LAUNDRY

Most towns and cities have a plentiful supply of laundries (lavanderías or lavaderos), especially since not everyone has a washing machine. Some also do dry-cleaning, though you may have to go to a tintorería. Laundry is either charged by weight or itemized, but rates are not excessive, especially compared with the high prices charged by most hotels. Furthermore, the quality is good and the service is usually reliable.

 

HOSTEL/STUDENT RESIDENCY

Self-Catering

Shared bedroom, shared bathroom, common use kitchen, laundry room and TV lounge. No timetable restrictions. No meals included. Ideal for young independent people looking for new friends. Hot shower are available in all homestay.

 

TOILETS

Public toilets in Argentina are better than in most of South America.  For the truly squeamish, the better restaurants and cafes are good alternatives. Large shopping malls often have public bathrooms, as do international fast-food chains.  Some may find bidets a novelty; they are those strange shallow, ceramic bowls with knobs and a drain, often accompanying toilets in hotel bathrooms. They are meant for between-shower cleanings of nether regions. Turn knobs slowly, or you may end up spraying yourself or the ceiling.

 

ELECTRICITY -  INTERNET  

All accommodation has internet access and electricity. The electrical current in Argentina is 220V and the cycle is 50 Hz. Two different types of sockets are found: increasingly rare two-pronged with round pins, but which are different to the two-pin European plugs; and three-pronged, with flat pins, two of which are slanted (Australian adaptors usually work ok with these). Electrical shops sell adaptors if you haven’t brought one with you.

Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi with an advertisement in their windows. All you need to do is buy a coffee and ask for the password.

 

TAP WATER

Tap water in Argentina is safe to drink, sometimes heavily chlorinated.

 

NEEDS

Participants will find most of the things that they need from shops to internet cafes in the town. Although most of the local people will not speak any English.

 

HEALTH AND INSURANCE

All of our volunteers must be covered by a comprehensive medical and travel insurance. This includes repatriation for certain cases. If a participant falls ill, our staff we will be on hand to assist with hospital arrangements and insurance liaison, and will, of course, make sure that the patient is comfortable.

 

MEALS: 

 

BREAKFAST

Breakfast, or desayuno, is the most underplayed meal of the day in Argentina. It usually consists of a medialuna, Spanish for croissant, cup of coffee, tea or mate,  dulce de leche, a caramel-like substance comprised of cream that has been thickened, sweetened and boiled.  Argentinean Breakfast does not include cereal, eggs, fruits, bacon, pancakes.

 

LUNCH

Sandwiches, pastas, meats and salads make up the typical Argentine lunch or almuerzo. El Lomito, a thinly-sliced steak in a bun, or El Sandwich de Miga, comprised of white bread and filled with eggs, cheese, ham and mayonnaise are typical Argentine sandwiches. The Milanesa sandwich, consisting of baked, breaded chicken, provides an option for those who do not eat red meat.

 

MERIENDA

Merienda, the late afternoon snack (5 pm to 7 pm), is a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century, when the British first arrived in Argentina. It is one of the most important meals of the day for two reasons: 1) The Argentineans usually do not eat dinner until about 10:00 p.m. 2) The confiterias or cafes of Argentina play an essential role in the social, political and intellectual structure of the country. Some merienda meals represent an attempt at nutritional value, and might include a salad or a sandwich. Also could include an alfajor, a desert comprised of two shortbread cookies stuffed with dulce de leche and rolled in a choice of shaved coconut, chocolate or both.

 

DINNER

Despite its late hour (9/10/11 pm), cena, or Argentine dinner, is often a leisurely affair that drags on for 1 or more hours. Could include Pasta, meat, Pizza, empanadas. In general Argentineans do not eat a los of vegetables, cereal and fruits.

 

TIPPING

Tipping is not widespread in Argentina, with a couple of exceptions.

In restaurants and cafes it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill for decent service. An interesting note: when your server is taking your bill with payment away, saying ‘gracias’ usually implies that the server should keep the change as a tip. If you want change back, don’t say ‘gracias’ – say ‘cambio, por favor’ instead.  Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. Also note that the cubierto that some restaurants charge is not a tip; it's a sort of 'cover charge' for the use of utensils and bread.

 

Bartenders: they don’t expect a tip.

Bus porters: a small bill

Delivery persons: they don’t expect a tip.

