BEFORE TRAVELLING
When to Travel
It´s always a good time to visit Argentina! The weather ranges from subtropical in the North to cold in the far South, so there´s always a place with your ideal weather awaiting your visit.
If it’s winter and you´re wanting more temperate weather we’ll recommend you travel to the North of Argentina: to the jungle and Iguazú Falls or to the arid beauty of Salta and Jujuy, OR if you need to get away from the heat we’ll suggest Patagonia’s lake and glacier region.
Keep in mind that in Argentina summer months are from December to March, and winter is from June to August. In the sections devoted to Argentina’s top tourist destinations you’ll find the specific weather information for each area.
Airports
International Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza, generally referred to as Ezeiza (EZE), is
located 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Buenos Aires, and serves all international flights.
However there are a few exceptions: eg. most flights for Uruguay depart from the domestic airport and but a few from Ezeiza. On the other hand some flights to tourist destinations within Argentina leave from Ezeiza early in the morning, enabling international travellers to connect to these upon arriving in Argentina.
Transfers to the city: Neptuno Viajes can organise your transfer to / from the City or the domestic airport in private vehicles with or without English speaking guides. Please enquire about our rates.
Domestic Airpot
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, referred to simply as Aeroparque (AEP) is conveniently located
minutes away from the city centre, on Av. Costanera Norte. It serves all domestic flights and those to / from Uruguay.
Transfers: Neptuno Viajes can organise your transfer to / from the City or the international airport, in private vehicles with or without English speaking guides.
Passport Requirements
You are kindly recommended to verify passport and visa requirements for each destination, as well as other type of documentation you may need.
Currency
The official currency in Argentina is the Peso. There are notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, and coins of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and 1 peso.
One American Dollar is approximately 4 Argentine pesos, while 1 Euro is about 5 Argentine pesos. Please check current exchange rates upon your arrival.
Stores, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls will gladly accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Diners Club) but most open air markets and kiosks will only accept cash.
Travellers cheques are accepted in large cities, but you may encounter difficulties in rural areas. It´s best to bring travellers cheques belonging to a well known company, and in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Banking Hours
Banking hours in Buenos Aires are from 10.00am to 3.00pm, but they may vary in different cities or provinces. Currency Exchange facilities keep roughly the same schedule.
Tipping
In restaurants and bars the usual is to tip 10- 15 % of the bill.
You don´t need to tip taxi drivers but if you round off the fare to the drivers advantage they will
appreciate it.
If you are on an excursion, it is usual to tip the driver and the guide according to the service
they have provided.
Tax Refund
In Argentina you will find stores selling a wide range of products, from traditional leather goods to the most fashionable international brands.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in Argentina is 21%. As a foreigner all you need to do to claim back the tax is to buy nationally manufactured products at retailers identified with the Tax Free Shopping logo. Only purchases of pesos $70 or over are entitled to the refund.
For each purchase you will receive a Global Refund Cheque, with the refund amount indicated. The refund amount is the VAT minus an administration fee as established by the Argentine Tax Authority.
GR Cheques are the only legal way to recover your taxes. Don´t be deceived by store employees promising you can claim your refund with their sales invoice, without a valid GR Cheque you will not obtain a refund.
Important: In order to be able to collect your refund, GR Cheques MUST be stamped by Customs before leaving Argentina. Once stamped, cheques have no expiry date for you to claim your refund.
For more information on how to obtain your refund, please visit: www.globalrefund.com
Voltage
The voltage in Argentina is 220V. Some hotels offer dual voltage (110V- 220V) for their passenger´s convenience (please enquire if this applies to your particular hotel).
If you are travelling with any electrical appliances please consider purchasing a Universal voltage transformer and a plug adaptor.
inbound@neptuno.com.ar
