The currency in Argentina is the peso (AR). One peso is equivalent to 100 centavos. Peso banknotes come in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins come in denominations of AR$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
The US dollar is generally, although not officially, accepted as legal tender. Other foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorised cambios, or bureaux de change, which are available in every major city.
Most major credit cards are widely accepted and although ATMs are available in most cities, it is still recommended that you carry alternative forms of payment. It can often be difficult to exchange traveller cheques in the smaller towns, so make sure you have other forms of money. If you want to avoid exchange charges, you should take US dollar traveller cheques
Banking hours are from 10:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday and closed on weekends and public holidays.
Both the import and export of local and foreign currency is limited to US$10,000.
Visitors can import up to 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars; 2 litres of alcohol; and 5kgs of foodstuffs. Animals and birds from Africa or Asia without prior authorisation are forbidden, as are fresh foodstuffs, dairy products, explosives, flammable items, narcotics and pornographic material.
All gold must be declared and visitors are recommended to gain customs clearance for expensive consumer items such as cameras and computers.
220 volts AC/50Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are two-pin round fittings, but some new buildings use three pin fittings.
If you are planning on visiting Argentina, you are advised to get the following vaccinations: hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies. Malaria is a low risk and is only found in certain regions. Dengue fever poses a minimal risk and therefore you should ensure that you always cover up at dusk and dawn, and always wear mosquito repellent.
Tap water is considered to be safe to drink, although if you travel outside the main cities, it is wise to stick to bottled water. Local meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables are safe to eat.
Health care in Argentina is generally of a high standard, especially in the main cities. The more remote the place you are staying, the fewer medical facilities will be available. Visitors must make sure that they have comprehensive medical insurance to cover any costs, should the unexpected happen. Many doctors expect an immediate cash payment, which can then be refunded by your insurance company.
For all medical emergencies telephone: 107
The official language in
Most visits to Argentina are crime and trouble-free.
Argentina has recovered from the economic and political crisis of 2001, but there are still occasional periods of social unrest. Travellers are advised to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
The number of pickpockets and other petty criminal activity has increased since the crisis. Violent crime is still rare, but visitors should be on guard, never flash a lot of money in public and always keep hold of their belongings.
While there are some threats to safety, visitors should not be overly worried, as crime in Argentina is no greater than in most other major tourist destinations across the world.
Police: 101
The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. This is not advised if you are meeting with somebody for the first time or if you have only met each other a few times previously. Argentines are very physical people and physical gestures are equally as important as the words you are saying.
If you are invited to somebody’s house, you will be expected to either bring a dessert or a homemade dish for the main course. Dinner is usually served late, between 21:00 and 22:00. Unless told otherwise, dinner dress is usually informal, although more conservative than beach or day wear. Formal dress is worn for official functions and dinners in exclusive restaurants. You should always avoid any discussion of the Falklands War in your dinner conversation.
Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theatres.
By law, tips are forbidden, but this law is widely disregarded. Many hotels and restaurants will add 25 per cent service charge, plus a 21 per cent tax charge and a minimal tip is also expected. In all other cases, 10 per cent on top of the bill will suffice. The same applies in bars throughout the country. Taxi drivers also expect to be tipped by visitors.
The international dialling code for Argentina is +54. There are many internet providers and internet cafés situated in the larger towns and cities.
GMT-3
Valid passports are required by all visitors except for Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay nationals who, providing they do not travel beyond the five countries, may use their national ID cards. Tourist visas are required in advance of entering the country.
The hotel has recently being renovated and all facilities are new. I found the front desk, to be very helpful and friendly towards a non-Spanish speaking guest. I would certainly stay again....
