DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Argentina duty-free (people under the age of 18 are allowed to import half of the specified quantities):
The total value of the goods must not exceed the equivalent of US $ 300 (entry via airports and seaports) and the following quantities:
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars;
2 l spirits;
5 kg of food (not fresh).
When entering by land, the total value of the goods must not exceed the equivalent of US $ 150 (persons under 16 years of age a maximum of US $ 75) and the following amounts:
200 cigarettes and 25 cigars;
1 l of spirits;
2 kg of food (not fresh).
Import restrictions
A permit is required to import weapons and ammunition for hunting purposes.
Prohibited imports
Fresh food (especially meat and dairy products, bread, fruit and vegetables, honey and honey products), narcotics, drugs, explosives and pornographic products.
SHOP
Overview
Typical for Argentina are leather articles of all kinds (gloves, coats, jackets, purses, etc.), hand-embroidered blouses, woolen articles (especially llama wool), decorated mate vessels, silver jewelry, semi-precious stones (onyx, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, agate) and guitars.
Leather goods are sold across Argentina and are sometimes available at bargain prices. Local art and handicrafts are also often offered. Chocolate from Bariloche and wines from the province of Mendoza are particularly popular gifts.
The many local ferias (trade fairs) offer an unusual shopping experience. A particularly large and lively event is the annual La Rural agricultural and livestock exhibition in Buenos Aires, where the country’s best agricultural companies and ranchers present themselves.
There are some very large, regular markets in Buenos Aires. The best place to shop for antiques is at the Sunday Feria de San Pedro Telmo Flea Market in Plaza Dorrego. The colorful hippie market in front of the Centro Cultural Recoleta sells handicrafts, jewelry and works of art on the weekends. Unique pieces by promising local designers can be found in the fashion boutiques in the Palermo district. To complement your travel wardrobe with cheap and cheerful pieces, the Calle Florida shopping street is ideal which has been partially pedestrianized since 1913 and where the largest retail stores and boutiques can be found. On the weekends there is a market in Tigre, northwest of Buenos Aires, where handcrafted goods are offered.
As a country located in South America according to commit4fitness, Pasion Argentina (Internet: www.pasion-argentina.com.ar) offers particularly beautifully crafted textiles, furniture and clothing ; the proceeds are used to support the often forgotten natives. Tierra Adentro in Buenos Aires sells exquisite and fair trade textiles, furnishings and silver jewelry made by natives.
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Many shops close at lunchtime and opening times can be unreliable.
Annotation
The ‘Tax Free’ symbol indicates that foreign customers can claim back the 21% sales tax on all purchases made in the country (Internet: www.globalrefund.com).
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Argentines love to party, and there are bars and discos even in the smallest of towns in the rural parts of the country.
Buenos Aires has a particularly lively nightlife. New cocktail bars open again and again throughout the city, and parties on roof terraces or by the pool are simply a part of the spring and summer months. Notable international artists perform in the city’s numerous theaters and concert halls. The numerous smaller boites (clubs) also offer evening entertainment. The city has long since become the South American center of clubbing, and world-famous DJs play in the numerous large discos.
The tango is fascinating, a dynamic Argentine dance that began its triumphal march around the world from Buenos Aires. In all major cities, night after night demonstrations of this intimate art form take place in the clubs. In the milongas (tango halls) interested people can learn and practice tango themselves. The district of San Telmo in Buenos Aires with its long-established establishments is particularly suitable for experiencing the flair of the historic tango halls.
If you have the opportunity, you should take part in an Argentine Peña – an entertaining evening with folk music, simple but very tasty food and lots of dancing and fun. In Buenos Aires, numerous larger peñas take place, especially during the annual agricultural exhibition La Rural.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
The standard ranges from the luxury class in Buenos Aires to the simplest accommodations in rural areas. Cheap hotels in Buenos Aires can be found near Avenida de Mayo. The service is generally very good. All hotel bills include 3% tourist tax, 24% service and 15% room tax. Almost all hotels have air conditioning and many have excellent restaurants.
Categories: The Dirección de Turismo sets room prices for all 1-, 2- and 3-star hotels, guest houses and inns; 4 and 5 star hotels determine their prices themselves. The categories depend on standard, service and number of beds. Information from the Asociación de Hoteles de Turismo de la Republica Argentina,Av. Rivadavia 1157/59, Buenos Aires 1033. (Tel: (011) 52 19 06 86. Internet: www.aht.com.ar).
Camping
Motels, campsites and caravan sites are almost everywhere. Campers are also welcome in cities. Camp mobiles can be rented.
Other accommodation options
Are present in most cities and towns. They are also accessible to non-members of the international youth hostel organization. Further information from Hostelling International Argentina (RAAJ), Florida 835, 3rd Floor, OF 319, Buenos Aires 1005. (Tel: (011) 45 11 87 12. Internet: www.hostels.org.ar).