Hotel cleaning staff: they don’t expect a tip

Hotel porter: a small bill

Fine Restaurant servers: 10% for fine restaurants with great service

Taxi drivers: no tip

 

MONEY

Euros, Dollars or any other foreigner currency can not be obtained through the automated teller machines (ATM) or any Bank. In order to receive dollars/euro for pesos, the official agencies require a receipt from an Argentinean bank (for the amount of pesos), an official form of identification, and a copy of the individual's ATM/bank card. It is highly recommended to bring cash. Damaged, written bills, $ 20 US are very undesirable and may be declined. The Argentine unit of currency is the peso (AR$).  In one word: Carrying cash and an ATM card is the way to go in Argentina.

 

Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1.000 and 2.000 denominations,  5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1, 2, 5, 10 coins are in circulation. Sometimes people are loath to give change, as coins can be in short supply, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of loose change on your person.

 

OPENING HOURS

Most shops and services are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 1pm. Outside the capital, they may close at some point during the afternoon for between one and five hours. As a rule, the further north you go, the longer the siesta – often offset by later closing times in the evening. Supermarkets seldom close during the day and are generally open much later, often until 8:30 or even 10pm, and on Saturday afternoons. Large shopping malls don’t close before 10pm and their food and drink sections (patios de comida) may stay open as late as midnight. Many of them open on Sundays too. Casas de cambio more or less follow shop hours. However, banks tend to open only on weekdays:  Banks open as early as 8:30am, but close by noon or 1:30pm.

 

PRICES

Argentina cannot really be described as a cheap destination, and with inflation unofficially estimated at around thirty percent it’s getting rapidly more expensive all the time  Activities, meals, tours, transportation, services here are generally more expensive than in other South American countries. Meal prices for even a cheap restaurant will begin at around $ 10 USD. But the quality of what is on offer is mostly pretty good, and outside Córdoba and the main tourist destinations you can find real bargains in shops and hotels.

 

STAY HEALTHY

In Argentina there are currently no vaccination requirements for international travelers.

Visiting Argentina doesn't raise any major health worries. Tap water in Argentina is safe to drink. Hospitals are free. They won´t charge you for any treatment, but it is customary to offer a contribution, if you have the means. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.   Argentina is a modern country with good health and dental services. Sanitation and hygiene at restaurants is relatively high, and tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the country

 

MEDICINE

A signed and dated note from your doctor, describing your medical conditions and medications (with their generic or scientific names) is a good idea. It’s also a good idea to bring medications in their clearly labeled, original containers. Most pharmacies in Argentina are well supplied.

 

STAY SAFE

Córdoba is a safe city with a huge college student population but it is good to know this:  Tourists in Argentina usually realize that they need to be careful, but when you’re having fun it’s easy to forget to pay attention. When possible, try not to look like a foreigner.  Obviously this is not always the easiest thing for a foreigner to do, but there are certain steps you can take. The good news is that Argentina is unlike many other countries in South America, in that the population is a bit of a melting pot. This means that if you are tall, blonde and blue eyed, you could still pass as a local here. Look at what the locals are wearing and try to imitate them to a certain extent. Carry as few valuables with you as possible, and pay attention! If you only have one small bag with your camera, money and credit cards hold it close to your body when walking, hugged to your belly while on crowded public transport, and on your lap or looped around the chair when you are sitting in a cafe or restaurant. Take care when using cameras or cell phones — it’s not unheard of for people to have them snatched out of their hands in the middle of the street by someone running past, or riding by on a bike or motorcycle.

 

DANGERS & ANNOYANCES

For tourists, Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. This isn’t to say you should skip down the street drunk with your money belt strapped to your head, but with a little common sense you can visit Argentina’s big cities as safely as you could London, Paris or New York.

The economic crisis of 1999–2001 plunged a lot of people into poverty, and street crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching and armed robbery) has subsequently risen, especially in Buenos Aires. Here, be especially watchful for pickpockets on crowded buses, on the Subte and at busy ferias (street markets). Still, most people feel perfectly safe in the big cities. In the small towns of the provinces you’d have to search for a crook to rob you. Bus terminals are common places where tourists become separated from their possessions. For the most part bus terminals are safe, as they’re usually full of families traveling and saying goodbyes, but they can also be prime grounds for bag-snatchers. Always keep an eagle eye on your goods. This is especially true in Buenos Aires’ Retiro station.

