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- Visas: visas are the responsibility of the participants. As of this writing, visas are not needed for US citizens entering Argentina as tourists with a valid passport. Citizens of other countries, consult your nearest Argentinian consulate:
- Weather: June/July is winter in the Southern hemisphere. In Buenos Aires it is the cold and damp season. Temperatures may go from 40°F to 60°F. Drizzles are usual. No snow.
- Airport: the Buenos Aires international airport's official name is "Ministro Pistarini" but since it is located in Ezeiza town, it is commonly known as the "Ezeiza airport" (EZE). Buenos Aires has also a domestic airport, usually called "Aeroparque" (BUE).
- Airport taxes: you will have to pay airport fees/taxes upon departure. Only cash (US dollars or pesos) is consistently accepted. Remember to keep at least 50 US dollars for that last expense.
- Money exchange: the current rate of exchange fluctuates around 3 pesos to the US dollar. There are exchange booths at the airport but their rate is usually expensive. At the airport, exchange the minimum necessary to get to the city where rates are much more advantageous.
- Credit cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted but not as widely as in the US. American Express is less used. Only banks and big hotels will accept traveler cheques. Personal checks will not be accepted. The farther away you are from Buenos Aires, the less likely your credit card will be accepted.
- Car rental: since traffic rules are different than in the US it is not advisable to rent a car. Rely on public transportation.
- Public transportation: this is an area where Buenos Aires excels. Subways, taxis, trains, and "colectivos" (Argentinian style buses) crisscross the city at neckbreaking speed. Fares are inexpensive. Unless you know what you are doing (and where you are going), stick to taxis and subways.
- Walking around: watch your step! City sidewalks are chronically broken. Look where you step to avoid painful falls. Be extremely careful while crossing the streets: vehicles expect pedestrians to move out of their way.
- Phones, internet: there are few internet cafes but many "locutorios" (almost one per block!) where you can make international calls, fax, and surf the internet. Rates (by the minute) are reasonable although not cheap.
- Food: Buenos Aires is mainly carnivorous. Beef stock -although not organic- is usually raised "free range". Beef is cheaper than chicken. Try Argentinian style pizza and stop for an "espresso" at any coffee shop.
- Health insurance: even though medical services are less expensive than in the US, medical insurance is a must for travelers abroad.
- Tipping:
- Restaurants: 10% is customary
- Taxis: let the driver keep the change, up to one peso
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