Argentina

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Overview

If any country deserves the label 'land of extremes' then Argentina does. This vast country occupying a large chunk of southern South America is topographically diverse and infinitely enchanting. From the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Andes to the dusty plains of Patagonia, Argentina never fails to amaze.

Whether exploring the lush rainforest of Missiones, horse riding in the scorched red mountains of Salta, trekking the turquoise lakes and evergreen forests of the Lake District or playing the gaucho in the fertile Pampas, the country is one of ceaseless wonder and boundless adventure.

At the heart of all this is the capital city Buenos Aires. Unfairly described as a grimy Paris, Buenos Aires is a smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho heritage is celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries.

The people of Argentina are warm, friendly and open to visitors. Despite a dark period of military dictatorship and a series of economic crises, the Argentines have a tenacious spirit and lust for life that is infectious. This passion shines through in the nation's great loves of football, food and partying. There is never a dull moment in Argentina and visitors are beginning to discover the opportunities. The tourism industry is booming and deservedly so: the country begs to be explored and experienced.

Area
2,780,400 sq km (1,073,518 sq miles).

Population
39.9 million (official estimate 2006).

Population Density
14.4 per sq km.

Capital
Buenos Aires. Population: 3 million (2006 estimate).

Government
Federal and Democratic Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1816.

Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken with some French and German.

Religion
More than 90% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant with small Muslim and Jewish communities.

Time
GMT - 3.

Social Conventions
The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. When invited to somebody's house it is quite common to take a homemade dish or dessert. Dinner is usually served between 2100-2200. Avoid casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Dress is not usually formal, though clothes should be conservative away from the beach. Formal wear is worn for official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two-pin round type, but some new buildings use the three-pin flat type.

Head of State
President Néstor Carlos Kirchner since 2003.

Culture

Food and Drink
Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink and eating out is an experience in itself. But be warned: Argentines tend to dine very late (2100 is considered early). Famed for the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat-eater's dream and a visit to a parrillada restaurant should be on a visitor's to-do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have a veggie option and salads are widely available.

The country's Italian heritage is evident in the popularity of pizza and pasta eateries throughout the country. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires, while North American and European style dishes are readily available in large hotels and tourist areas. Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value.

Many international beers are available but local brand Quilmes is eternally popular. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina, and there are many fine local varieties. Whisky, gin and rum are the most popular and form the basis for some exotic and potent cocktails. Mate is a national institution in Argentina (like tea is to the English). Made from dried yerba leaves, mate is served in a gourd and is shared between friends.

National specialities:
o Charrasco Argentino (a large, juicy gaucho steak).
o Carbonada en Zapallo (squash stuffed with a beef and vegetable stew).
o Empanadas (tasty little pastry pies usually stuffed with meat).
o Ñoquis (gnocchi - potato pasta dumplings usually served with a tomato and herb sauce).
o Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce).

National drinks:
o Yerba mate (tea-like drink).
o Quilmes is the national brand of lager.
o Malbec wine.

Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/cafe is 18.

Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars.

Nightlife
Argentines like to party and even the smallest of towns in rural areas have late night bars and discos. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a centre for South American clubbing, boasting line-ups of world famous visiting and home-grown DJs. Things rarely get going until midnight and the music keeps pumping until well after daylight.

Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras. There are casinos throughout Argentina.

Shopping
Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, possibly of even being the best shopping city in Latin America. Plush shopping centres are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. Leather goods are a good buy and can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300. In the outskirts and provinces, they tend to close at midday.

Environment
Climate
Argentina is a huge country with a wide ranging climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year, while the Tierra del Fuego in the south has a sub-arctic climate. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.
Required Clothing
European clothes for the main central area. Lightweight clothing in the north. Warm clothes are necessary in the south, in the mountains and during winter months in the central area. It is sensible to carry waterproofs in all areas.
Argentina is situated in South America, east of the Andes, and is bordered by Chile to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil to the north and northeast. There are four main geographical areas: the Andes, the North and Mesopotamia, the Pampas and Patagonia. The climate and geography of Argentina vary considerably, ranging from the great heat of the Chaco (El Chaco), through the pleasant climate of the central Pampas to the sub-Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea. Mount Aconcagua soars almost 7,000m (23,000ft) and waterfalls at Iguazú stretch around a massive semi-circle, thundering 70m (230ft) to the bed of the Paraná River. In the southwest is the Argentine Lake District with a string of beautiful glacial lakes framed by mountains.

Money

Currency
Peso (ARS; symbol AR$) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of AR$5, 2 and 1, and in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centres.

Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorised cambios (bureaux de change), which are available in all major cities.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Most major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most cities but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment.

Traveller's Cheques
These can be exchanged at banks, cambios and some hotels. It is often difficult to exchange these in the smaller towns. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 1000-1500.

Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Argentina without incurring customs duty:
(a) Travellers over 18 years of age coming from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one year's stay in these countries, may import the following quantities of these goods:
o 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars.
o 1l of alcohol.
o 2kg food.
o 1 bottle of perfume.
Travellers under 18 may import half these totals.
(b) Travellers over 18 years of age coming from countries other than those listed above, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one year's stay in countries other than those above, may import the following quantities of these:
o US$300 in gifts.
o 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
o 2l of alcohol.
o 5kg of food.
o 2 bottles of perfume.
Travellers under 18 may import half these totals.

Note: Items that might not be considered part of normal luggage (such as expensive camera equipment or musical instruments) should be declared upon arrival and the declaration shown on departure.
Prohibited Imports
Animals and birds from Africa or Asia (except Japan) without prior authorisation, parrots and fresh foodstuffs, particularly meat, dairy products and fruit. Explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material are also forbidden.
Traveller's Guide

Passports
Valid passport required.
Visas
Not required for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) for details).
Note: Visa exemptions mentioned above are for tourist purposes only. Business visa exemptions apply to nationals of the UK, Australia, USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden for business visits of up to 90 days.

Visa Note
Argentine minors travelling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or travelling with a single parent, must carry their parents', other parent's or legal guardian's authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.

Contact Addresses
Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the UK
65 Brook Street, London W1K 4AH, UK
Tel: (020) 7318 1300.
Website: www.argentine-embassy-uk.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Argentine Consulate in the UK
27 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4DF, UK
Tel: (020) 7318 1340.
Website: www.argentine-embassy-uk.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1400.

Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the USA
1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 238 6400 or 6460 (visa section).
Website: www.embassyofargentina.us

Argentina Government Tourist Office in the USA
12 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel: (212) 603 0443.
Website: www.turismo.gov.ar

Health Care
Medical insurance is recommended as there are no reciprocal health agreements. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, though of varying quality outside Buenos Aires. Immediate cash payment is often expected by doctors.
Note * Argentina is a low risk area for malaria and instances are limited to northern lowlands in the Jujuy, Salta, Corrientes and Misiones provinces. Protection against mosquito bites should be enough, but chloroquine can be used as an extra precautionary measure.

** Recommended if visiting jungle or remote rural areas. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

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