 

At sidewalk cafe or restaurant tables, always have your bag close to you, preferably touching your body. You can also place the strap around your leg or tied around the furniture. Be careful showing off expensive electronics like laptops, iPods or iPads. Other places to be wary are tourist destinations and on crowded public transportation.

 

WOMEN TRAVELLERS

Being a woman traveling in America can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you are young, alone and/or maintaining an inflexible liberal attitude. In some ways Argentina is a safer place for a woman than Europe, the United States and most other Latin American countries.  Some males feel the need to comment on a woman’s attractiveness. This often happens when the woman is alone and walking by on the street; it occasionally happens to two or more women walking together, but never to a heterosexual couple. Verbal comments include crude language, hisses, whistles and piropos (flirtatious comments), which are often vulgar – although some can be eloquent. The best thing to do is completely ignore the comments. After all, many Argentine women enjoy getting these ‘compliments’ and most men don’t necessarily mean to be insulting.

 

GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS

Argentina has become increasingly gay-friendly over recent years. Argentina is one of the world’s top gay destinations.  The capital is home to South America’s largest annual gay pride parade and in 2002 became the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex civil unions; in July 2010 Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Homophobia rarely takes the form of physical violence, however, and gay people regularly travel throughout the country to return home with nothing but praise.  When it comes to public affection, Argentine men are more physically demonstrative than their North American and European counterparts. Behaviors such as kissing on the cheek in greeting or a vigorous embrace are innocuous even to those who express unease with homosexuality.

 

DRIVERS

Being a pedestrian in Argentina is perhaps one of the country’s more-difficult ventures. Many Argentine drivers jump the gun when the traffic signal is about to change to green, drive extremely fast and change lanes unpredictably. Even though pedestrians at corners and crosswalks have legal right of way, very few drivers respect this and will hardly slow down when you are crossing. Be especially careful of buses, which can be reckless and, because of their large size, particularly dangerous.

 

ELECTRONICS WARNING

Note that buying a smart phone, and especially an iPhone, is extremely expensive in Argentina due to import restrictions – and they are not widely available. If you do bring your smart phone, don’t flash it around unnecessarily or leave it unprotected somewhere. This goes for tablet computers and laptop computers, too.

 

POLICE

The police is generally helpful and courteous to tourists. Police can demand identification at any moment and for whatever reason, though it's unlikely to happen. Always carry a copy of your passport, and – most importantly – always be courteous and cooperative. Drugs and most other substances that are illegal in the USA and many European countries are also illegal here, though marijuana has been somewhat decriminalized in Argentina (and is legal in Uruguay). If arrested, you have the constitutional right to a lawyer, a telephone call and to remain silent (beyond giving your name, nationality, age and passport number). Don’t sign anything until you speak to a lawyer. If you don’t speak Spanish, a translator should be provided for you.

 

BORDER CROSSINGS

There are numerous border crossings from neighboring Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay; the following lists are only the principal crossings. Generally, border formalities are straightforward as long as all your documents are in order.

 

Bolivia

La Quiaca to Villazón Many buses go from Jujuy and Salta to La Quiaca, where you must walk across a bridge to the Bolivian border.  Aguas Blancas to Bermejo From Orán, reached by bus from Salta or Jujuy, take a bus to Aguas Blancas and then Bermejo, where you can catch a bus to Tarija.  Salvador Mazza (Pocitos) to Yacuiba Buses from Jujuy or Salta go to Salvador Mazza at the Bolivian border, where you cross and grab a shared taxi to Yacuiba.

 

Brazil

The most common crossing is from Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguaçu. Check both cities for more information on the peculiarities of this border crossing, especially if you’re crossing the border into Brazil only to see the other side of Iguazú Falls. There is also a border crossing from Paso de los Libres to Uruguaiana (Brazil).

 

Chile

There are numerous crossings between Argentina and Chile. Except in far southern Patagonia, every land crossing involves crossing the Andes. Due to weather, some high-altitude passes close in winter; even the busy Mendoza–Santiago route over RN7 can close for several days (sometimes longer) during a severe storm. Always check road conditions, especially if you have a flight scheduled on the other side of the mountains. The following are the most commonly used crossings:  Bariloche to Puerto Montt This border crossing over the Andes to Chile is usually no fuss; an optional ‘tour’ is the famous, scenic 12-hour bus-boat combination. It takes two days in winter.

