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Argentina

Full country name: Republica de Argentina

Land Area: 1,083,000 sq mi, 2,776,890 sq km It is the eighth largest country in the world, the second largest in South America.

Population: 38,740,807(July 2003 est.)

Capital city: Buenos Aires, population 12 million

Language: American Spanish

Government: Republic

People: 86% European descent, 15% Mestizo, 1% Indian and other minorities

Religion: 93% Roman Catholic, 2.5% Protestant, 2% Jewish, 1.5% Ukrainian Catholic, 1% Armenian Orthodox

Currency and Exchange Rate: ARS - Argentinean Peso, 2.87 Argentinean Pesos per 1US Dollar, 2.37 Argentinean Pesos per 1 Canadian Dollar, 5.14 Argentinean Pesos per 1 British Pound (annual averages for 2004)

Visas: Nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most western European countries do not need a visa to travel to Argentina. All non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card upon entry that is good for 90 days and renewable for 90 additional days. While you should try to hold on to your tourist card, if you lose it, most immigration officials will provide you with a free replacement at exit points.

Weather: All of the seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. When it is summer in New York and London it is winter in Argentina. Because Argentina is one of the biggest countries in the world, the climate varies dramatically from north to south. Below are the average temperatures for January, June and December in our four language school locations.

Weights & Measures: Distances and measures are usually metric, but rural areas may use the "legua" (league, about 5 km). Weights are measured in kilograms (1kg = 2.2 pounds).

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Argentina uses the European two prong and the Australian slanted plugs on most wall electrical outlets.

Telephones: The country code for Argentina is 54. The area code for cell phones is 15. Cellular phones are becoming popular in Argentina and some companies rent out cell phones for short-term use. If you have a tri-band world phone it will work in Buenos Aires and most parts of Argentina.

Argentinean National Holidays:

May 1: Labour Day
May 25: Anniversary of the First National Government
June 20: Day of the Flag
July 9: Independence Day
August 17: Anniversary of the Death of General Jose de San Martin
October 12: Christopher Columbus Day

Customs: Argentineans are warm and affectionate people. The customary greeting for friends and strangers is a kiss on the right cheek. Both women and men do this. When attending a party or gathering it is customary to have a small gift, like a bottle of wine, a cake, or flowers, for the host. When you leave a party or restaurant it's normal to say good-bye to everyone in the room or in your party, which means kissing everyone once again. Argentineans are rarely in a hurry to get anywhere, so a formal good-byes can take awhile.

Smoking, especially in public places, is very common in Argentina. Most large restaurants offer nonsmoking sections, but make sure to ask before you are seated. If you are in someone’s home for dinner, don't be surprised if the room fills up with smoke right after the main course. If it bothers you, you should excuse yourself -- don't ask others to smoke outside.

Safety:
Argentina is one of the safest places to travel in the world. Most crime occurs in the larger cities and is limited to robbery and petty theft. Violent crime is rare, but you should always be aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t carry valuables hanging on your neck or shoulder. Carry cameras, laptops and mp3 players in a secure bag, preferably one with a chain or wire embedded in the strap. Always remain alert for pickpockets and it is best not to wear flashy jewelry. You’ll be happy to find that Argentinean police are constantly patrolling tourist areas.

When using a taxi, make sure the car says “radio taxi.” This ensures that the driver works for a licensed company and is required to call in every new fare on the radio. Also, look for the driver’s photo ID, which should always be displayed inside the car. When you can, call a licensed remis, which is usually safer and cheaper because the price is agreed upon beforehand.

Women are safer in Buenos Aires than in many other major cities in the world, but crimes still occur. It is best not to over dress or under dress on the street. Women can expect pointed looks, the occasional catcall, and some advances on the street. It is best to appear confident and completely ignore these comments.

Using a little caution and common sense, you will have a safe and fun experience in Argentina. You will be pleased to find that most people are friendly and helpful and the worst crime you are likely to encounter is an exorbitant price on a tourist trinket. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!!