Argentina Travel FAQs

1. What is the Argentine Entrance Fee?
2. Does the package price include domestic airfare and if not how much will total domestic airfare cost?
3. Where should I purchase my international airfare?
4. How do we book our domestic flights?
5. Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?
6. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?
7. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?
8. How can I prevent altitude sickness?
9. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?
10. How do I organize an optional excursion?
11. What Standard of Hotel will I be staying in?
12. Do you offer any travel insurance?
13. Argentina Flight Departure Taxes
14. What about additional taxes - how much should I expect to pay?
15. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
16. What is the latest I can book?
17. How do I pay?
18. Are meals included?
19. I am a single traveler, Is this tour for me?

1. What is the Argentine Entrance Fee?

PLEASE NOTE:
As of 1 January 2010, an entrance fee (Reciprocity Fee) is chargeable for citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia visiting Argentina. For further details, please read this article on the Latin America For Less Travel Blog.

[ Return to Top ]

---

2. Does the package price include domestic airfare and if not how much will total domestic airfare cost?

Unfortunately the package price does not include domestic airfare, but we can and do pre-purchase all domestic transportation for no less than 95% of our clients at superb rates. These rates tend to change during the seasons so please feel free to contact one of our professional Sales personnel in order for them to give you a quote for all the domestic transport you’ll need on your trip.

[ Return to Top ]

---

3. Where should I purchase my international airfare?

We do not usually purchase international airfare for our clients but can and often do so if requested. Generally we recommend purchasing international airfare through internet web-based companies such as www.flycheapol.com or www.expedia.com. They do offer the best deals in international airfare and are highly recommended. Please note that we do not receive a commission from any of these companies – we are simply trying to live up to our name and provide you with the best possible prices out there.

[ Return to Top ]

---

4. How do we book our domestic flights?

You may talk to our Sales Associates about arranging your domestic flights. We offer very competitive rates and pre-purchase all domestic transportation for 95% of our clients. You may also purchase domestic airfare through the Internet.

[ Return to Top ]

---

5. Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?

Tipping is not included. South Americans in general are inclined to tip very little if they leave a tip at all. We at Argentina For Less are inclined to follow a more liberal approach and feel that you should tip according to how well you were served. Always remember though that in Latin American countries, a few dollars saved for you is often enough to feed someone for over a week.

[ Return to Top ]

---

6. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?

We recommend our clients bring cash and a Credit Card and or Debit Card. Do not use the Credit/Debit Card to pay for meals etc, but to withdraw money from secure Automatic Teller Machines which are widely available. Firstly, you get a much better exchange rate this way and secondly you avoid the risk of a scam artist duplicating your card, being double charged and your credit cards being stolen. US Dollars are accepted everywhere and currency exchange locations are very easy to find. Euros are also widely accepted.

[ Return to Top ]

---

7. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in most locations and currency exchange bureaus are easy to find. Travelers Checks can be quite useful but keep in mind that the exchange rate is much lower for them than it is for cash (you lose approximately 5 to 10%). It may also be difficult to find a currency exchange location that accepts Travelers Checks. In general we recommend bringing a mix of cash, Credit Cards and Travelers Checks. Remember that it is always better idea to take a little more rather than a little less in case of emergencies.

Read more currency tips in our newsletter article.

[ Return to Top ]

---

8. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can be a problem in the Andes regions. Diamox is commonly used by visitors from the US and works very well. We also recommend Sorochi or Grovol, both of which can be purchased over-the-counter in the airports upon arrival. We also recommend eating light meals on the first day and avoiding strenuous physical activities until you are acclimatized. It is important to point out that most people do not have any serious problems with the altitude, and as long as you do not perform any aerobic exercise upon arrival you should be fine.

[ Return to Top ]

---

9. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?

We recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome at times. However, it is not impossible to travel with a suitcase if you should prefer to do so. Keep in mind that you will regularly have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and up and down staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. We also recommend you bring a day bag to carry provisions with you while on tour and also so as to have your money, tickets and travel documents with you at all times.