 

El Calafate to Puerto Natales and Parque Nacional Torres del Paine Probably the most beaten route down here, heading from the Glaciar Perito Moreno (near El Calafate) to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (near Puerto Natales). Several buses per day in summer; one to two daily in the off-season.

 

Los Antiguos to Chile Chico Those entering Argentina from Chile can access the rugged RN40 from here and head down to El Chaltén and El Calafate. Best in summer, when there’s actually public transport available.

 

Mendoza to Santiago The most popular crossing between the two countries, passing 6.962m Aconcagua en route.

 

Salta to San Pedro de Atacama (via Jujuy, Purmamarca and Susques) A 10-hour bus ride through the altiplano with stunningly beautiful scenery.

 

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Daily buses in summer, fewer in winter, on this 10- to 12-hour trip (depending on weather conditions), which includes a ferry crossing at either Porvenir or Punta Delgada/Primera Angostura.

 

Is that a Banana in Your Backpack?

You’ve been warned: don’t bring any fresh produce, dairy products or meat when crossing from Argentina into Chile (either overland or by air). There will likely be an inspection of all baggage at the border or airport, possibly with cute Chilean sniffer dogs, and if you’re found with any ‘contraband’ you could be fined up to US$300. Even dried or dehydrated food – and especially trail mix – might not be allowed.

 

So finish up that sandwich (quickly) and bring some water to help with all that the chewing. Don’t expect such a thorough check when crossing back, however – good or bad, Argentina doesn’t seem to care nearly as much about inspecting fruit-munching travelers.

 

Uruguay & Paraguay

There are two direct border crossings between Argentina and Paraguay: Clorinda to Asunción, and Posadas to Encarnación. From Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, you can also cross through Brazil into Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

 

Border crossings from Argentine cities to Uruguayan cities include Gualeguaychú to Fray Bentos; Colón to Paysandú; and Concordia to Salto. All involve crossing bridges. Buses from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and other waterfront cities, however, are slower and less convenient than the ferries (or ferry-bus combinations) across the Río de la Plata.

 

Bus

Travelers can bus to Argentina from most bordering countries. Buses are usually comfortable, modern and fairly clean. Crossing over does not involve too many hassles; just make sure that you have any proper visas beforehand.

 

Train

A new train service between Argentina and Uruguay began in September 2011, linking Pilar in Argentina with Paso de los Toros in Uruguay. It’s not currently very practical for travelers, but the hope is to eventually link Buenos Aires and Montevideo by rail.

 

PACKING LIST FOR ARGENTINA TRAVEL

PACK LIGHT AND IN SEASON

 

TRAVEL LIGHT, FOR FLEXIBILITY AND AGILITY DURING TRAVEL

Clothing: Jeans, jeans jeans! Argentinians wear jeans all year long, they are a great versatile piece that you can dress up or down

A light jacket — With such unpredictable weather you could be sweating all afternoon and freezing by nightfall! Try to dress in thin layers/Quick-dryingpants/Sundress/Leggings/Shorts/Cardigan/ Plenty of socks and under garments

Footwear: Comfortable shoes for when you walking around and exploring/ Sandals/Hiking shoes/ Flip-flops

Other items

Sunglasses/ Sunsreen/ Medicines/ Printed receipt of paid entry fee/ Credit/debit card and cash (Cash will be much better with bills of 50 or 100) Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs for your homestay.

 

CLIMATE OVERVIEW IN ARGENTINA

 

Remember the seasons are opposite to that of the northern hemisphere—spring is September-November, summer is December-February, autumn is March-May, and winter is June-August.   Argentina is a vast country with many different climate zones, be sure to check the regions weather forecast before you travel:  Towards the south in the Patagonia region, it has four very distinct seasons, in the winter the weather can be extremely cold, especially near the southern tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego – where the glaciers can be explored and Skiing resorts.

 

In the mid-west toward Las Pampas—also known as Pampas Gringas   the plans are typical to the four seasons. Headed slightly up north but still to the west, at the foothills of the Andes mountains, is Mendoza—wine country. The weather is moderately warm during the day and drops quite cold during the night. Up north towards the top of Argentina, is dry country. In Salta and Jujuy you will find a dry heat during the day with the temperature dropping to moderately cold at night, this region has dry winters and warm/hot summers, with really only two seasons—warm and cold.

