Argentina has been known around the world for many years as one of the best countries for holidays. The nature here is multifaceted, ranging from the endless steppes to some of the highest mountain peaks. Unlike its close neighbors, there are practically no monuments of Indian culture left in Argentina, but there is a huge number of examples of colonial architecture. A mixture of different cultures, wonderful natural conditions along with the best sea beaches make this country very attractive for tourists.
Geography of Argentina
According to Calculatorinc, Argentina is located in the southeastern part of South America, it also owns the territory of Tierra del Fuego and the Malvinas Islands. The country is bordered to the east by Brazil, to the south and west by Chile, and to the north by Paraguay and Bolivia. The eastern part of the state has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In Argentina, there is the highest point in South America – Cerro Aconcagua (6900 meters).
Capital
Buenos Aires
Area
The area of Argentina is 2,766,890 km2. sq., occupies the 8th place in the world by area.
Population
40,117,096 people.
Currency
The national currency is the peso (ARS).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Argentina
If the period of stay in the country does not exceed 3 months, then obtaining a visa to travel to Argentina is not required. The purpose of the trip can be not only tourism, but also transit, as well as visiting relatives and friends. When crossing the border, you must present a valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds, as well as return tickets. Evidence can be a plastic card, traveler’s checks and a bank statement.
Weather in Argentina
The climate of Argentina is very diverse, temperate in the north, tropical in the center, and subtropical in the south. In the west of the country there is the mountain system of the Andes, and in the east of the steppe, through which air masses from the Atlantic Ocean pass to the “wall” of the Andes and pour out heavy rains on its slopes. In the north, the average summer temperature is +28 C, in the center +24 C, and in the south – +10 C. Winter falls on July, and the average temperature varies from north to south from +18 C to +1 C. On the plains, the annual precipitation is 100-300 mm, and on mountain slopes it can reach 1600 mm. At almost any time of the year in Argentina, you can find an area with comfortable weather conditions, but the best time is considered the period from October to May.
Transport
Rail transport in Argentina is poorly developed, so it is most convenient to travel by plane and bus. Public transport in the country runs regularly, and the Argentine Metro is the first on the continent. The metro fare is fixed, and tokens are sold at special ticket offices. Minibuses are a popular mode of transport, which are not very expensive and can be reached quite quickly, but very often they are completely crowded, especially during peak hours. Argentine taxis have yellow roofs and can be stopped or taken from the parking lot at any time.
Currency exchange in Argentina
As of October 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 4.2 ARS. The national currency is the Argentine peso. Currency exchange is carried out in all banks, large supermarkets and hotels. Banks are open from 10.00 to 15.00, days off – Saturday, Sunday. In order not to stand in line at the bank, they receive a special number. In large shopping centers, parking lots and gas stations in big cities, credit cards are accepted for payment. Traveler’s checks should be taken in US dollars.
Electricity
220V/50Hz (American type sockets).
Religion
In Argentina, religious freedom is established and the majority of the country’s population are Catholics (92%), about 2% are Protestants and the same number of Jews.
Security
Argentina is quite safe, but in large cities you can come across fraud, which is most common in exchange offices and petty theft. In small towns and villages, cases of deceit and theft are very rare. It is highly undesirable to leave tourist areas on your own, especially in the evening and at night. It is also not advised to use the services of an unofficial taxi.
Health
Medicine in the country is divided into two types: free (first aid in cases of life-threatening) and paid (complete list of medical services). It is recommended to have international health insurance. Medical services are provided at a fairly high level, but leaving Buenos Aires, their level is noticeably lower.
