Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Legal Matters
Police can demand identification at any time and for whatever reason, though it's unlikely
to happen. Always carry a photo ID or a copy of your passport, and - most importantly -
always
be courteous and cooperative.
Drugs and most other substances that are illegal in the USA and many European coun-
tries are also illegal here, though marijuana has been somewhat decriminalized in Argen-
tina (and is legal in Uruguay). If arrested, you have the constitutional right to a lawyer, a
telephone call and to remain silent (beyond giving your name, nationality, age and pass-
port number). Don't sign anything until you talk to a lawyer. If you don't speak Spanish, a
translator should be provided for you.
Maps
Tourist offices throughout the country provide free city maps that are good enough for
tooling around town.
With offices in nearly every Argentine city, the
Automóvil Club Argentino
(ACA;
www.aca.org.ar
) publishes excellent maps of provinces and cities that are great for driv-
ing. Card-carrying members of foreign automobile clubs can get discounts.
Geography nerds will adore the topographic maps available from the
Instituto Geo-
gráfico Nacional
(
4576-5576;
www.ign.gob.ar
;
Av Cabildo 381) in Buenos Aires.
TWO-TIER PRICING
Over the last decade, Argentina's popularity as a tourism destination has given
birth to an annoying two-tier pricing system: some businesses in certain areas
(mostly in Buenos Aires, but also in Patagonia and parts of the Lake District)
charge Argentines one price and 'nonresidents' a higher price. While you won't find
this everywhere, you will encounter it at some tango shows, museums, estancias
(ranches) ,national parks, airlines and upmarket hotels throughout the country.
Many accommodations also quote prices in US dollars rather than pesos. This
doesn't necessarily mean you're getting charged more than Argentines; the peso is
just so unstable that places prefer to use a currency that isn't always fluctuating.
Money
The Argentine unit of currency is the peso (AR$).
Carrying cash and an ATM card is the way to go in Argentina.
