Argentina Travel Guide

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Shopping

For an atmospheric shopping experience, visit one of the country's many local ferias (fairs). Leather goods are everywhere, and native arts and handicrafts are also popular. Chocolates from Bariloche and wines from Mendoza make particularly welcome gifts.

Beautifully crafted textiles, furniture and clothes are sold by Pasion Argentina (www.pasion-argentina.com.ar) which supports often forgotten indigenous communities. Tierra Adentro in Buenos Aires sells exquisite, fair trade native silver jewelry, textiles and furniture crafted by aboriginals.

Look out for the ‘Tax Free' shopping sign which means foreign visitors can claim back the 21% sales tax on any purchases made in the country. See www.globalrefund.com.

Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300, but many shops close for a long lunch. Opening hours are often unpredictable.

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

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized cambios (bureau de change), which are available in all major cities.

Credit Cards, 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.

Travelers Checks

These can be exchanged at banks, cambios and some hotels. It is often difficult to exchange these in the smaller towns. Travelers are advised to use ATMs and credit cards, but if they do take traveler's checks to bring them in US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Visitors to Argentina can import up to US$10,000 or its equivalent without having to declare. The export of foreign currency for amounts higher than US$10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies is prohibited. Minors aged between 16 and 21 years old can exit Argentina with a maximum of US$2,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, and minors under 16 years old with a maximum amount of US$ 1,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1500.

Exchange Rate