Travel documents
Passport and visa for international travel
For travel outside the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, all US citizens are required a valid US passport to return to the US. Driver's licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship for international travel.
Information on passport applications, where to apply, forms, fees, requirements and last minute application services is available in the US State Department travel website www.travel.state.gov or by calling 1.877.487-2778. The website also brings contact information for consulates by country about entry and tourist visa requirements. Please allow a minimum of 10 weeks for processing a passport application, and possibly more during busy travel seasons. Check the website www.travel.state.org/passport for current processing times.
Non-US citizens, including permanent residentes with 'green-cards', must verify entry and visa requirements with the nearest consulate of a destination's country.
Travelers are resposible for obtaining the correct documents for entry into the country on the itinerary, as well as for those required for re-entry into the US.
Getting to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is 5,726 miles away from New York City, an 11 hour non-stop flight. Most major US airlines fly non-stop to Buenos Aires, as well as the country's national carrier, Aerolineas Argentinas. All international flights arrive at Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires.
Climate/clothes
November is springtime in Argentina, but it may get hot during the day. Pack light summer clothes and something dressy for the evenings; walking shoes for the day and tango shoes for your classes (easily found in stores in B.A.) are advisable. The Porteños (natives of Buenos Aires) dress up for dinners and nights out on the town.
Luggage restrictions
Airlines usually have restrictions on the weight of your luggage, as well as on the number of volumes you are allowed to carry on a flight. Check with your carrier before you pack, to avoid penalty fees.
Money
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso, which fluctuates against the US Dollar. For up-to-the-minute exchange rates, check www.xe.com/ucc.
All banks charge a fee every time you use an ATM machine abroad; check with your bank what their fees are before you travel.
Major credit cards and ATM cards are becoming more and more
accepted in Argentina, but be sure to carry some amount of pesos for small purchases and expenses. Leave excess credit cards and store cards at home.
Electricity
In Buenos Aires, the electrical system runs on 220 volts; you may need adaptors to convert the voltage as well as fit sockets (outlets have three prong entries), and they are easier to buy in the US. Hair dryers are provided in the hotel.
Cell phones
Most American cell phones do not work in Argentina. It is advisable to check with your carrier about your options before leaving the US.
Gratuities
Gratuities (tips) during scheduled activities are included during all scheduled actiities in the program but extra tipping is allowed. Gratuities are not included for your personal hotel services such as laundry, room service, bar, luggage carrier, spa, etc.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Argentina but English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants, less so by the general public. Bring a pocket-size phrase book English/Spanish to use on your free time, just in case.
