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The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 6: Money Money Money

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 8:00

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2 pesos 300x240 The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 6: Money Money Money
We spoke about Argentina Destinations in our last part of the All You Need Argentina Travel Guide and now we are going to look at what makes the world go round, Money.

Since 2001, when Argentina went through a very difficult economic crisis and the peso almost completely losing its value, Argentina has put its feet back on the ground is again climbing towards its previous status as being a prosperous city.   However, it is not there yet, and this has kept very affordable to most foreign currencies, a major initial reason why so many foreigners come to Buenos Aires.

If you are come to study Spanish in Buenos Aires, you will find that the cost of living is here is quite low for everything that Buenos Aires is and offers.

Monthly Price Break-Down

Homestay or Shared Apartment: $500US – $800US
Groceries: $100US-$300US
Dinner out: $20US-$50US (-$100US (very upscale/fine dining)
Lunch out: $5US-$15US
Nightclub: $20US-$60US
Transportation:
Taxis: $2US-$12US

Everything in Buenos Aires is paid for with the Argentine peso, however if you do bring other currencies it is possible to get them exchanged for pesos in the many exchange houses located throughout the city.

Many business’s take both cash and credit cards, however try to check beforehand in stores and restaurants as you do not want to be in the situation where you to have enough cash to pay when only cash is accepted.

Most banks will let foreigner bank cards only take out AR$300-AR$600, about $100US-$160US, so when you can use a credit card and that way you can frequent the bank less.

Be careful with your money, never carry extra cash on you that you will not need, and make sure all the money you receive is the real thing (click here for information on fake bills in Buenos Aires).

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The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 5: Argentina Destinations

Monday, August 10, 2009 13:52

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of argentina by quetzy The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 5: Argentina Destinations
We spoke about greetings and social customs in our last part of the All You Need Argentina Travel Guide and now we are going to look at the top places to visit in Argentina.

Argentina spreads far and wide over the southern part of South America and has some of the most diverse landscapes and regions in the world; everything from desert land to blue deep lakes, snowy mountain peaks to flat prairies, and coastline beaches to sub-tropical forests can be found here. No matter what your travel pleasure, there is something for everyone in Argentina.

IguazúFalls
Iguazú Falls is the largest collection of waterfalls in the world, totalling more than 275 altogether. Hidden in the sub-tropical forest in the north, the falls border both Brazil and Argentina and can be seen by boat or by trekking to the falls.

Mendoza
The city of Mendoza is in the centre of the wine region of Argentina. The wineries that surround the city offers visitors tours of the wineries, information on how the wine is made, and wine tasting, a truly spectacular experience. When you want something more than wine, the activities around the city such as mountain hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, and more, provide ideal entertainment.

Bariloche
Situated around some of the bluest and most beautiful lakes in the country, Bariloche is a little piece of heaven, perfect for the traveler who loves the outdoors and activities such as skiing, fishing, and biking riding.

Puerto Madryn
This city is the entry point for the many wildlife excursions that can be taken along the coastline and the nearby peninsula. Whale watching and excursions to see dolphins, penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, and much more, are just a few of the activities on the itinerary.

Look out for our next All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 6

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Flamenco Friday Nights in Buenos Aires

Friday, August 7, 2009 7:50

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 2 Comments

flamenco idea by gugune 239x300 Flamenco Friday Nights in Buenos Aires
Argentina is known around the world for its tango, a dance which more than a century ago began in the lower class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and soon became so popular that it spread through the nation and still today is the country’s most beloved dance.  Despite that, Argentina is very multicultural and people who have immigrated here from all over the world have brought with them their own traditional dance, one of which is Flamenco of Spain.

Flamenco is a Spanish dance, originally a community dance of the gypsies, which includes a few musicians and usually one or two dancers who dance with rapid movements and who focus on footwork, especially the noise that is produced by dancing on a wooden floor. This is a beautiful, fun, and intense form of dance and music and there is possibly no where better to enjoy it then the downtown hotspot Cantares.

Located one floor below ground level, Cantares opens up into a small and cozy flamenco bar, with wooden tables, a small corner bar, and a small wooden centre stage where the performance takes place. The menu is simple but every plate on it is bursting with Spanish flavours, the portions are big, and there are both single and set menus you can order along with the show.

The show itself is something else; 3 or 4 musicians sit on chairs on the stage just behind the dancers themselves who dance to almost every song in a different form and style of flamenco. The performers put so much effort into each performance that it is impossible to take your eyes of them for a second or even pull yourself away from the enchanting music.

For students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, Cantare makes for an unforgettable night out, as you will not find better Flamenco than this anywhere.

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The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 4: Greetings and Social Customs

Thursday, August 6, 2009 14:38

Categories - Argentine Customs and Culture - 0 Comments

music ph9 by markisphoto The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 4: Greetings and Social Customs
We spoke about Customs Declarations in the last part of our All You Need Argentina Travel Guide and now we are here to take a look at greetings and customs in Argentina.

One of the main reasons people visit, travel to, and live in other countries is because they want to learn about and experience another culture, usually very different from their own. One of the responsibilities that comes along with this great opportunity is to act appropriately in that country, learn the country’s social customs, and try to blend into the culture as best as you can.

Here are some Greetings and Social Customs found in Argentina. Learn it, Live it!

