View Larger Map

Administrative divisions: Argentina is divided into 23 provincias (provinces) and a distrito federal (federal district).
 

Independence: from Spain   - May Revolution25 May 1810   - Declared 9 July 1816 

Legal System: federal republic

Population: 40, 301, 927

Ethnic groups: European 97%, mostly of Spanish and Italian descent; Mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3%.

Religions: Roman Catholic 70%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 1.5%, Jewish 0.8%, other 2.5%.

Language: Spanish

Time Zone: UTC/GMT -3 hours

Telephone Codes: 54

Internet Country Codes: .ar

Climate: Buenos Aires has a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 94°F (35°C) in January to 50°F (10°C) in July. The heaviest rain falls during autumn and spring, though rain can be expected at any time of the year. Many locals leave Buenos Aires during the hot summer months (December, January and February) and head for the coastal resorts.
 

Imports: The following goods may be imported into Argentina without incurring customs duty:

(a) Travelers over 18 years of age coming from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one years stay in these countries, may import the following goods to a value of US$100:
200 cigarettes and 25 cigars; 1l of alcohol; 2kg of foodstuffs.

(b) Travelers over 18 years of age coming from countries other than those listed above, or residents returning to Argentina after less than one year stay in countries other than those above, may import the following goods to a value of US$300:
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars; 2l of alcohol; 5kg of foodstuffs.

Pets
The following documents must be presented for the importation of pets:
-Air Waybill/Original Bill of Lading
-Veterinary Certificate attesting to the animal's good health and issued by the -Argentine consulate of the owner's country of origin.

Firearms and Weapons
-The shipper musts obtain a government permit to import firearms. The guns will be held in a customs bonded warehouse until the permit is ready (usually 3-6 months).
-Declaration is required prior to customs inspection and proof of ownership is required for customs clearance. Owner's presence is required for clearance.

Prohibited Items
Exports:
-Heavy weapons, ammunition and explosives
[Firearms need special permit (Renar-Registro Nacional de Armas) from the
local authorities.]
-Drugs and narcotics
-Pornographic material
-New computers
-Color TVs and new TVs

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment and other items . It is advisable to contact the Embassy of your destination country in Washington or one of that country’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
 

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a passport for travel to Argentina, but no tourist or business visa is required for unlimited entries of up to three months each.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens. British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Overseas Citizens coming for tourism do not require a visa for stays of up to three months, while British Nationals (Overseas) do not require a tourist visa for a stay of up to one month.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport, but no tourist visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Location: Argentina borders on the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Bolivia, the Republic of Paraguay, the Federal Republic of Brazil, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Exchange: 1 US Dollar = 3.52023 Argentine Peso 

Health/Water: Before visiting Argentina, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)
 

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.
 

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.
 

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.
 

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.
 

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.
 

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.
 

Water supply and sanitation in Argentina is characterized by relatively low tariffs, mostly reasonable service quality, low levels of metering and high levels of consumption for those with access to services. At the same time, according to the WHO, 21% of the total population remains without access to house connections and 52% of the urban population do not have access to sewerage.

Electricity: 220V AC, 50 HZ, V-shaped flat prongs are standard

Popular Beers: With almost 80% of the Argentine market, Cerveza Quilmes is the most popular Argentine beer and an icon to Argentine. Third in the market is Schneider. The most consumed foreign beers are Heineken and Budweiser.

Food Specialties: If they want to eat beef, I would advise them to taste a thin cut of asado de tira (beef with bones), entraña (skirt steak) and steak. They should also eat achuras (offal) with moderation, since they are not used to eating this type of beef fat. And there is no much more variety: there are empanadas (turnover pies), beef in general, locro (meat and vegetables stew) and, pastelitos (small pies). Carbonada Criolla (stew with meat, vegetables and fruit) since I enjoy eating stews with pastries. In addition, I like spicy empanadas (turnover pies) stuffed with potatoes.
 

A wide range of gastronomic dishes is offered in big cities, towns and small villages. Still, Argentine people still preserve the long-standing tradition of home cooking, though as time goes by it is becoming increasingly more difficult to do so. And it is this heritage that has definitely enriched and enlarged local recipes with dishes and food appearing on restaurants, bars and food houses´ menus.