FAQ

Where is Argentina? Along with Chile, Argentina comprises the southern tip of South America.

Where/What is Patagonia? Patagonia is the southern-most region of South America, shared by Chile and Argentina. It is home to some of the most impressive landscapes and mountains in the world. Due to its close proximity to Antarctica, Patagonia is often referred to as ‘the end of the earth’. It is also host to the southern-most city in the world, Ushuaia.

What language is spoken in Argentina? Argentines speak a dialect of Spanish called ‘Castellano’. It sounds kind of like Spanish with an Italian accent. There are a few differences between traditional Spanish and Castellano, such as the use of ‘vos’ instead of ‘tu’. This affects how the verbs are conjugated (eg, the verb ‘tener’ [to have] would be ‘tenés’, instead of ‘tienes’). Also the ‘y’ sound is more like an ‘sh’ sound or like the ‘g’ in the word ‘luge’.

What kind of food do they eat in Argentina? Argentina is known for having the best beef on the planet. Just ask for a ‘Lomo’, and you’ll see what everyone has been talking about. As a port city, Buenos Aires is also known for excellent seafood and sushi. Trout and deer are two of the specialities of Bariloche. Just about anywhere you go, you should be able to find ‘empanadas’ – basically, a meal in a pocket of dough. Baked or fried, they come in all kinds of different varieties, the most popular being ‘carne’ (beef, onion, olives, hard-boiled egg, seasonings), ‘jamon y queso’ (ham & cheese), ‘pollo’ (chicken, usually with vegetables), ‘verdura’ (veggie), and ‘caprese’ (mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil). You can’t go wrong with a dozen of ‘carne’.

What is the local currency? The Argentine Peso is the national currency of Argentina, and the current exchange rate is about 4 to 1 with the US Dollar ($100 USD = $400 ARS).

For more information about Argentina, click here for the wiki.

Travel & Passport info:

International flights arrive into Buenos Aires on a daily basis via the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza (airport code: EZE). To get down to Bariloche, guests will then need to transfer to the regional airport in downtown Buenos Aires, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (airport code: AEP) for a two hour flight to the Bariloche Airport, Teniente Luis Candelaria (airport code: BRC). It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds (at least $50 USD per day), as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for their next destination.

Americans: US nationals require a valid passport for travel to Argentina, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only. In late 2009, the Argentine government enacted a ‘Reciprocity Fee’ (the fee their residents are charged for entering other countries), joining neighboring countries Chile and Brazil. The cost of this fee is $140 USD and is good for multiple entries for 10 years.

UK nationals: UK nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens and British Overseas Citizens, provided the stay is for tourist purposes. A visa is not required for a stay of up to one month for British Nationals (Overseas). All other British passport holders require a visa.

Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa for stays up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only. In late 2009, the Argentine government enacted a ‘Reciprocity Fee’ (the fee their residents are charged for entering other countries), joining neighboring countries Chile and Brazil. The cost of this fee is $70 USD.

Australians: Australians require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only. In late 2009, the Argentine government enacted a ‘Reciprocity Fee’ (the fee their residents are charged for entering other countries), joining neighboring countries Chile and Brazil. The cost of this fee is $100 USD and is good for multiple entries.

South Africans: South African nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only.

Irish Nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only.

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months, providing the visit is for tourist purposes only.