About
Us
From North to South and East to West, Argentina displays her marvellous
natural scenery, mixed with special and distinctive architectural
details and references to history and culture. Although it would
be impossible for you to travel the entire country due to its
vast territory and the long distances involved, a visit to just
one of the regions will allow you to appreciate the magic of this
country as well as the kindness and hospitality shown by its people
to all foreign visitors.
Argentina
has always opened her doors to all immigrants. At the beginning
of the 20th century there were mostly Spaniards and Italians,
together with English, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrians, followed
by French, Poles, Germans, Ukrainians, Armenians, Chinese and
Koreans amongst others. A true melting pot, cosmopolitan and multifaceted,
Argentina drew on the essence of each of these communities to
build one of its own.
Its pampas and waterfalls, valleys and ravines, high mountains
with permanent snows, glaciers and rivers, extensive seacoasts,
everything, absolutely everything contributes towards making this
country an attractive tourist destination.
The official religion is Roman Catholic. However, according to
our Constitution, there is freedom of worship in Argentina. Therefore
many other religions are practiced, including Protestantism, Islam,
Greek Orthodox and Judaism.
According to the last census carried out by the National Institute
on Statistics and Census (INDEC) in 2001, the total population
in Argentina amounts to 36.224.000 persons, which includes 18.556.000
women and 17.668.000 men.
The country’s total area is 3,761,274 Km2. Argentina is
the eighth largest country in the world, after Russia, Canada,
China, United States of America, Brazil, Australia and India.
Argentina has a presidential, republican, representative and federal
government system. The country is divided into 23 provinces and
one federal territory (the city of Buenos Aires) and each of them
is self-governed.
>>> Language
Spanish is the official language. A vast majority of the population
also speaks other languages, especially English (it is taught
at school, beginning at the primary level), Italian, Portuguese
and to a lesser extent French and German.
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>>> Climate
Argentina is a large country and therefore weather conditions
vary considerably, ranging from tropical climate in the North
to permanent snow in the southernmost part of the territory. Lately
climate has not followed traditional patterns due to the influence
of the Pacific currents. Nevertheless, we estimate a temperature
between 7 and 19º C for the time of the conference.
>>> Currency
The official currency in Argentina is the peso ($, ARS). Exchange
of foreign money into local currency and vice versa is free and
should preferably be done at an authorised exchange bureau or
a bank. Please be aware that most prices will be indicated with
$, which means Argentine Peso. American Dollar prices are indicated
with U$S or USD.
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>>> Banks
Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 to 15.00. Exchange facilities are
available at the airport and most major hotels. Automatic teller/Cash
dispensers (ATMs) facilities are available at a wide variety of
outlets.
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>>> Payments
Credit cards are widely accepted in all business transactions.
Some stores apply a 10% surcharge over the cash value.
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>>> Tips
It is customary to leave 10% of the total bill as a tip at cafés,
bars and restaurants.
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>>> Electricity
The electricity used is of 220 v (volts) and 50Hz (Hertz).
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>>> Shopping
Mondays to Fridays from 09.00 to 20.00 and Saturdays from 09.00
am to 13.00.
Shopping Arcades / Malls: Daily from 10.00 to 22.00.
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