Customs: It is not permitted to enter the country with plants, vegetables, fruits and perishable food. Domestic animals can be brought into the country with all permits and vaccinations as required by law (contact your nearest Argentine consulate for more information).
Public Bathrooms: If you are walking around the city when nature calls, you can go to any bar or restaurant (all are required by law to have bathrooms). We recommend that you use the ones inside the shopping malls and those inside of McDonalds and Burger King; they are usually very clean and do not require that consumption. Some subway stations also have decent bathrooms.
Climate: Climate in Buenos Aires is temperate, with peaks reaching up to 40ºC (110 ºF) during the months of January - March, while the coldest months are June and July with temperature of 0ºC (30ºF).
Seasons:
Spring: September 21 to December 20. Average temperature: 17ºC (64ºF)
Summer: December 21 to March 20. Average temperature: 23ºC (76ºF)
Autumn: March 21 to July 20. Average temperature: 18ºC (66ºF)
Winter: July 21 to September 20. Average temperature: 5ºC (40ºF)
Embassies and Consulates Click here to see a list of addresses and phone numbers of embassies and consulates.
Driving: If you
are considering driving, you will have to be very cautious due to the large
number of vehicles and the existence of narrow streets (mainly downtown
Buenos Aires).
Drivers
usually lose their temper pretty fast and are not patient, so get used
to the honking. Gasoline is called nafta and the use of the seatbelt is
mandatory. Police checkpoints are usual around the city.
Electricity: Electricity in Argentina is 220-240v 50 cycles. Any equipment using 110v needs a transformer that can be bought at any hardware store.
National Holidays:
|
New Year |
January 1 |
|
Good Friday |
April 18 |
|
Labor Day |
May 1 |
|
1810 Revolution Day Anniversary |
May 25 |
|
National Sovereignty Day |
June 10 |
|
Flag Day |
June 20 |
|
Independence Day |
July 9 |
|
José de San Martín's Death Anniversary |
August 17 |
|
Race Day - Columbus Day |
October 12 |
|
Christmas |
December 25 |
Taxes: Taxes on purchases is 21% and it is already included in the final sale price, otherwise you'll see a sign stating: $$$ + IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado=Valued Added Tax).
Ask for Directions: If you get lost in the city don't hesitate to ask a "Porteño" (residents of Buenos Aires) for directions. They are nice and helpful.
Tips: Unlike other big cities around the world, tipping is not mandatory. If you are happy with the service you receive, it will be more than welcome.
System of Measurement:
Argentina uses the metric system; temperature is
measured in
Celsius
and volume in liters.
Visas: Contact the embassy or consulate of Argentina in your home city to confirm if you require a visa to enter the country. Neighboring countries (Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil) citizens do not need to have a passport, they can enter with their ID's.
Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay you should go to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (Av. Antártida Argentina 1355 -Retiro area -. Tel: 4317-0200) to obtain information and requirements.
Caution!
Buenos Aires, like any other big city in the world, has crime and theft (particularly on foreigners who don’t speak Spanish), so try to avoid having an unpleasant moment by taking basic precautions. Don't be afraid, you can walk the streets of Buenos Aires at night without a problem, just be careful and ask someone at your hotel to give you suggestions on where NOT to go.
We listed some recommendations:
-
Avoid walking alone in dark and isolated areas.
-
Do not have jewelry or valuables at easy reach.
-
Do not expose your photo camera too much.
-
Always have an ID with you.
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Have you bags and belongings in sight if traveling on a crowded subway or on crowded streets.
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In case of an emergency dial 101 from the nearest public phone for assistance (call is free).
-
Due to the bad economy, you will notice that there are many people begging for money on certain areas of the city. Try to ignore them and keep walking.
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