Argentina is situated in southeast South America. It shares its northern border with Bolivia and Paraguay; its eastern border with Brazil and Uruguay; the west and part of the south with Chile, and the south and most of the east with the Atlantic Ocean.
Its population is 37 million inhabitants, 11 of which are concentrated in Buenos Aires. The majority of the Argentine population is of mostly European decent, mainly Italian and Spanish, with an indigenous minority that represents only 0.5% of the population.

Politically, Argentina is a federal republic, divided in 23 provinces and a federal district that correspond to the Federal Capital or the center of Buenos Aires. This system recognizes three governments; executive, Legislative and Judicial. The official language in Argentina is Spanish, and While the majority of the population claims to be apostolic catholic (93%), the official religion of Argentina, there is total freedom of religion and worship.

Buenos Aires,  Entrance city

Buenos Aires is situated on the east side of Argentina next to Río de la Plata (river). It is the ninth highest populated city in the world and possesses 47 districts, each one with its own characteristics and history.

Buenos Aires is one of the most European cities in Latin America and many call it the Paris of South America, thanks to its French style buildings, large variety of plazas, fountains and sculptures. Furthermore, Buenos Aires is a very cosmopolitan city due to the different groups of immigrants that have arrived to Argentina. The cultural life in Buenos Aires is considered one of the most important in the southern cone of South America and several theaters feature world famous performances and shows and present artists from all over the globe.

Buenos Aires is a charming and entertaining city, It is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive metropolis cities in Latin America.

GETTING TO ARGENTINA
 

All airlines flying to Argentina arrive at Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport, which is 35 Km away from the City of Buenos Aires. You can reach the city by Teniente General Ricchieri freeway after 40 minutes you´ll arrive in Town. Please note that when leaving the country, a US$ 18 tax must be paid.

WHEN TO TRAVEL
 

Due to the extension of the country, its geographical location, and different latitudes and altitudes, Argentina presents climatic characteristics that greatly differ from one region to the other.

Like other South American countries below the equator, Argentina's winter lasts from July to October, while the summer goes from December to March. In general, the summer is the best time to visit Patagonia and the Southern Andes because of the mild temperatures and long days. Wintertime is recommended for travelling to the North and Northwest as rains are less frequent and tropical temperatures drop a few degrees. Autumn and spring are marvelous in Buenos Aires, Cuyo and the pre-mountain range areas of La Rioja and Catamarca
 

GETTING AROUND
 

Due to the country's large size, planes are best to travel long distances, and you can then take overland transportation to get to your final destination. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, Dinar, LADE, Lan Argentina and Southern Winds operate domestic flights. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the city beside the Río de la Plata. Most of Airport taxes are included on the air ticket, except in Trelew, Ushuaia and El Calafate that part of the tax must be paid before you leave. The tax that you´ll pay if you are leaving to Uruguay is USD 8.

Car rental

All international car rental companies operate in Argentina. The following companies have offices In Buenos Aires: Rent a Car International ,Avis Rent a Car, Budget Rent a Car, Dollar Rent a Car, Hertz - Annie Millet Rent a Car, Localiza Rent a Car, Thrifty Car Rental.

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. That represents 16% of the total paid.

EXCHANGE, SHOPPING AND PAYMENT METHODS

The Argentine currency is the Argentinean peso. Until January of 2002, one peso equaled one U.S. dollar and this value was established by the Law of Conversion. As of that date, said law was abolished and the peso began to fluctuate in the market, thus, causing the quoted price to change on a daily basis. One dollar it´s around 3 Argentinean Pesos.

Although US Dollars are generally taken everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted and if your debit card can be used internationally and the machine displays one of the logos that appear on your card, for example Visa, Cirrus or Plus, you won’t have problems withdrawing money. There may be difficulties in changing traveler's check outside Buenos Aires, better change them at American Express office that is in town.

You can exchange money in hotels, banks and money exchange offices. It´s better not to change a lot of money and use the dollars so as to do shopping, you´ll get a better change. The easiest foreign currency to exchange is the U.S. dollar (USD), thus, making it convenient to first exchange your money to dollars in your country. Tips are not included in Argentina. 10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped.

DOCUMENTS AND FORMALITIES

Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate. No vaccination certificate is required to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic.
 

CALLING FROM ARGENTINA

Pay phones work with cards that may be purchased in kiosks and telephone companies' offices, or with legal tender coins. There are also stores with pay phones (open 24 hours a day) where you can pay in cash.

Calling to Argentina from abroad, dial the country code (54) and then the area code of the place you want to call. For domestic calls, dial 0 before the area code. For international calls, dial 00, the country code and city code. Note that tariffs are reduced from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.