GETTING AROUND

By Plane

Due to the country’s large size, planes are best to travel long distances, and you can then take overland transportation to get to your final destination. Buying Airpass Visit Argentina or Discover Argentina in your own country, you’ll obtain more economical prices for flights within Argentina. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, American Falcon, Dinar, LADE, LAPA and SW operate domestic flights. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the city beside the Río de la Plata. Airport taxes range from $ 7.05 to U$S 20.50.

By Bus

Buenos Aires bus station is located at Av. Ramos Mejia 1680 close to Retiro Station (Tel. 4310-0700). Long-distance buses are equipped with toilets, air conditioning and bar.

By Train

Ferrobaires (Constitución Station, Tel. 4304-0028/31/38); TBA (Retiro Station, Tel. 4317-4407/45); NOA Ferrocarriles S.A. (Retiro Station, Tel. 4893-2244); Ferro Expreso Pampeano (Once Station, Tel. 4331-2702); Urquiza Railway (Federico Lacroze Station, tel. 4553-0044).

SHOPPING

VAT return

At the airport you may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system.

Payment methods

Although US Dollars are generally taken everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted. There may be difficulties in changing traveler's check outside Buenos Aires.

Opening hours

Banks and Exchange Bureaus: Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Business Offices: generally from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Stores: in the big cities from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., although in the outskirts and the provinces they generally close at midday. Saturdays, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Cafés, cake shops and pizzerias: open most of the time except between 2.00 and 6.00 a.m.

Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.30 p.m. and dinner as from 8.30 hours. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.

Tips

10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped.

Documents and formalities

Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on travelling articles and new articles up to US$ 300 and an additional US$ 300, if purchased at duty free shops within the national territory.

No vaccination certificate is required to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic.

Telephone

Pay phones work with cards that may be purchased in kiosks and telephone companies’ offices, or with legal tender coins. There are also stores with pay phones (open 24 hours a day) where you can pay in cash.

Calling to Argentina from abroad, dial the country code (54) and then the area code of the place you want to call. For domestic calls, dial 0 before the area code. For international calls, dial 00, the country code and city code.

Note that tariffs are reduced from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.