Facts for the Traveler
Visas: Nationals of the
USA, Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand
do not need visas to visit Argentina. In theory, upon arrival all
non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card, good for 90 days and
renewable for 90 more. In practice, immigration officials issue these
only at major border crossings, such as airports and on the ferries and
hydrofoils between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Although you should not
toss your card away, losing it is no major catastrophe; at most exit
points, immigration officials will provide an immediate replacement for
free. Dependent children travelling without both parents theoretically
need a notarised document certifying that both parents agree to the
child's travel. Parents may also wish to bring a copy of the custody
form; however, there's a good chance they won't be asked for either
document.
Health risks: dengue fever (Dengue Fever is one to watch out for in the subtropical north. The Aedes aegypti
mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, is most active during the
day, and is found mainly in urban areas, in and around human dwellings.
Signs and symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high
fever, headache, joint and muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. A rash of
small red spots sometimes appears three to four days after the onset of
fever. Severe complications do sometimes occur.
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you
may be infected. A blood test can indicate the possibility of dengue
fever. There is no specific treatment. Aspirin should be avoided, as it
increases the risk of haemorrhaging. There is no vaccine against dengue
fever), altitude sickness (In the thinner atmosphere above 3000m
(9842ft), or even lower in some cases, lack of oxygen causes many
individuals to suffer headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, physical
weakness and other symptoms that can lead to very serious consequences,
especially if combined with heat exhaustion, sunburn or hypothermia.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect anyone and care should be
taken to avoid ascending mountain peaks above 3000m (9842ft) too
quickly. Sleep at a lower altitude than the greatest height reached
during the day, if possible), hypothermia (At high altitudes in the
mountains or high latitudes in Patagonia, cold and wet conditions can
kill. Changeable weather at high altitudes can leave you vulnerable to
exposure: after sunset, temperatures in the mountains or desert (even
when simply taking a long bus trip) can drop from balmy to below
freezing, while high winds and a sudden soaking can lower your body
temperature too rapidly. If possible, avoid travelling alone; partners
are more likely to avoid hypothermia successfully. If you must travel
alone, especially when hiking, be sure someone knows your route and
when you expect to return. In some areas, you should always be prepared
for cold, wet or windy conditions even if you're just out walking or
hitchhiking)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3 (Argentina Standard Time)
Dialling Code: 54
Electricity: 220V
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
For residents of the northern hemisphere, Argentina offers the inviting possibility of enjoying two summers in the same year, but the country's great variety and elongated geography can make a visit in any season worthwhile. Buenos Aires' urban attractions, for example, transcend the seasons, but Patagonian destinations, such as the Moreno Glacier in Santa Cruz, are best to visit in the summer months (December to February). The Iguazú Falls in subtropical Misiones province are best in the southern hemisphere's winter or spring when heat and humidity are less oppressive. The winter months (mid-June to late September) also offer the opportunity to go skiing.
Events
Surprisingly, Argentina has few festivals, and most public holidays reflect the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. Things come to a stop over the Christmas to New Year and Easter periods. Saints' days and provincial holidays are other important events, as are 25 May (commemorating the May Revolution of 1810), Malvinas Day (2 April) and Columbus Day (12 October).
Source: www.lonelyplanet.com