Slightly northeast between Paraguay and Brazil is the Misiones Province, near the Iguazú Falls, this region is hot and humid year round.

In the country’s capital city, Buenos Aires, the weather is similar to a four season’s climate without the snow—it is sprinkled with rain that seems to occur every three to four days no matter the time of year.

 

SPANISH LANGUAGE

Argentina has a heavy Italian influence; so many Argentines speak with the sing-song rhythm that Italians use. They also pronounce their “ll” as “sh” instead of the “y”.  Instead of using the “tú” form you learned in school, Argentines favor the “vos” form.

 

TIPS & TRICKS - ETIQUETTE TIPS

Argentines are very proud of their country and culture. They are well-educated and sophisticated and like to be viewed as cosmopolitan and progressive.

 

• Do not Change your dollars at the airport!! (only a few if you need to)

• Bring physical dollars or euros to exchange (50 or 100 ) not 20

• Underground exchange houses offer the best rate, Ask your hotel, school, or any friendly local for a trustworthy money changer. Ask retail stores you shop at if they accept dollars.  Many retail stores will accept dollars as payment at around the blue rate.

• If you are from United States: Soy Americano: Expect may to hear yo también in a snarky tone of voice a lot if you walk around saying this. Saying you’re American when you really mean you’re from the United States amounts to acting like all of South America, Central America and Canada don’t exist, so it’s a bit rude. If you’re from the United States and you want to communicate where you’re from, go with soy norteamericano. Soy de los Estados Unidos. Soy estadounidense.

• “I don’t like staying out late” Bzzzt! Did you miss the fact that restaurants are empty until 9pm and quiet until 10pm? That boliches (nightclubs) don’t get going until 2am? That nothing is open before 10am on a weekday?

• Anything about las Islas Malvinas: Avoid talking about Great Britain or the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas). These are sensitive subjects to many Argentines. The Argentine government still impotently claims the Falklands territory to this day, and it really is a lot closer to Argentina than it is to the United Kingdom. There are plenty of other things to talk about, so just avoid the whole topic.

• DO open your gift right away and show your gratitude

• DON'T be offended by Argentine humor which can sometimes be insulting, such as poking fun at your appearance, clothing, weight, or attire.  It's all in good fun

• DON'T compare Argentina with the U.S., Chile or Brazil.  This could be considered rude

• DON'T talk about Great Britain, The Falkland Islands, or the Perons. Those are all very sensitive topics and could evoke strong reactions.

• DO participate in conversations about your personal life.  Argentines may begin asking you personal questions right after meeting you.  By being unresponsive, it could show disinterest in the conversation and the person you are talking to

• DO show up between thirty minutes late if invited to a party.

• DO bring a gift for your hosts

• Argentines are touchers and stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away.

• An embrace and one kiss on the cheek is common between friends and acquaintances.

• Although Argentines may be very vocal about politics and religion, avoid adding your opinions to these discussions.

• Argentine businesswomen are similar in status to North American businesswomen.

• Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.

• The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence.

• Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remain tactful and diplomatic.

• Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion and sentimentality.

• In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.

• Maintaining eye contact indicates interest

• When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

• If invited to dinner at an Argentine's home bring a small gift for the hostess.

• Do not begin eating until the hostess invites you to do so.

• Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.

• Everything is animated, including the exaggerated greetings and farewells when everybody rises to cheek kiss and hug, including the men.

• Argentines are a gregarious bunch, and they would rather sit around until 4am with friends and drink mate tea than sit in silence in front of a TV.

• Famous on the rest of the continent for being arrogant and self-confident

• Argentines will freely criticize the politicians they keep electing or the system they keep supporting but soon switch to the defensive if a foreigner offers a negative opinion

• The usual capital and provincial rivalry exists here just as anywhere else. Perhaps in Argentina it is a little more pronounced as Buenos Aires is overpopulated and the vast countryside under populated.

• Gringo is mostly used to refer to farm owners. Gringo in Argentina is used to refer the non spanish speakers european immigrants who established first agricultural colonies in the country. In the main agricultural region in Argentina the word Gringo is today commonly used to describe agricultural producers, a person who own lands for cultives or cattle production, manages and work the land with his family and / or farm laborers (a large land owner who never works its property can't be considered a Gringo). The farm life is very linked to the concept of Gringos. Usually Gringos are middle class or upper, but lower middle class are also gringos.

 

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