Currency
The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso, divided into 100 cents. US dollars are widely accepted in Buenos Aires and can be used to pay taxis, hotels, restaurants, and stores. But you should always carry some pesos.

Dollars and euros can be changed at 'cambios' or currency-exchange offices in most larger cities, but other currencies can be difficult to change outside Buenos Aires. Banks may offer a more convenient exchange rate, although the procedure could take longer. Banks are open weekdays from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. For almost all exchanges, a passport must be shown.

ATMs, travelers’ checks and credit cards
ATMs (automated teller machines) are easy to access in Buenos Aires and other urban areas (except El Chaltén in the south). Money can either be drawn on credit with Visa or MasterCard or directly from your savings account if it is linked into the Cirrus or Maestro network. Look for ATM’s displaying either Cirrus, Maestro, Plus, Visa or MasterCard symbols. There is usually a 2-3% commission fee charged and possibly a cash handling fee (check with your credit card company).

The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. However, some establishments, especially smaller businesses, will give you a better price if you pay cash. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, except for the very cheapest ones

There can be problems using travelers’ checks in rural areas, although most banks in major cities should accept them. Commission is very high (usually around 10%). For these transactions too a passport is essential.

Tipping
A tip in Argentina like in most of the countries in South America is given to reward good service. Tipping is expected by tour guides, porters and other tourist industry workers, though not by taxi drivers. Porters in hotels and airports expect approx. 1 US dollar for 2 pieces of luggage. In restaurants, it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill.

Taxis
Taxi service is very common in Argentinean cities especially in Buenos Aires. Black and yellow taxis are everywhere in Buenos Aires. Make sure to take one that says "Radio Taxi," which is a licensed car affiliated with a certified company. The rate is charged at the end of the ride according to the time and distance traveled.

Bargaining
Bargaining is not practiced in street markets or stores. It is more common to ask for a discount if you are paying in cash.

Phone calls and internet access
The international access code for Argentina is +54. Calls are usually made from public call centers which offer private phone booths where calls are paid when completed.

Or you can buy phone cards at kiosks or ‘locutorios’ that can be used at public phones as well as for calls from your hotel. Don’t call without such cards international, as well as domestic, calls are expensive in Argentina, especially from hotels (rates fall 10pm - 8am).

You can get a prepaid Movistar SIM card for free at phone shops, all you pay is about 20 Pesos (about 7 USD) for your initial credits.

Internet cafes or ‘locutorios’ are widely available in Buenos Aires and other popular tourist destinations. Most have high-speed access and charge around 3 pesos (approx 1 USD) an hour.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug.

Airport Taxes
Passengers leaving Ezeiza Airport must pay a ‘departure tax’ of USD 18 (USD 8 to Uruguay and domestic flights) after check-in.

Immunizations
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Argentina, except for travelers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. As of February 21st 2008, the Ministry of Health of Argentina extended its recommendation to include vaccination against yellow fever for people traveling to the Paraguayan and Brazilian border (Iguazu) and Salta/Jujuy. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or or visit the website www.cdc.gov/travel of the Center for Disease Control for current updates.

Some people who have allergies can be affected and Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by the pollution in Buenos Aires and the high level of pollen during spring. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines for the trip.

If you are planning to travel to Patagonia, keep in mind that on ‘red alert’ days (typically from September to November), it is possible to burn in 10 minutes. If you plan to be outdoors, you’ll need to protect yourself with strong sun block, a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, though of varying quality outside Buenos Aires. Payment in advance in clinics and hospitals may be required. Travelers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure.

Food & Drink
The standards for health and hygiene in the larger cities and touristy regions are relatively high. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities. But if you are traveling to more remote regions of Argentina, it’s best to stick with bottled water for drinking.

You are safer eating fruits that you can peel or salads and fruits washed with purified water, as well as foods that have been thoroughly cooked. Your best bet is to eat at clean restaurants and to avoid food vendors.

Altitude sickness
First signs of altitude sickness may already emerge in Andean regions in Argentina surpassing 2,800m altitude (6,500ft). The lack of oxygen causes many individuals to suffer headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, physical weakness. You are advised to take it easy for the first few days and to avoid alcoholic beverages for the first day or two. Try to eat light food and drink a lot of water.

Argentina is a large country with an area exceeding 2.60 million sq km (1 million sq mi) what ensures that the country has a diverse climate. Argentina can be divided into four broad climatic regions: east central Argentina or the Pampas, the northeastern interior, western Argentina, and Patagonia or southern Argentina, to which should be added the distinctive mountain climate of the high Andes. The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.

East Central Argentina or the Pampas
This area includes the province of Buenos Aires, a large area of Entre Rios, center and south of Santa Fe, the eastern strip of Cordoba and a part to the NE of La Pampa. The climate is generally healthy and pleasant. Winters are mild and summers warm, with more rainfall during the summer months. The rain falls on a few days so that wet, changeable weather is not very frequent and rain is often heavy. The weather in Buenos Aires can be expected to be hot and humid from December to January. Daytime high temperatures can be expected to be 30-35°C (85-95°F) with up to 70-75% humidity. Buenos Aires is generally hotter than Santiago. Nighttime lows should average 17-21°C (63-70°F) during these months.

Western Argentina – Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman
Western Argentina, including the northern Andes, is a dry region. Even on the higher mountains snowfall is light and the dryness matches that of northern Chile on the western side of the Andes. In many places the annual rainfall is below 250 mm/10 in and very unreliable. Rainfall is more frequent during the summer months (from December to March) which are generally hot and very sunny.

Mesopotamia and the Northeast – Iguazu, Posadas
Mesopotamia, a broad, flat plain between the Parana and Uruguay Rivers in northern Argentina, is wet, swampy and extremely hot during the summer. Rainfall measures 2000 mm (78 in) yearly and the relative humidity fluctuates between 75% and 90%. The northern province of Misiones, a more mountainous region nearly enclosed by Brazil and Paraguay, is densely forested and contains a section of the majestic Iguazu Falls. Iguazu is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive.

Patagonia – Rio Gallegos, El Calafate, Fitz Roy
Tierra del Fuego and the rest of Patagonia in the far south of Argentina have cold weather and strong winds and are prone to sudden changes of weather. Daytime high temperatures during the months of November through February on the mainland will be between 15-22° C (58-72°F). Nighttime temperatures range between 4-7°C (40-45°F). Pack a variety of clothes and dress in layers.

Staying safe
Most visits to Argentina are trouble-free. However, street crime is relatively common in the major cities and travelers should take common sense precautions. As in any large city, certain particular neighborhoods in Buenos Aires and other cities are very dangerous. Ask trusted locals, such as hotel desk staff or police officers, for advice. Most robberies are not violent; in most cases if your wallet is stolen, you won’t even notice until hours later. Be alert to bag-snatchers and pick-pocketers, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo. Although the political and economic crisis is over, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. However, there is no specific threat to foreigners and travelers should not be discouraged from traveling throughout the country.