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- All travelers are required to have in their possession a valid passport for entrance into Argentina. Travelers holding a United States passport do not require a special entry visa. Non-US citizens are advised to check with the nearest Argentine diplomatic or consular representative for information on visa requirements.
- Spanish is the official language of Argentina; however, English will be used during all tours and meetings scheduled by Latin American Study Tours. Many Argentines enjoy the opportunity of speaking English when approached by non-Spanish speaking visitors.
- Bring some cash,
but mostly credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express), and ATM cards (the cheapest
way to get cash) -- there are plenty of ATM machines all over Buenos Aires. (Note: It is highly recommended that you let your credit card company know that you will be traveling to Argentina before your trip. Otherwise some companies may block your transactions if you attempt to purchase goods or services in Buenos Aires.) The official currency of Argentina is the Peso. As of August 27, 2007, one US Dollar (USD) = 3.16998 Argentina Pesos. Up-to-the-minute currency conversion rates can be found at "Yahoo! Currency Converter", "XE.com" and any number of other online currency calculators.
- Do not bring traveler's checks, as they are increasingly more difficult to use in Argentina, and are no longer a necessary precaution due to the increased access to ATMs and money exchange services. Shared value or cash cards are a good option, however.
- All tours of businesses and plants will be business casual attire. All meetings taking place in professional offices will require professional business attire. This means suits or blazers with neckties for men and suit or pants suit for ladies. Footwear must be business dress, flat shoes. High heels are not recommended for women due to cobblestone streets and the condition of some factory floors; for business visits ATHLETIC SHOES, CASUAL SHOES AND FLIP FLOPS ARE HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.
- Because of occasional air quality problems in Buenos Aires at this time of year, people suffering from any kind of respiratory problem should be sure to bring proper medications.
- The Buenos Aires water supply is potable, but drinking it may cause traveler's illness, so it is not advised, nor is brushing teeth with local water. To avoid any complications, we suggest you drink bottled water, which you can purchase at the hotel, supermarkets, or sidewalk kiosks.
- We also recommend avoiding iced beverages.
- Bring a roll of toilet paper or packets of pocket tissue - particularly in public establishments and rest rooms, the toilet paper can be either like sandpaper or non-existent.
- Goods and services in Argentina are subject to a 21% value added tax. This is generally included in the purchase price. This tax can be recuperated upon leaving the country in some cases (primarily clothing and souvenirs), so be sure to keep all of your receipts on goods purchased.
- Since
the power supply in Argentina is 220. The use of appliances or electric devices designed for 110V need a transformer. Most travel appliances like laptop computers and mobile phones have an auto volt (110V-240V) transformer that will adapt to Argentine electricity. Each person will be provided with a complimentary adaptor compatible with Argentine wall sockets.
- It is usual to tip at restaurants and bars in Argentina. The standard rate is 10% and this is generally not included in the bill unless otherwise stated. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but you may round up the fare to the nearest peso for convenience, or when the taxi driver has been particularly helpful.
- Many clothing and souvenir stores offer discounts for cash payments. Otherwise bargaining is not common practice in Buenos Aires, although you may be able to bargain in the local artisan markets, or at leather goods outlets, for a small percentage off the listed price depending on your negotiation skills.
- Petty crime and theft increased significantly after the economic crisis in Argentina as a whole. In spite of this, Buenos Aires and most Argentine cities are currently relatively safe. Being cautious is always highly recommended, especially at night. It is not advisable to let strangers approach you or wear expensive jewelry. Keep valuables out of sight. Be particularly alert to pickpockets in crowded areas or on the subway. In restaurants and cafes, especially on the street, never leave your valuables unattended or your handbag hanging behind your chair. Valuables, including your passport, should be deposited in the safe in your hotel room. We suggest that you take a photocopy of the photo page of your passport to carry with you at all times in case local authorities request to see them. In the event of theft you should immediately contact Latin American Study Tours or the hotel.