Location
The Argentine Republic, with an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers (1,468,000 square miles), is located in the Southern Hemisphere of the American continent. Its 3,800 kilometers (2,361 miles) in length stretch from 22º to 55º south latitude. The country borders on Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, and on the Atlantic Ocean to the East. The country is divided into 6 regions in terms of Tourism, and politically divided into 24 provinces
How to Get There
By Plane: All airlines flying to Argentina arrive mainly at Ezeiza (“Ministro Pistarini”) International Airport, which is 37 Km away from the City of Buenos Aires.
By Bus: Long-distance buses are equipped with toilets, air conditioning, and bar.
By Boat: From Uruguay (border country) you can take a hydrofoil boat or ferry.
By Car (Car rental): All international car rental companies operate in Argentina.
Language
Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic.
Time Zone
TIME ZONE I GMT (Greenwich Meridian) -3 hs.
Weather
The country’s territory offers a wide variety of climates: subtropical in the North, sub-Antarctic in southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains.
Currency
The official Argentine currency is the Peso (ARS)
Payment Methods
Although the US dollar and the Euro are generally accepted in stores and shops, foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorized agencies. The most widely accepted credit cards are AMEX, VISA and MasterCard. There are ATMs operating 24 hours a day where you can withdraw cash and do other transactions.
Banking and Business Hours
Banks open Monday thru Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm. For most business offices, the usual operating hours are from 9 am to 6 pm.
VAT Return
It is possible to get the VAT (value-added tax) refunded at the airport. If you have purchased national products for over $70 (per invoice) in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system, it is possible to get a VAT refund at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza).
Tips
10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped. Tipping is not compulsory, and there are no fixed amounts. It depends on your degree of satisfaction with the services provided and how much the individual has added to your experience.
Documents and formalities
Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on traveling articles and new articles up to US$ 300 and an additional US$ 300 if purchased at duty-free shops within the national territory. No vaccination certificate is required to enter the country.
