Arrival Info
The 6th version of the LASchool will take place in San Ceferino Hotel y Spa, Open Door, Luján, located in the Provincia de Buenos Aires, Ruta provincial N° 6 Km 169.5. Only 40 minutes away from the International Airport, Ezeiza.
International Arrivals
- Reciprocity tax
When entering the Argentine territory, any citizen from Australia, Canada, and the US shall now have to pay a “reciprocity tax” (this is not a Visa). The Argentine Government has established this entry application fee in an amount equal to the fee any Argentine citizen must pay when applying for a Visa to visit such countries. - International Police
Those passengers having Argentina as their final destination will have to go to the Immigration checkpoint. There, passengers will have to furnish their passports, ID Cards, or National ID (as applicable). - Customs
Passengers have the right to enter – free of customs duty charges and taxes – the goods that constitute their luggage.
Learn more: www.aa2000.com.ar
Pre-travel information for Argentina
Passport and Visa information
Travelers must have a valid, passport, which will remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of the trip. United States citizens do NOT require visas for entry into Argentina.
Arrival and departure information
Argentina Airport Entry Fee: The Government of Argentina is charging American Citizens visiting Argentina for business or tourism an entry fee of $140 U.S. dollars. The fee is collected only at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. Once paid, the fee permits multiple entries into Argentina for ten years in accordance with United States visa reciprocity. It may be paid in dollars, by credit card, or with Traveler Checks.
Currency
The official Argentine currency is the Peso. There are bills of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos and coins of 1 peso and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. You should be aware of counterfeit money. ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) Availability is generally good but you should not rely solely on using international debit cards bearing the Cirrus or Visa logos to access funds (in Argentine Pesos). IMPORTANT: In many cases your card is returned at the end of the transaction. DO NOT FORGET IT.
Credit cards
VISA, AMEX and MASTERCARD are accepted in most hotels and mayor shops and restaurants. Shops normally charge extra for the usage of the card or give important discounts for paying in cash. There are many restaurants that do not accept credit cards, they only work with cash.
Travelers cheques
Are accepted at most hotels, Banks and exchange houses (Casas de cambio) in main cities. They are not widely accepted outside the major cities.
Cash
US dollars /EUROS are not widely accepted outside the major tourist areas for cash transactions but it is worth bringing a small supply of dollars (small denominations) to exchange for pesos. Other currencies are not acceptable except at some banks and exchange houses.
Banks
These are normally open in the mayor cities from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. In smaller towns banks open at 7.00/8.00 am and close at 1.00 pm. Banks are closed on week-ends and holidays.
Bureaux of change (Casas de Cambio).
When exchanging money, you are advised to use only authorized bureaux of change, rather than informal traders.
Vat return
At the airport you may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system.
Opening hours
Banks and Exchange Bureaus: Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Business Offices: generally from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Stores: in the big cities from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., although in the outskirts and the provinces they generally close at midday. Saturdays, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Cafés, cake shops and pizzerias: open most of the time except between 2.00 and 6.00 a.m. Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.30 p.m. and dinner as from 8.30 hours. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.
Tips
10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theaters are also generally tipped.
Electricity
It runs on 220 volts. Power outlets are either two or three pronged (European style plugs). We recommend you bring and adapter with these plugs.
Dress code
Argentines are sociable, friendly and always interested in meeting foreigners. They are tactile and physically demonstrative. Most exchange kisses (usually a single cheek-to cheek kiss) on first meeting both men and women. Argentines are well presented. Dress code is casual smart.
Security
Buenos Aires and other mayor cities of Argentina are, generally speaking, safe. Use common sense and you will have a safe and enjoyable stay.
A few useful tips:
- Keep your passport, air tickets and cash in your hotel safe (Take a photocopy of your passport and small change).
- Do not walk on lonely streets or parks at night.
- Always call “radio taxis”
Climate
The country‟s territory offers a wide variety of climates Argentina, the world´s eighth-largest country, extends from the deserts of Salta in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the south. Most of the country lies in the temperature zone of the Southern hemisphere.
March in Buenos Aires:
- Avg. Max: 26°C (79°F)
- Avg Min: 16°C (61°F)
- Avg. Rain: 3.6 (inch)
From a more personal point of view, we quote Mariano Sigman:
Here is my personal advice (after having backpack Argentina for many months): First, very important, keep in mind that Argentina is a large country. Going from Calafate (South of Argentina) to Iguazu (North of Argentina) is like going from Paris to Oslo. So do not plan your trip of a few days hopscotching from North to South. It is like going to NY for two days, then to San Francisco and from there to Chicago and back to New Orleans to fly back home… Better choose one or two places, or stay at least two weeks…
We will visit Buenos Aires City (Argentina). It is worth going again, specially since the success of the visit depends on the weather.
Far from Patagonia, my favorite place in Argentina is the North-West, the high plains, the salty deserts, the lunar landscapes and the colorful and friendly people of Catamarca, Salta and Jujuy.