Social ConventionsThe most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. Dinner is usually eaten late - from around 2100. 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 theaters. Casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war can seem insensitive and is best avoided.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Aerolíneas
Argentinas (AR) (website:
www.aerolineas.com.ar).
Air PassesMercosur 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 TaxUS$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.
Main AirportsEzeiza 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.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Argentina without incurring customs duty:
(a) Travelers 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:
• 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars.
• 1l of alcohol.
• 2kg food.
• 1 bottle of perfume.
Travelers under 18 may import half these totals.
(b) Travelers 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:
• US$300 in gifts.
• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
• 2l of alcohol.
• 5kg of food.
• 2 bottles of perfume.
Travelers 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 ImportsAnimals and birds from Africa or Asia (except Japan) without prior authorization, parrots and fresh foodstuffs, particularly meat, dairy products and fruit. Explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material are also forbidden.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirArgentina is huge, making air travel the most practical way to get around. However, airlines in Argentina operate a two-tier pricing structure, which means that foreign travelers pay twice, or even three times as much as locals. Many flights are inconveniently (and expensively) routed through BA and delays are the norm.
Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) (website:
www.aerolineas.com.ar) serves many domestic destinations from its key hubs in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Bariloche.
Southern Winds (website:
www.swvirtual.com.ar) also serves key destinations including Mendoza, Ushuaia, Mar del Plata, Salta and Iguazu.
Air PassesVisit Argentina Pass: allows overseas visitors to buy reduced-fare coupons for flights within the country. These must be purchased in the visitor's country of origin and are not available once in Argentina.
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