Argentina has recently become much more friendly to visit. Previously they had a $160 "visa" tax on incoming Americans which was abolished about six months ago. Now they have exempted visitors with a foreign passport and a foreign credit card from paying their stiff 21% VAT on larger purchases starting this January. Much of the economy still seems to run on cash; in addition to credit cards; I would recommend bringing dollars. Even if your credit card company collects no foreign transaction fees, the local banks which run the ATMs will charge a transaction fee. We have also found long lines outside ATMs some days, and banks here have limited hours. We have exchanged currency at our hotel and Western Union ($10 fee) as well as an ATM. Some people will take US dollars. Hotels prefer to list cost in dollars, because of peso fluctuation.
Argentina has 220 volt electricity and more than one plug type. We have found US sockets, European sockets, and a unique Argentinian socket type (which may be similar to Australia). Fortunately, hotels will have plug adapters to borrow. With many modern electronics, voltage is often adaptable. Dawn has a 220V hair dryer, bought in Europe, which is handy on these trips.
A complete evening meal for two can easily cost 700-1000 pesos. So expensive? We have to remind ourselves that is only $45-$65. Carrying 2000 pesos is only about $130; enough to pay for an excursion and meal. I would strongly recommend some knowledge of Spanish when visiting. It can be done without, but some familiarity makes it so much more comfortable. Not all ATMs, subway instructions, or airport check-ins will have English versions.
Argentinian Spanish differs slightly from Spain or Mexico. This morning, we learned that the double L sound 'll' which would be pronounced like a 'y' in Spain, is here pronounced with a 'sh' sound. Spanish here seems to be very clearly enunciated to us. Many of the vowels are pronounced similar to English usage. Interesting: I could understand announcements in Spanish on the subway in Buenos Aires better than announcements in English on the subway when we visit Washington, D.C.
Argentina has 220 volt electricity and more than one plug type. We have found US sockets, European sockets, and a unique Argentinian socket type (which may be similar to Australia). Fortunately, hotels will have plug adapters to borrow. With many modern electronics, voltage is often adaptable. Dawn has a 220V hair dryer, bought in Europe, which is handy on these trips.
A complete evening meal for two can easily cost 700-1000 pesos. So expensive? We have to remind ourselves that is only $45-$65. Carrying 2000 pesos is only about $130; enough to pay for an excursion and meal. I would strongly recommend some knowledge of Spanish when visiting. It can be done without, but some familiarity makes it so much more comfortable. Not all ATMs, subway instructions, or airport check-ins will have English versions.
Argentinian Spanish differs slightly from Spain or Mexico. This morning, we learned that the double L sound 'll' which would be pronounced like a 'y' in Spain, is here pronounced with a 'sh' sound. Spanish here seems to be very clearly enunciated to us. Many of the vowels are pronounced similar to English usage. Interesting: I could understand announcements in Spanish on the subway in Buenos Aires better than announcements in English on the subway when we visit Washington, D.C.
On the subway and in crowded areas I carry my billfold in my front pocket, but we have not been in a situation that felt unsafe. We are routinely careful and were advised to not walk in certain areas at night. In a metro area of 14 million, such situations should be expected. The Argentine people are routinely friendly and helpful.
We rented a car for a day trip to some scenic locations. Because it was only for one day and we were taking no luggage, we signed up for a entry level car, a small Chevy. We headed out in the morning planning to cover about 200 Km (125 miles). But, after driving only a short distance, a big dog ran out in front of the car (left to right) forcing emergency braking and swerving to avoid the dog. (There are many stray dogs in Argentina.) Dawn was driving and almost lost control of the car in the maneuver.
The car body rocked violently from side to side, reacting far beyond her steering wheel input. We pulled over to the shoulder while Dawn regained her composure. Then we decided to take the car back to the rental agency. If another such situation occurred, the outcome would questionable. What if a car changed lanes suddenly in front of us, which could easily happen in the "relaxed" driving rules of Argentina? Obviously, the installed shock absorbers were non-functional. This results from driving on the rough gravel roads common in this area. Standing beside the car, I could easily rock it from side to side just from pushing with my hands.
The lesson here is that vehicles in regions like this may not be maintained to normal specifications. In this case, we could have had a serious accident. In retrospect, we should have investigated more closely and considered more upscale vehicles.
The lesson here is that vehicles in regions like this may not be maintained to normal specifications. In this case, we could have had a serious accident. In retrospect, we should have investigated more closely and considered more upscale vehicles.
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