FAQS
ABOUT ARGENTINA
Argentina has a wealth of natural beauty and immensely varied scenery. It covers an area of over one million square miles and is the second largest country in South America.
In the north there are the hot Chaco grasslands and tropical jungle and in the south the Antarctic ice of Tierra del Fuego.
From the marvelous rain forest in the north-east to the amazing glaciers in the southern region of the country, enjoy its outstanding sights with every new destiny.
A visit to Iguazu Falls, the largest and most extensive in the world can be combined with a horseback ride on the Pampas, whale watching in the south, a visit to the amazing Moreno glacier and the capital, Buenos Aires.
VISITING BUENOS AIRES
The cultural capital of South America, Buenos Aires is located in the eastern banks of the River Plate, the largest river in the world. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, although being a modern city, it includes turn-of-the-twentieth-century European style buildings. It also has some well preserved districts of typical colonial architecture.
Buenos Aires inhabitants are called “porteños” which makes reference to the fact that the city is a port. Buenos Aires has everything to transform your visit into a wonderful experience.
CLIMATE
The climate of Buenos Aires is mild all year round. The mean annual temperature is 18ºC. Visitors can enjoy walking around the city in any season. On a sunny day in autumn, mornings are chilly; the temperature rises at midday and drops again at night. The average temperature for May is 12°C.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Spanish and the locals also easily understand Italian and Portuguese. However, most people involved in tourist activities speak English.
TIME DIFFERENCE
The time zone corresponds to GMT-3.
BANKS, CURRENCY, CREDIT CARDS AND VAT
Banks open at 10 am and close at 3 pm (some banks extend their closing time to 4 pm). Cash withdrawals and other transactions may be made at ATMs, 24 hours a day. The tourist subsidiary of Banco Ciudad offers this service to visitors. You can buy and sell US dollars, Euros and traveler checks:
Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm; Mondays from 10 am to 6pm. Cashiers are tourist exclusive.
The Argentine currency is the peso ($). There are $ 100, $ 50, $ 20, $ 10, $ 5 and $ 2 notes, and 1 peso, 50, 25, 10 and 5 cent coins.
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the most common foreign currency. Banks and currency exchange offices (casas de cambio), where you must present your passport, exchange foreign currency. Most of the shops accept credit cards and dollars but it is more convenient to pay by cash with pesos exchanged in casas de cambio or banks.
The VAT rate in Argentina is 21%. As a foreign visitor, you have the right to a refund of the value-added tax included in the price of the articles you take to your country. At the airport you may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $ 70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the Global Refund system.
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric power in Argentina is 220 volt, 50-cycle alternating current. Power outlets have two cylindrical holes or two flat holes with ground connection. It is convenient to bring an adaptor for these outlets to use your electrical devices without problems.
SECURITY
Buenos Aires has the reputation of being a safe city, but as in any other big city in the world, tourists should take sensible precautions.
MAKING PHONES CALLS
Buenos Aires has many public telephone booths. Public phones operate with 5, 10, 25, 50-cent and 1-peso coins.
Phone cards can be bought at any sweet or tobacco stalls (quiosco). These phones allow local, national and international calls.
For international calls, dial 00 + country code + area code + local number.
The country code for Argentina is 54, and the area code for Buenos Aires is 11. For example, to call to 4333-6666 from outside the country, you should dial +54 11 4333 6666.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
• Police: 101
• Fire: 100
• Medical assistance/ Emergencies: 107
• Telephone enquiries: 110
• Ezeiza International Airport and Jorge Newbery Airport: +54 11 5480 6111
SHOPPING OPENING HOURS
Shops are open from Monday through Fridays from 9 am to 8 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm; however, shops in main locations are also open on Saturday afternoons.
In shopping centers, hours usually extend until 10 pm, including Saturdays and Sundays.
