Argentina not only
offers the tango, fine wines, and world class football
but she is also home to a rich cultural heritage.
The capital, Buenos Aires has one of Latin America’s
most cosmopolitan populations with countless generations
from Italy and Spain, to Scotland, Germany and Wales.
The country is also home to an incredible geographical
diversity, with abundant wildlife and some stunning
scenery.
With a good tourist infrastructure and modern facilities
you may travel from the sub-tropical north all the
way down to Tierra del Fuego, where Patagonia meets
the icy waters of Antarctica.
From elegant world class hotels in cosmopolitan Buenos
Aires to the simple refuges in the towering mountains
of the Fitzroy range, Argentina will delight all visitors
with her fabulous charm and natural beauty.
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
Dialling Code: 54
Festival Calendar
March/April - Easter
May 1st - Labour Day
May 25th - Revolucion de Mayo - Commemorating the
revolution of 1810.
June 10 th - Dia de las Malvinas
June 20 th - Flag Day
July 9 th - Independence Day
August 17 th - Dia de San Martin - Commemorating the
anniversary of San Martin’s death
October 12 th - Columbus Day
Climate
For residents of the northern hemisphere, Argentina
offers the inviting possibility of enjoying two summers
in the same year, but the country's great variety
and elongated geography can make a visit in any season
worthwhile. Buenos Aires' urban attractions, for example,
transcend the seasons, but Patagonian destinations,
such as the Moreno Glacier in Santa Cruz, are best
to visit in the summer months (December to February).
The Iguazú Falls in subtropical Misiones province
are best in the southern hemisphere's winter or spring
when heat and humidity are less oppressive. The winter
months (mid-June to late September) also offer the
opportunity to go skiing.
Currency
The Argentinian Nuevo Peso is the official currency
and as Argentina is generally one of the most expensive
countries to travel through in Latin America, recent
currency devaluation has resulted in a sharp drop
in prices.
The US dollar is the best foreign
currency to take with you as it offers the best rate
of exchange, but most foreign currencies can be exchanged
with little difficulty. Both credit cards and travellers’
cheques are widely accepted, but not without disadvantages.
Commission rates as high as 10% will be levied on
travellers’ cheques and should you choose to
pay by credit card, you can expect a service charge.
Our best advice is to accept that you are probably
never going to get the best rate of exchange and travel
with the form of currency you feel most comfortable
with. All of this taken into consideration, we still
feel that travel to Argentina is definitely worth
the extra cost!
Banking hours are from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday,
closed on Saturdays and may vary depending on the
season.
Visas
Most foreigners do not require a visa, only a tourist
card, which is issued at no cost upon entering the
country. You must reconfirm your country’s current
entry requirements prior to your departure.
Health
Dengue fever is a concern in the
subtropical north. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which
transmits the dengue virus, is most active during
the day, and is found mainly in urban areas, in and
around human dwellings. Signs and symptoms of dengue
fever include a sudden onset of high fever, headache,
joint and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. A rash
of small red spots sometimes appears three to four
days after the onset of fever. Severe complications
do sometimes occur. You should seek medical attention
as soon as possible if you think you may be infected.
A blood test can indicate the possibility of dengue
fever. There is no specific treatment. Aspirin should
be avoided, as it increases the risk of haemorrhaging.
There is no vaccine against dengue fever.