Have you ever thought of hopping a plane for spring break in Argentina? Maybe you want to study Spanish in Buenos Aires or learn the Tango in Mendoza? Too difficult, you say? No way, but there are a few things you need to know when traveling abroad. Take advantage of the following top five travel tips for your next trip to Argentina and make it an experience to remember.

1. PASSPORTS - Argentina visitors that are citizens of the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will require a passport for entry. US Passport applications can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, with routine services taking up to 10-12 weeks from the date you applied. A Visa is not required for a tourist stay up to 90 days, for longer stays contact your local embassy for information. In the U.S. -- Contact the Consular Section of the Argentine Embassy, 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202/238-6460). For more information, try uic.edu/orgs/argentina. In Canada -- Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, Suite 910, Royal Bank Center, 90 Sparks St., Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B4 (tel. 613/236-2351; fax 613/235-2659). In the U.K. -- Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, 65 Brooke St., London W1Y 4AH (tel. 020/7318-1300; fax 020/7318-1301; seruni at mrecic.gov.ar).

2. CURRENCY - The current exchange rate is 3 to 1 for the US dollar to the Argentina Peso. The Peso is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos; and coins of 1, 2, and 5 pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. US dollars are widely accepted in Buenos Aires, but in the rural areas of the country pesos are the currency of choice and exchange locations are less abundant. American Express traveler's checks can be exchanged at offices located in Buenos Aires at Arenales 707 (tel. 11/4130-3135), Bariloche, Salta, San Martan, and Ushuaia. Outside of these locations there are very few American Express exchange offices, so when traveling to remote locations be sure to plan ahead. Many of the hotels do not accept credit cards, so check in advance before you assume you can pay your bill that way.

3. CAR RENTALS - Argentines drive very fast in comparison to U.S. drivers and do not always obey traffic lights or lanes. The seat belt law is in effect, though few locals actually wear them. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in greater Buenos Aires, but you need an Argentine or international license to drive in most other parts of the country. When driving outside the city, remember that autopista means motorway or highway, and paso means mountain pass. It is not advised to drive in rural areas at night as cattle roam free and are hard to see in the dark. Fuel is about $1 per liter, or $4 per gallon. Car rentals are available at Hertz, Paraguay 1122 (tel. 800/654-3131 in the U.S., or 11/4816-8001 in Buenos Aires); Avis, Cerrito 1527 (tel. 800/230-4898 in the U.S., or 11/4300-8201 in Buenos Aires); Dollar, Marcelo T. de Alvear 523 (tel. 800/800-6000 in the U.S., or 11/4315-8800 in Buenos Aires); and Thrifty, Av. Leandro N. Alem 699 (tel. 800/847-4389 in the U.S., or 11/4315-0777 in Buenos Aires). Car rentals are more expensive in Argentina with compacts starting at $50 to $60 per day, ask for special promotions.

4. ELECTRICITY - Electricity in Argentina runs on 220v. Most U.S. laptops run on either 110v or 220v, check yours to determine which one you have. A transformer and a European style adapter will be necessary for any other small appliances. While most luxury hotels will have these items for your use, some smaller or rural hotels will not. Cyber cafes called "Locuturios" are common in Buenos Aires and other major cities, where you can connect for an average of $1.00US per hour.

5. SEASONS - While those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere are used to the seasons that we have come to know, you must remember that things are in reverse south of the equator. The summer months in Argentina are December thru February, perfect for a trip to Santa Cruz. However, Buenos Aires has a very hot, humid summer so it is therefore better to visit in the spring and fall (November or March). If winter sports are what you are looking for, then the winter months of June thru October would be when to plan your next trip.

These tips will certainly give you a leg up when planning a trip to exotic Argentina. Traveling to a foreign county does require a little effort, but the experiences you will gain will last a lifetime. The world is such a global community that visiting and understanding another country's culture only brings people closer together.

Argentina is waiting for you, use the tips above to plan a successful trip there today!

By: Casey Markee
Casey Markee is a consultant with GIC Argentina a study Spanish in Argentina program provider. Visit them online for detailed information on Spanish study abroad programs in Argentina and plan your next study abroad trip to Buenos Aires, Patagonia or Mendoza today.

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You may know it as the land of Gardel and his Tango, Evita and Peron, or as the country that hosts the amazing and beautiful city of Buenos Aires, but Argentina offers tourists a land of diverse and amazing adventures.

Located in South America, Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, which makes it the second largest country in South America. Because Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its winter occurs in June and its summer in December allowing tourists from northern nations to enjoy the beach during Christmas break or ski in the Andes during the summer. One of Argentina's main characteristics is the contrast between its fantastic Iguazu falls and rainforests in the north, vast eastern plains, impressive Andes mountains to the west and the magnificent glaciers in Patagonia in the southern part of the country.

Argentina boasts a magnificent flora and fauna. In fact, Southern Argentina is home to the Puma, huemul, pudú (the world's smallest deer), and wild boar. The coast of Patagonia is rich in animal life: elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, and species of penguin. The Iguazu Falls, located on the northeast of Argentina, have a good infrastructure for travelers and plenty of activities offered in the area. The falls and the area surrounding are part of the Iguazú National Park that preserves the local subtropical rainforest ecosystem. The most impressive of the Iguazu falls is known as the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), shared with Brazil.

Where to stay?

Looking for a cosmopolitan city? head to Buenos Aires. Once considered the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," Buenos Aires offers all kinds of cultural activities. You can choose a night visit at a tango place and dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer the traditional asado (Argentine steak). Due to the exchange rate (1 Argentine Peso = 0.33 USD as of November 2006), its shopping centers are frequently visited by tourists looking for the latest fashions.

Looking for a nice relaxing time at the beach? Pack your bags and head to Mar del Plata where the "Mar del Plata Film Festival" takes place. Just remember that the seasons in Argentina are the opposite from the seasons in the northern hemisphere, therefore beach season starts in December and ends in March.

A wide range of accommodation possibilities are available in Buenos Aires and the rest of the country. You can choose from student hostels to bed and breakfasts to luxurious palaces and modern five-star hotels. You can also find lake-side lodges in the Patagonia region and cabanas close to the mountains.

Visas and Documentation

Citizens of the UK, US, Australia, Canada, EU countries and most South American countries do not require tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days. The cost of a Tourist visa is US$28 and the cost of a Business visa is: US$47. Passengers requiring visas for transit only should still apply for tourist visas. The cost of visas varies monthly depending on exchange rates. Please contact the Argentine consulate in your area for further information.

Denisse Romero
MacQuil.com Study Abroad and Travel Portal

By: Denisse Romero
MacQuil.com Study Abroad and Travel Portal
Denisse has worked with international students and scholars at universities in different countries and in different departments ranging from international relations in Ecuador to graduate admissions in the United States. Currently, Denisse operates MacQuil.com and works for an international organization in Washington, DC. Denisse also enjoys teaching foreign languages during her spare time. She holds a Master of Science from the George Washington University.

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