ARRIVAL
A VALID PASSPORT is necessary with at least 6 months remaining until expiration. No visa is needed for U.S. citizens or Community subjects; citizens from other countries should check entry requirements with the Argentine consulate.
ENTRY REQUEST FEE
When entering Argentine Territory, American, Canadian and Australian passport holders visiting Argentina (as tourists or on business), will be required to pay the reciprocity fee according to these amounts:
Rates:
- Australia: U$D 100. – (valid for 1 year)
- Canadá: U$D 75. – (valid one entrance) o U$D 150. – (multiple entrances per 5 years)
- EE.UU. U$D 160 (valid for 10 years).-
Note: rates subject to modifications based upon reciprocity.
The payment of this “reciprocity fee” is not a Visa since Argentina does not require Visa to the nationals of the mentioned countries when traveling for tourism or business purposes. The Argentine Government set this entry fee on equal amounts to those Argentine citizens must pay when requesting a Visa to travel to those countries.
The Argentinean National Immigration Directorate (DNM) has launched an online method of payment to enable payment of the reciprocity fee via credit card, through the Provincia Pagos payment system.
Reciprocity must be paid before entering Argentina (by air or land) by accessing the following websites:
www.provinciapagos.com.ar and www.migraciones.gov.ar
It doesn´t apply for Cruise passengers (Until the end of cruise season – May 2013). This normative is subject to changes.
How can I pay the Reciprocity Fee Online?
1. Register at www.provinciapagos.com.ar and obtain an entry code.
2. Complete the form including personal and credit card details. This information and the entry code will be sent electronically to the DNM.
3. After payment is processed, print the receipt.
4. Upon arrival in Argentina, go to the DNM Oce and present the printed receipt.
5. The receipt will be scanned by DNM sta and the data will be validated to enable entry to Argentina.
Download instructions
http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions.pdf#zoom=100
MONEY and CURRENCY
The Argentine Currency is the “peso.” The exchange rate is approx.. $4.40/50 to U$1. The dollar is widely accepted and you can change dollars for pesos at your hotel or any bank. When you pay in dollars, most merchants give change in pesos, which is a good way to get small bills for cabs, tips to porters, etc., although dollars may be used as well. It is difficult to exchange traveler’s checks of any kind outside of Buenos Aires. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted. ATM machines can also be found around the city.
TYPICAL WEATHER
Argentina’s climate is characterized by diversity, caused by longitudinal and latitudinal breadth, as well as by the enormous development in its western sector altitude. In general, Argentinean climate is predominantly temperate, but extends to a subtropical climate in the north to sub polar in the far south of Patagonia.
CLOTHING
Although Argentines are very vain, stylish and have a “trendy look”, there no strict dress codes to be followed in Buenos Aires. Men will not be requested to wear neither a coat nor tie at any evening venue. And, although Argentine women are very sexy in the way they dress, you will not see them walking around the city in shorts.
SECURITY
Although Buenos Aires is not a specially unsafe city, it still is a very large one (the total spread of city and suburbs adds up to 13,000,000 people), and has a significant amount of poor people. Bring a copy of your pass-port with you (to carry on you at all times),and as soon as you check in to your hotel room, put your passport in the safe. When out in the city, do not wear jewelry, nor expensive watches (specially Rolex).Of course, you can wear them to your group evening events.
ELECTRICITY
All plugs in Argentina are on 220 volts.
WATER
The main water system of Buenos Aires has purified and drinkable water. It is perfectly safe, however, it is always recommended to drink bottled water. Of course, for ice and brushing your teeth, the tap water is fine.
CITY TRANSPORT
Buenos Aires has a huge supply of Public Transport. The Subway Trains cover large areas of the city, and run very frequently. However, taxis are probably the best way to get around. They are very cheap. But, to make sure you travel safely, we recommend you take “radio taxis”. Transport is one of the few things you will need Argentine currency for. All taxis have a meter on the windshield, with what you have to pay, in pesos ($). We usually round off the cost to the next round number.
TIPPING HABITS
It is customary (although not compulsory), to tip for all services. In bars, cafés and restaurants, you generally are expected to leave between a 10% and 15 % to the waiters. Always in cash, on the table. It can never be added to your credit card credit card.
