Capital: Buenos Aires

Population: 40,301,927

Language: Spanish is the official language, also Italian English French and German are spoken.

Border Countries: Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile.

Visas: UK nationals require a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for a stay of up to three months for British Citizens.

Time Difference: GMT -3   Argentina does not observe daylight saving time

International dialling code from the UK: +54.  The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).

Voltage Requirements: 220V, 50Hz. Argentina uses the European two prong plugs on most wall electrical outlets so take an adaptor.

Currency: Argentinian peso (ARS)

Money Exchange: Banks and authorized cambios (bureaux de change) are in all major cities.
Travellers are advised to use ATMs and credit cards, ATMs available in most cities but daily withdrawal limits are low. Most major credit cards are accepted
Banking Hours Mon-Fri 1000-1500.

Taxes: The sales tax, known as IVA, is 21%.

Tipping: In restaurants, tip 5% of the bill if it includes service charge, 10% if it doesn't. Movie ushers and bus terminal porters get a 1 P tip, air terminal porters 2 P per suitcase.

Petrol Costs: One litre of petrol 61p, moderate meal £4, four mile taxi ride £4, a beer £1, bottle of wine £2.40. All costs will vary

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to travel in Argentina. Malaria risk is present in rural areas along borders with Bolivia and Paraguay. Consult your doctor about possible inoculations for typhoid or yellow fever if you plan to spend time in rural areas. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but be more careful in the rural north, and use bottled water.

Emergencies: Emergencies: 101

British Embassy in Buenos Aires: +54 (0)11 4808 2200

Internet: Internet cafes are widely available in Buenos Aires and other popular tourist destinations. Many hotels also offer Internet access.