III. TRAVELER INFORMATION.

Language
The official language is Spanish but English and French are spoken in tourist centers.

Custom Requirements
Personal effects (clothes, books, etc) may be brought into Argentina without duty fees.
Other items may be also brought free of duty (cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, etc). If you arrive by air or sea the limit is $300. When arriving by land the limit is $150. Travelers under the age of sixteen years will only be entitled to 50% of the mentioned exemptions.
Exemption from custom duties is non transferable and non cumulative. Non accompanied baggage does not have exemption from custom duties.
A written declaration is required for electronic items such as celluar phones, personal computers,etc.

Foreign exchange and Credit cards.
The monetary unit is the Peso.
Major credits cards (Amex, Visa, Master, Diners) are widely accepted in hotel, shops, and restaurants.

Banks
Foreign currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks or Exchange offices.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3. p.m.

Business hours
In Buenos Aires and the big cities from 9. a.m. to 7,30 p.m.,in some provinces from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7,30 p.m. Shopping centers open from 10 am to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The drugstores never close.

Transportation and Car Rental
Major international airlines fly to Argentina. A good way of getting around Buenos Aires is by bus, subway (subterraneo) or taxis. To travel outside the capital, long distance buses as well as the privatized railway system are comfortable. Main car rental companies are in Argentina.

Time change
Argentina is three hours behind CGT.

Public holidays
January 1, Thursday and Good Friday (Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday), May 1, May 25, April 2*, June 20*, July 9, August 17*, October 12*, December 8 and December 25.
* If these holidays fall mid-week, they will be moved to the previous Monday or following Friday.

Electricity
Electricity current operates on 220/240 volts at 50 cycles AC.

Taxes
The value added tax is 21% ( V.A.T / I.V.A) on all purchases.

Tipping
It is customary to tip waiters at restaurants 10%. A small tip to porters is advised.
Note: For more information (restaurants, hotels,etc) go to the home page and press "web page".

Index