Argentina
Capital:
Buenos Aires
Official Language: Spanish
Religions:
90% Roman Catholic, 2% Jewish, 8%
other.
Currency: Peso
= 100 centavos
Placements:
Biological Station
Map
Background
Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural
wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavoured sophistication, and a
passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. The silver lining to the
financial cloud is that it's now one of the best travel bargains going
around.
This is one Latin American country where Europeans and North
Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. An interest in
soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local.
Special Events
Surprisingly, Argentina has few festivals, and most public holidays reflect the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. Things come to a stop over the Christmas to New Year and Easter periods. Saints' days and provincial holidays are other important events, as are 25 May (commemorating the May Revolution of 1810), Malvinas Day (2 April) and Columbus Day (12 October).
Climate
Argentina's climate ranges from subtropical in the north to humid and steamy in the centre, and cold in the temperate south. The Andes region has erratic rainfall, flash floods in summer, searing heat, snow at higher elevations, and the Zonda - a hot, dry wind. The lowlands receive sufficient rainfall to support swampy forests and upland savanna, but rainfall decreases from east to west; shallow summer flooding is common in the east. The winter dry season is pronounced, and the summer heat can be brutal. The flat Pampas areas are also vulnerable to flooding. Patagonia is mild year-round in the east and glacial in the south.
Travel Info
Argentina has excellent worldwide air connections, with Aeropuerto
Internacional Ezeiza, outside Buenos Aires, the main international airport. A
departure tax of 23.50 (plus 21% IVA) is payable on international flights; the
tax is 5.00 (plus 21% IVA) on flights to Uruguay. Note that all taxes and costs
will be up in the air until the monetary crisis sorts itself out.
If
you're arriving at the Ezeiza airport, there are several buses you can take to
Buenos Aires. The buses take a while (up to 2 hours if traffic is bad), but
they're a cheaper option than taxis, especially considering the recent taxi
scams.
A multitude of land and river crossing points connect Argentina
with neighbouring Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. Travel from
Chile usually involves a hike through the Andes, while overland travel to
Bolivia can go through the border towns of La Quiaca, Tarija or Pocitos/Yacuiba.
Paraguay can be reached by bus and/or river launch, and the most common crossing
to Brazil is via Foz do Iguaçu or Uruguaiana. Uruguay is linked to Argentina by
road bridges, and ferries sail between Buenos Aires and Colonia in Uruguay.
Visas
Nationals of the USA, Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Argentina. In theory, upon arrival all non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card, good for 90 days and renewable for 90 more. In practice, immigration officials issue these only at major border crossings, such as airports and on the ferries and hydrofoils between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Although you should not toss your card away, losing it is no major catastrophe; at most exit points, immigration officials will provide an immediate replacement for free.
Safety
Terrorism
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate
terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places
frequented by foreigners. Three bombs exploded in Buenos Aires on 17 November
2004. One person was killed and another injured.
In October 2005 a number
of small explosive devices were detonated in Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and La
Plata, the majority outside banks. There were no casualties at any of these
incidents, which were believed to be the work of local anti-globalisation
groups.
Crime
In Buenos Aires the most frequent problems involve
distraction theft, bag snatching and armed robberies in the street, in taxis and
restaurants. Distraction thefts commonly occur in public areas such as Internet
cafes, and train and bus stations. You should keep a close hold on your personal
possessions and bags. Con men have also robbed tourists while an accomplice
pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard which has been "accidentally" sprayed
on them. Another common occurrence is the slitting of handbags in crowded
places. Be particularly attentive in popular tourist areas, such as San Telmo.
You should avoid carrying too much cash or wearing ostentatious jewellery.
Kidnappings have also increased, although tourists are not particular targets.
Be alert at all times.
Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night. Hail
moving taxis rather than those waiting at the kerbside, or use a hotel
recommended radio taxi. Do not offer resistance in the event of an attempted
robbery. If you are being met at the airport and you do not know your greeter,
ensure you identify his/her bonafides before accepting a lift. Alternatively use
a "remise" service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals
concourse.
When travelling on local buses and trains, remain alert at all
times. Pickpockets are rife. If you are robbed, you should inform the local
police – a police report will be required by your insurers and by the Embassy if
you need a new passport. In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English
has been opened, on telephone number 101, to help victims. There is also a new
multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes
through to the Tourist Police Station.
Passports should be left in a
hotel safe/security box except when being used for identification purposes eg.
expensive purchases, cashing travellers cheques. Keep a photocopy of the details
page of your passport with you at all times. Passports are required as
identification for internal flights.
Political Situation
Despite a
strong recovery, the economic and political crisis of 2001/02 has left its mark,
particularly in the form of increased inequality and poverty. With around 35% of
the population living below the poverty line, there are occasional outbreaks of
social unrest and demonstrations, which at times turn violent. You are advised
to be alert, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, watch the news and keep
in touch with events. You may also encounter groups of demonstrators
(piqueteros) blocking major roads into and out of the capital, causing delays
and possibly a change in route.
Road Safety
There is no reason not
to travel by road throughout Argentina. But drivers should be aware that driving
and road safety standards are not uniform: respect for speed limits and traffic
signals is patchy and manoeuvres by fellow road users can be unexpected. Crime
against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a growing
danger to be aware of; in cities it is advisable to keep windows closed and
doors locked at all times.
Care should be taken when driving in the
Province of Misiones close to the frontiers with Paraguay and Brazil. The area
is used to smuggle goods across the borders. It would be advisable to seek local
advice if driving in this area.
Air Safety
Aero Vip, an Argentine
airline company, has suspended flights for operational reasons until further
notice. Travellers should contact their travel agents to check on the latest
position.
Local laws and customs
You should not become involved
with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a
minimum four-and-a-half year prison sentence.
Health
Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the city. Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive. We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. If you have specific conditions (eg. diabetes), you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines with you for the trip. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B,
Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None