Argentina Travel Guide

Social Conventions

The 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 Air

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

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.

Main Airports

Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) (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.

Duty Free

Overview

The 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 Imports

Animals 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 Air

Argentina 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) (www.aerolineas.com.ar) serves many domestic destinations from its key hubs in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Bariloche. Southern Winds (www.swvirtual.com.ar) also serves key destinations including Mendoza, Ushuaia, Mar del Plata, Salta and Iguazu.

Getting Around By Rail

After years of neglect, the government has pledged to re-establish some long-distance rail links and is funding a controversial new high-speed line linking Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosario, which will cost in the region of US$700 million. But for the time being trains remain infrequent and slow-going.

Several rail companies operate in Argentina, including Ferrobaires (tel: (011) 4304 0028; www.ferrobaires.gba.gov.ar), serving destinations such as Mar del Plata and Bahia Blanca. Trenes del Litoral (tel: (011) 4554 8018; www.trenesdellitoral.com.ar) operates between Buenos Aires and Posadas, linking many little towns in the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes. Though notoriously unreliable in terms of scheduling, El Tren a las Nubes (the Train to the Clouds) is running once again from Salta into the mountains in the north of the country, close to the Chilean border.

Getting Around By Road

Buses are a much more useful form of long-distance transport than trains. An extensive, and generally efficient, bus service links all towns and cities, with comfortable cama (bed) buses operating for overnight trips. Major roads are generally in good condition, although rural roads, composed of packed dirt, can become impassable after rain. The ‘A' roads are the autopistas (motorways) and those labelled ‘R' are rutas (roads) - tolls exist on all main roads.

Car hire: Visitors aged 21 or over may hire a car in Argentina. Car hire is available in most towns and cities, and many international companies operate out of Buenos Aires and main tourist destinations.

Regulations: The maximum speed limit on motorways is 130kph (80mph), 80kph (50mph) on one-lane roads, while the speed limit in built-up areas varies (40-60kph/25-37mph). The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

Emergency breakdown service: The Automóvil Club Argentino - ACA (tel: 0800 777 2894 in Argentina; www.aca.org.ar) offers breakdown cover and reciprocal benefits for members of motoring organizations in other countries.

Documentation: Although in theory an international driver's license is required, in practice your driving license from home is all that is needed, but must be carried with you while driving. Proof of vehicle ownership, proof of insurance and receipt for last tax payment must also be carried at all times while driving.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Buenos Aires is the only Argentine city with an underground train service, known as the Subte (www.subte.com.ar). The Subte has five lines and is generally clean, safe, fast and efficient. Subtepass tickets can be purchased at station entrances in denominations of one, two, five, 10 and 30 journeys. Overland urban trains also serve the capital city and its suburbs.

Trains and trolleybuses operate in Argentina's second city, Rosario.

Colectivos (local buses) operate on main thoroughfares in all large towns and cities. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the side of the road but make sure the meter is used. It is advisable to used recommended remises - which can only be booked by telephone and have fixed prices. Passengers should enquire beforehand.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Buenos Aires to other major cities/towns in Argentina.

	Air	Road	Rail
Córdoba	1.10	9.00	12.00
Bariloche	2.10	22.00	36.00
Iguazú	1.40	20.00	-