 (regional and Uruguay), $6.05 (domestic). Security tax: US$2.50 (international)
Climate
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 94°F (35°C) in January to 50°F (10°C) in July. The heaviest rain falls during autumn and spring, though rain can be expected at any time of the year. Many locals leave Buenos Aires during the hot summer months (December, January and February) and head for the coastal resorts.
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Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a passport for travel to Argentina, but no tourist or business visa is required for unlimited entries of up to three months each.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens. British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Overseas Citizens coming for tourism do not require a visa for stays of up to three months, while British Nationals (Overseas) do not require a tourist visa for a stay of up to one month.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport, but no tourist visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for unlimited entries of up to three months each.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for unlimited entries of up to three months each.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no tourist visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Visas are valid for several entries within the period of validity stated in the visa. 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. Extensions on visas are possible.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
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