Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is understood in the tourist areas.
Currency: The Argentinean Peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos. The recent devaluation of the Peso has made
Argentina more affordable for travelers but there is still much economic uncertainty and travelers are advised to keep an eye on the exchange rate. Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most urban towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars
and Euros are normally taken everywhere, but some international cards place limits on transactions. Cirrus cards sometimes aren't accepted. There can be problems using travelers cheques in rural areas, although most banks in major cities should accept them. It's best to take travelers cheques in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Time: Local time is GMT -3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug, however most older buildings use the two-pin round type plug.
Communications: The international access code for Argentina is +54. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). The area code for
Buenos Aires is (0)11. Calls are usually made from public call centers, but there are also public telephones that take coins or phone cards, although one usually pays more than the unit value of the card. Mobile phones are increasingly popular; the area code must always be used when phoning a mobile in Argentina. Internet cafes are widely available in Buenos Aires and other popular tourist destinations. Many hotels also offer Internet access.
Duty Free: Travelers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: 2 liters of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5kg of food items. Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, inflammable items, narcotics and pornographic material. Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate.
Tourist OfficeNational Secretariat of Tourism, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4312 2232 or www.turismo.gov.ar
EmergencyEmergencies: 101.
Embassies
Embassy of Argentina,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 238 6400.
Embassy of Argentina,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7318 1300.
Embassy of Argentina,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 236 2351.
Embassy of Argentina,
Canberra,
Australia: (02) 6273 9111.
Embassy of Argentina,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3524/7.
Embassy of Argentina,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 1546.
Embassy of Argentina,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 8330.
United States Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5777 4533.
British Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 2200.
Canadian Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 1000.
Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4779 3500.
Embassy of South Africa, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4317 2900.
Embassy of Ireland, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 5787 0801.
New Zealand Embassy, Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4328 0747.
