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Useful Information

Things to keep in mind when hiking

  • Go with other people.
  • Pre-plan your itinerary let someone know you are going and make sure you have time before nightfall.
  • Only use recommended trails and don’t make shortcuts.
  • Read the signs carefully on entering the park – the info is relevant.
  • Take UV sunglasses and use them whenever looking at glaciers.
  • Take waterproof clothing and sweaters even on hot days and put on sunscreen even on cloudy days.
  • Don’t bother the wildlife, pick up your waste and bring back memories only.
  • Never ever light a fire under any circumstances.
  • If someone has left a mess before you, do the right thing and pick it up.

Argentina

  • In most regions of the country, a long siesta is the norm and telephone calls are unwelcome between 2 and 5pm.
  • Clubbing begins at around 2am and continues past dawn.
  • Kissing casual acquaintances is the norm for women and between men and women. Sometimes men also kiss.
  • The vote is compulsory for all Argentinean over 18 years old, with penalties applied to those who fail to turn up.
  • Shrines to "saints", usually not recognised by the Vatican, dot the countryside.
  • The name "Argentina" comes from the Latin word "argentum" which means silver.
  • "Plata" is the Spanish word for silver and the Argentinean modern word for money.

Tax refund: The VAT rate in Argentina is 21% and you can claim it back if you bought local products that cost over $70 Argentinean pesos. Keep the invoice when you see the Tax Free Shopping logo, fill out the appropriate form at the Airport and get the refund.

Money: American Dollars are generally accepted. Foreign currency can be changed at banks or exchange bureaus (casa de cambio). Credit Cards are widely accepted. ATM’s are found in most places. Traveller’s checks can be difficult to change outside BA.

Commercial hours:

  • Banks and exchange bureaus: Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm
  • Shops: in most big cities from 9 am to 8 pm, in small towns they close for lunch and siesta time. They are also open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
  • Restaurants: lunch is served from 12:30 pm and dinner from 8:30 pm. You can get fast food at any time.