While many areas of Argentina can get quite hot, when going high up into the Andes or far south into Patagonia/Tierra del Fuego it can get quite chilly at night. The trick here is to dress in layers that you can either peel off or add on, depending on the time of day. Local clothes are very inexpensive by U.S. and European standards.

[ Return to Top ]

---

10. How do I organize an optional excursion?

If you wish to take an optional excursion all you need to do is contact your Argentina For Less Sales Representative and all will be arranged. If you know of any excursions in any of the South American countries we offer (Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador) that are not published on our website – let your Sales Rep know and we’ll get you on that tour.

[ Return to Top ]

---

11. What Standard of Hotel will I be staying in?

All our hotels meet U.S. standards. We at Argentina For Less strive to make sure your stay in Argentina will be as comfortable as possible. We have visited and tested all of the hotels in the area and are convinced that the ones we offer provide the very best service there is, at the best value. All our hotels have: private bathrooms; clean facilities; charming architecture; single and double beds; friendly and efficient staff (this makes a big difference); and a good location. Most of our hotel rooms have: telephone; cable TV with major international networks. Information on all of the hotels we offer - with pictures - is available on our website. Take the time to choose what you believe will be the hotel that best suits your needs, desires and aspirations for the trip. If you have heard of a hotel in the area and are interested in it but cannot find it on our website, contact us and we will arrange for you to stay in it.

[ Return to Top ]

---

12. Do you offer any travel insurance?

For your own peace of mind we suggest that you purchase travel insurance so you are positive that your full investment will be covered (including international flights and our entire package and health care insurance). If you do not already have some form of travel insurance we recommend this travel insurance firm: www.itravelinsured.com. iTravelInsured is one of the industry's leading travel insurance providers - covering hundreds of thousands of travelers. Their travel insurance plans offer coverage for vacation and trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical and health expenses, lost baggage and more. If you would like to know more information about our travel insurance.

[ Return to Top ]

---

13. Argentina Flight Departure Taxes

For all flights from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, all passengers must pay the International Airport Use Tax (TUAI), which includes a departure tax and a security tax, to the airline at the time of buying the ticket. Children under 2 years of age are exempt.

International: $18 USD, plus $2.50 for security tax

Regional (Uruguay, etc): $8 USD

Domestic: $6.05, plus $1 for security tax

Please note that other airports in Argentina may have different departure tax rates and policies.

[ Return to Top ]

---

14. What about additional taxes – how much should I expect to pay?

Argentina’s value added tax (VAT), which is abbreviated locally as IVA, is 21%. You can recover this 21% at the airport if you have purchased local products totaling more than 70 pesos (per invoice) from stores participating in tax-free shopping. Forms are available at the airport. Ask when making purchases or look for the TAX-FREE sign in the store windows.

Most stores catering to tourists will gladly explain the procedure and provide you with the special receipts you’ll need to present to Customs when you leave the country.

[ Return to Top ]

---

15. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?

Argentina requires no vaccinations to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic.

[ Return to Top ]

---

16. What is the latest I can book?

The latest one can book is 10 business days prior to arrival. We need to have received your payment in full as well as all relevant information regarding your trip at least 10 working days before you begin your trip - or a late booking fee will apply.

[ Return to Top ]

---

17. How do I pay?

You may pay for your trip in a number of different manners. We accept all major credit cards as well as check, wire transfer payments, and direct deposits. It is completely up to you. Please ask your sales representative for more details.

We accept all credit card payments via PayPal, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We accept credit card payments via PayPal. This is a secure and easy way to proceed with your payment. Should you have any questions regarding Paypal, please do not hesitate to ask.

[ Return to Top ]

---

18. Are meals included?

All breakfasts are included - except where stated otherwise. For lunch and dinner we prefer giving our clients the option of choosing where and what they would most like to eat. South America has a number of fantastic restaurants at great value and the cuisine is absolutely superb. We will be more than happy to send you a list of all of our favorite restaurants in the different areas you will be visiting.

[ Return to Top ]

---

19. I am a single traveler, Is this tour for me?

Yes. We have had many single travelers throughout the years and never had any problems. These group tours will be the perfect opportunity to travel with a friendly and interesting group throughout your entire trip. Please realize that your comfort and especially your safety and security are our top most concern.

[ Return to Top ]