Argentina

Argentina is in South America and is almost 3.8 million Km2 big. Its boundaries are Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. The national territory is formed by 23 provinces and Buenos Aires, the Federal Capital. The country has a republican, representative and federal form of government, as provided for in the National Constitution.

Data

Argentina has almost 40,091,359 inhabitants and most of them (88%) live in cities. The City of Buenos Aires, autonomous, is the country’s capital; approximately 3,000,000 inhabitants live in it. 95% of the population is white, 85% are European descendants (mainly Italians and Spaniards). A mere 4.5% of the Argentine population has mixed European and indigenous blood, while pure indigenous population (Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos, Chiriguanos, etc.) only represents 0.5 %.

Formalities to Enter the Country:

Foreign tourists from neighbour countries only need their document to enter the country. Visitors from elsewhere must present their valid passport, with or without a visa, as the case may be. Tourists are allowed a 90 day maximum stay. Check with your embassy or the nearest consulate or get in touch with: www.cancilleria.gov.ar/portal/temas_consulares/visas.html

Entry fee (reciprocity fee):

When entering Argentine Territory, the nationals of the following countries must pay a "reciprocity fee":
• Australia: USD 100.- (single entry)
• Canadá: USD 70.- (single entry)
• EE.UU.: USD 140.- (multiple entries during 10 years since the date of the first entry)
Or the equivalent rate in Argentine pesos. Rates subject to modifications based upon reciprocity. The payment of this "reciprocity fee" is not a Visa since Argentina does not require visa to nationals of the mentioned countries when traveling for tourism or business purposes. The Argentine Government set this entry fee on equal amounts to those Argentine citizens must pay when requesting a Visa to travel to those countries. Forms of Payment: Argentine Pesos, American Dollars, credit/debit cards, Traveler’s Checks.

Currency:

The Argentine currency is the peso. The dollar exchange rate is a floating rate, currently at $ 4.05 and $ 4.10 to the dollar. American Express, Master Card, VISA and Diners are the best known credit cards, widely accepted throughout the country.

Tax Refund:

At the airport you will be able to get back the 21% VAT (Value Added Tax) amount you paid if you purchased local products in amounts higher than $ 70 (per invoice) at stores which have signed up to this effect (check for the logo on the windows). GLOBAL REFUND, a worldwide leader in tax refund services, handles the procedures.

Airports:

"Ministro Pistarini" International Ezeiza Airport:
37 km away from central Buenos Aires, it is the airline traffic hub for most of the companies flying to and from Argentina. Bear in mind that you shall have to pay an US$ 18 airport tax upon leaving the country.

Transportation: At the airport you can get taxis, minicabs or limos, buses and rental cars. We advise you not to hire any services if you are solicited by drivers or companies
• Ezeiza Taxis: Terminal A & B. Telephone: (54 11) 5480-8894. Estimated price from the airport to downtown Buenos Aires: U$D 35. Rates are in dollars. http://www.taxiezeiza.com.ar
• Shuttle bus: Tienda León. Telephone: (54 11) 5480-0374. Shuttle service every half an hour from 05.00 am to 8.30 pm. Trip lasts 40 minutes and costs U$D 13.- www.tiendaleon.com.ar
• Tienda León: Remise. Telephone: (54 11) 5480-0374. Estimated price from the airport to downtown Buenos Aires: Rates are in dollars. U$D 47.- www.tiendaleon.com.ar
• Transfer Express: Terminal A & B, Telephone: 0800-4444872 or (54 11) 4312-8883. Estimated price from the airport to downtown Buenos Aires: U$D 44 / reservas@transferexpress.com.ar
• VIP Car. Remise : Telephone: (011) 4580-4594. Estimated cost from the airport to downtown Buenos Aires: Rates are in dollars: U$D 38


Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport (also known as "Aeroparque"):
It is located in Buenos Aires, the capital city or “Capital Federal” (as it is frequently referred to), on the riverside, along the avenue called Costanera Norte. Several companies fly domestic flights to and from the principle cities in Argentina and Uruguay. Domestic arrivals and departures can be checked on at: (54-11) 5480.6111. Taxis, minicabs (i.e. limos), shuttle buses o regular buses are available to come and go to and from the airport.

• Minicabs: Tienda León, telephone: (54 11) 4314-3636 or 0800-888-5366; Transfer Express, telephone: (54 11) 4852-6772 or 0800-4444 872. e-mail: reservas@transferexpress.com.ar ; Universo Remises, telephone: (54 11) 4776 1117 / (54 11) 4776 2229.
• Shuttle: Manuel Tienda León: telephone: (54 11) 0810-888-5366 - (54 11) 4314-3636 / (54 11) 4315-5115, on line shopping: www.tiendaleon.com.ar

Security:

In general, Buenos Aires is safe. However, just as in any big city, it is advisable to take certain precautions: leave your passport and airline ticket at the hotel and do not carry large sums of cash on you. After 10.00 pm it is best to hire "radio taxis" over the phone rather than hailing cabs in the street.

Comisaría del Turista:
(the police station which takes care of tourists in particular): Av. Corrientes 436, (C1043AAR) Buenos Aires. Tel. (54-11)4346-5748, (54-11)4328-2135 or 0800-999-5000, e-mail: e-mail: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar

Tourist Assistance:

National Secretariat of Tourism (Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación), Tourist Assistance Centres: Av. Santa Fe 883, (1059) Buenos Aires, tel.(54-11) 4312-2232 or 0-800-555-0016 (toll free 24 hours a day).www.turismo.gov.ar

City Secretariat of Tourism, City of Buenos Aires (Subsecretaría de Turismo de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires). Tourist Assistance Centres in different districts and quarters of the city of Buenos Aires. CIT, Retiro Telephone: (54-11) 4313 0187.
Complete guides of Argentina in different languages (Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, Italian, German, Chinese, etc.):www.bue.gov.ar

• ASSIST CARD: Suipacha 1109, Telephone: (54-11) 4312-6801
• TRAVEL ACE: Paraná 711. Telephone: (54-11) 4374-1134
• UNIVERSAL ASSISTANCE: Av. Córdoba 967, Telephone: (54-11) 4323-6000