  • When you greet a stranger for the first time, and they are female, give them a kiss on the cheek. If you are a male with a male, a handshake is proper. For second, third, etc, meetings a kiss is proper between both males and females. In very formal situations, a kiss between women is still acceptable, between men, stick with a handshake.
  • When you leave, say goodbye to each person personally, again, a kiss is the best exit.
  • Don’t worry about your personal space in Argentina; people here tend to stand very close to each other and it is actually a good sign ( a sign of comfort) if locals do this with you.
  • Argentines, in general, are better dressed. Meaning at work, out for drinks or dinner usually consists of slightly more formal, or trendy, clothing and accessories.
  • Be social, maintain eye contact, and make conversation. Argentines are very social and they may misinterpret shyness as being snobby, so open up your social side.
  • If you go for dinner, do wait until everyone has a plate in front of them to start eating. Do allow the men or waiter to pour the wine. Do wait until everyone is finished with their meal to have the plates cleared. And always leave room for coffee, dessert, champagne, or any of the above!

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The Argentine Food Guide for Spanish students in Buenos Aires. Part 5

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 8:19

Categories - Argentine Recipes - 0 Comments

402706313 cd6c631f9b 300x225 The Argentine Food Guide for Spanish students in Buenos Aires. Part 5
For any Spanish student in Buenos Aires this winter, we encourage you to spend at least one day/night a week preparing an Argentine dish, drink, or treat.  We know it is easy to go out to eat but creating your own argentine recipe and then bringing home that recipe will put a little bit of Argentina back in your home country.

Alfajor
The Alfajor is a famous treat found throughout Argentina and the locals and foreigners alike love this deliciously sweet cookie. Originating in Spain and then making its way to Argentina, along with its Spanish immigrant makers, the Alfajor became popular in the late early 1900’s for its sweet taste, easy recipe, and of course Spanish tradition. Argentina added its own unique flavour to the cookie by adding a middle of dulce de leche, the reason why Argentines love this cookie today.


Alfajor Recipe

1 3/4 cup of flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 pound butter (1 stick) (soft)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dulce de Leche (pot)

Instructions

  • Start by combining the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda in a bowl; cut the butter, and then mix everything together by hand. Mix in the lemon, egg yolks, and vanilla.
  • Shape the dough into 2 balls and let chill for 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Flour your work surface, and roll out each dough ball into a thickness of ¼ inch. Cut into 2 inch rounds, and place on baking sheet.  Bake until dry (not brown) (15min).
  • Let the cookies cool and then spread a thick layer of dulce de leche on one half and place another cookie on top.

And you are done!

Check out more of our Argentine Recipes here!

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The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 3: Customs Declaration

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 13:08

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1207911 avion The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 3: Customs Declaration

We spoke about visas and embassies in our last part of the All You Need Argentina Travel Guide and now we are here to take on customs.

So you are on the plane, on your way to Argentina to start your travel abroad adventures, all you have left is to get off of that pesky plane, through the airport, and into the sweet air of Argentina.

Getting through the airport is virtually harmless but you should know that you will need to present customs with a few things as well as fill out your Customs Declaration Form properly.

What to Present at Customs in Argentina

  • When you exit the plane you will head straight to customs with everyone else and go stand in the line that is for visitors of Argentina (not residents).
  • When it is your turn, you will present your passport to the custom agent, state why you are in Argentina (visit/university/work- remember if you do not have a visa yet for the last two, just say that you are vacationing/traveling. We do not encourage you to lie but without the proper papers this could create some major problems for you at customs!)
  • Fill out your migration paper in the plane. This asks for all of your personal information, your flight number and carrier, where you will be staying and for how long. You will hand this into the customs agent.
  • Fill out your Customs Declaration in the plane, this asks you how much money you are bringing into the country, if you have brought any fruits/vegetables, etc, answer it as best as possible.

After that, you will only have to pick up luggage, have it scanned, and you are home free!

Look out for our next All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 4: Greetings and Manners

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The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 2: Visas and Embassies

Monday, August 3, 2009 13:41

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ist2 6422263 passport immigration stamp xl 300x198 The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide – Part 2: Visas and Embassies

Visas & Embassies in Buenos Aires

Last week the ‘Before Check List’ was featured, informing you of all the things you should make sure to do before you leave to Argentina, and now we are continuing forward with our Argentina Travel Guide. The next step is getting your visa information in Buenos Aires, and noting down your embassy contact if for any reason you need it while studying Spanish in Buenos Aires.

Visa Requirements

For many nationalities (click here for a list), a tourist visa upon entry is granted when arriving in Argentina; this stipulates that for 90 days you are legal in the country. Before 90 days have passed, visitors may either head down to immigrations and renew their visa for up to another 90 days, or head out of the country and receive a new visa upon re-entry, also valid for 90 days. Every 6 months, visitors MUST leave the country, a visit to immigrations does not renew the 180 day (90+90) visa, if only for several hours.

For nationalities that do not receive a tourist visa upon arrival, please check with your local embassy or Argentine consultant about the process of visa application, etc.

Temporary Residency

Work or Student visas are considered temporary residence.

A work visa requires that employees and their employers fill-out a myriad of different forms in order to be granted a visa. Click for more info!

A student visa can often be completed through your home institution, and requires that you and the school complete a myriad of different forms. Click for more info!

Major Embassies in Buenos Aires with Contact Information

Embassy of the United States: (54-11) 5777-4533 http://argentina.usembassy.gov/

UK Embassy in Argentina: (54-11) 4808 2274 http://ukinargentina.fco.gov.uk/en/

Canadian Embassy in Argentina (54-11) 4808-1000)

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/argentina-argentine/index.aspx?lang=eng

Australian Embassy in Argentina (54 11) 4779 3500 http://www.argentina.embassy.gov.au/

For more embassies in Buenos Aires, investigate in Google by typing your nationality followed by ‘embassy in Buenos Aires’.


Look for part 3 of The All You Need Argentina Travel Guide!

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