Argentina

Flight.co.uk Overview

Flights to Argentina, the largest country in South America, land at the main international gateway, Ministro Pistarini International Airport, which is situated about 22 miles (35km) south of the bustling capital, Buenos Aires. Flights to Argentina disgorge thousands of eager visitors, intent on making the most of this vast, beautiful country and its soul-stirring, passionate heart, Buenos Aires. Argentina has long been on the route maps of the world's major airlines, but there are an increasing number of discount flights to Argentina, making this often turbulent, yet fascinating, country more affordably accessible to leisure travelers. Today it is possible to book flights to Argentina directly from most major countries. Argentina is a country of contrasts, stretching from the icy mountains of Patagonia, through the sweeping plains of La Pampas, to the deserts and rainforests of the north. Most visitors arrive on long haul flights to explore the home of the tango, the dance that reflects the passion of the people as much as does its notorious political history. From cowboys to sophisticated cosmopolitan trendsetters, and beach babes to feverish football fans, the people of Argentina are as colourful as its geographical diversity. Argentina flights open up a world that is distinctly welcoming, combining elements of the familiar and unusual, making this a destination that offers something for everyone. Cheap long haul flights are best booked in advance.

Overview

Argentina is a country of immense beauty and proportions. Its geographic diversity spans the most breathtaking terrain from Antarctica, through the wild, glacier-filled mountains of Patagonia and massive open plains of La Pampas to the deserts and tropical jungles in the north.

The country can be enjoyed for its natural wonders alone, but no visit here could be called complete without stepping into its soul, its capital city. The elegant Buenos Aires is home to 40 percent of the population, and is a buzzing metropolis with a rich, passionate and tortured history that is integral to its character. It is Europe and South America contained in one geographical location, with elements of the unknown around each corner. It is familiar and strange at the same time, but at its very core, wonderfully welcoming.

Along the elegant avenues of the fashionable districts, sophisticated diners observe passers-by while they sip strong coffee or enjoy smooth cervezas. There is a constant smell of meat grilling from every corner and sidewalk that reveals the Argentine passion for 'asado'. Neither glamour nor passion is in short supply in this cosmopolitan hub where porteneros are equally versed in football, politics and fashion.

There are disparities between the rich and poor, with many people living in near slum conditions in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Since 1992 the economy has teetered near collapse due to corruption and government mismanagement, prompting regular and sometimes violent demonstrations. However it is business-as-usual as far as tourism is concerned; in fact, the resultant devaluation of the peso has made the country much more affordable for travellers.

With so much to see and experience in this exceptional country, most visitors find they need to return for a second rendezvous.

Local Customs

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing.

Business

Business people dress well in Argentina and visitors are expected to wear a smart suit. Handshaking is normal. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, political and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk. Use titles when addressing people: Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) followed by their surname. Business culture in Argentina can be bureaucratic and as with most South American countries negotiation and decision making can take a long time and is best done face to face. Make sure you see the right people, as only those in high positions are likely to be able to make a final decision. Business hours are 9am to 5pm in Buenos Aires, with an hour for lunch. Outside the capital it is normal to take a siesta between 1pm and 4pm. Many business people are away on holiday during January and February.

Health

There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor's advice when travelling to these areas. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised. Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.

Safety

Although the political and economic crisis is over, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to avoid such public gatherings and keep abreast with news to know whether any political unrest is expected. However, there is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. Be alert to bag-snatchers, pick-pocketers and con-men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo.

Duty Free

Travellers 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 litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5 kg 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.

Tipping

A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Porters expect 50 to 75 cents US per bag.

Language

Spanish is the official language, however English is understood in the tourist areas.

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 centres, 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.

Time Zone

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 have the two-pin round type.

Money

The Argentinean Peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos. The recent devaluation of the Peso has made Argentina more affordable for travellers but there is still much economic uncertainty and travellers 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 towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere. Cirrus cards sometimes aren't accepted. There can be problems using travellers cheques in rural areas, although most banks in major cities should accept them. It's best to take travellers cheques in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.