|
| DESTINATION INFORMATION: |
|
|
|
more
|
|
|
| Geography |
|
Second in South America only to Brazil in size and population, Argentina is a plain, rising from the Atlantic to the Chilean border and the towering Andes peaks. Aconcagua (22,834 ft, 6,960 m) is the highest more
peak in the world outside Asia. Argentina is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay on the north, and by Uruguay and Brazil on the east. The northern area is the swampy and partly wooded Gran Chaco, bordering on Bolivia and Paraguay. South of that are the rolling, fertile Pampas, which are rich in agriculture and sheep- and cattle-grazing and support most of the population. Next southward is Patagonia, a region of cool, arid steppes with some wooded and fertile sections.
|
|
|
| Climate |
|
The north of Argentina is subtropical with rain throughout the year, while the Tierra del Fuego in the south has a sub-Antarctic climate. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during more
summer (December to February) and cool in winter (April-September).
|
|
|
| Language |
|
Spanish is the official language for both countries. English is widely spoken, with some French and German. more
|
|
|
| Currency |
|
One Argentinian Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Peso notes are in denominations of P100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of P5, 2 and 1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 more
centavos.
While the US Dollar is generally (though not officially) accepted as legal tender, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized cambios (bureaux de change), which are available in all the major cities.
Foreign exchange transactions can be conducted through commercial banks, casas de cambio, or authorized shops, restaurants, hotels and clubs. Do not exchange money through black marketeers. Casas de cambio are open daily 0900-1900. You should take cash and travellers cheques in US$.
|
|
|
| Electricity |
|
Electricity in Argentina is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two-pin round type, but some new buildings use the three-pin flat type. more
|
|
|
| Time |
|
At GMT-3, Argentina is 2 hours ahead of Toronto time. more
|
|
|
| Food & Drink |
|
In Argentina, North American, Continental and Middle Eastern cuisine is generally available, while local food is largely a mixture of Basque, Spanish and Italian. Beef is of a particularly high quality and meat-eaters should not miss more
out on the chance to dine at a parrillada, or grill room, where a large variety of barbecue-style dishes can be sampled. Popular local dishes include empanadas (minced meat and other ingredients covered with puff pastry) and locro (pork and maize stew). In general, restaurants are good value. They are classified by a fork sign with three forks implying a good evening out. Hotel residents are usually asked to sign a charge slip.
Argentine wines are very good and inexpensive. Local distilleries produce their own brands of most well known spirits. Whiskies and gins are excellent, as are classic and local wines. Caribbean and South American rum adds flavour to cocktails. There are no licensing laws.
|
|
|
| Shopping |
|
In Argentina, leather goods are a good buy, as are native crafts and souvenirs. Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, possibly of even being the best shopping city in Latin more
America. Plush shopping centers are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. Leather goods are a good buy and can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas.
|
|
|
| Communications |
Telephone
The country code for Argentina is 54. The country code for Chile is 56. The outgoing international code for North America is 00.
Internet
Internet services are widely available.
Mail
You can send mail from hotels and more
post offices and this mail service is quite reliable.
Internal postal services in Argentina are subject to delay.
|
|
|
| Social Conventions |
|
In Argentina, the most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. Dinner is usually served between 2100-2200. Avoid casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Dress is not usually formal, though clothes should be conservative more
away from the beach. Formal wear is worn for official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres.
|
|
|
|
|
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
|
|
