Deep in the south of South America is this land of infinitely enchanting landscapes -from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the dusty plains of Patagonia to the ‘Land of Fire' - Tierra del Fuego. 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 provides wonderful, boundless adventures.

At the heart of all this is the capital city, Buenos Aires. Somewhat 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. Visitors to this country will find it easy to get into the swing of things, bringing back long-lasting memories of fine local wines and enormous steaks, along with those of the unforgettable and extraordinary landscapes.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart above. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

Argentine minors travelling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or travelling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ 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.

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$5, 2 and 1, and in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centres. Confusingly, both peso and dollar prices are often preceded by just ‘$', so check if you are uncertain.

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 accepted, but not as widely as in the US or Europe, and even some large hotels do not have credit card facilities. ATMs are available in most cities but it is still best to carry alternative forms of payment as daily withdrawal limits are low and machines don't always work.

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 use ATMs and credit cards, but if they do take traveller's cheques to bring them in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1500.

Exchange Rate Indicators

Health

Vaccinations

* 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.

Food and Drink

Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended, especially outside main cities and towns.

Other Risks

Dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes, is present but not common. Leishmanasis, a skin disease spread by sandflies, is a low risk. Both can be avoided with sensible precautionary measures such as using mosquito nets and insect repellent in lowland and jungle areas.

Health Care

Medical insurance is highly 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.

Getting There

Getting There by Air

The national airline is Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) (website: www.aerolineas.com.ar).

Approximate Flight Times

From London to Buenos Aires is 15 hours 50 minutes (via Madrid) and from New York is 10 hours 30 minutes.

Main Airports

Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) (website: www.aa2000.com.ar) is 37km (23 miles) from Buenos Aires. To/from the airport: Regular shuttle buses connect to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). Taxis and private hire cars are also available.

There is also a coach connection to Jorge Newbery airport (locally called Aeroparque) for domestic flight connections. To reach the city by car, drive on the Teniente General Ricchieri freeway. Facilities: 24-hour bank, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, tourist information kiosk, duty-free shops and car hire.

Air Passes

Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Aerolíneas Del Sur (AS), Pluna (PU) and VARIG Airlines (RG). The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for seven to 45 days. 

South American Pass: valid on Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral (its domestic subsidiary) flights only.The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and whose international flights are booked with Aerolíneas Argentinas. Up to 10 flight coupons are allowed and it is valid for 7 to 45 days. 

oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Finnair (AY), Iberia (IB), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 30 destinations. You can take as many flights as you like, but a minimum of three flights must be booked. For further details, go to www.oneworld.com, or contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure Tax

US$18. For flights to Montevideo (Uruguay) and regional flights, the departure tax is US$8. Passengers in transit and children under two years of age are exempt. Visitors are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as the departure tax is subject to frequent changes.

Climate

The climate of Argentina ranges from the great heat and extensive rains of the subtropical Chaco in the north, through to the pleasant climate of the central Pampas and the sub-Antarctic cold of the Patagonian Sea in the south. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.

Required Clothing

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.

Contacts

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 0930-1300.

Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the USA

1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 238 6401 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