Capital: Buenos Aires
Location:
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay (slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US).
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting
Argentina are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires and obtain updated information on travel and security within
Argentina. The U.S. Embassy is located at 4300 Avenida Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina. The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (011)(54)(11) 5777-4533. Recorded consular information, including instructions on whom to contact in case of an American citizen emergency, is available at (54)(11) 4514-1830. The main embassy fax is (54)(11) 5777-4240. The Consular Section fax is (011)(54)(11) 5777-4205. Additional information is available through the Embassy's web site at http://us---embassy.state.gov/baires embassy, which has a link to the Consular Section's email inquiry Address: BuenosAiresConsulate@state.gov.
Background:
Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist dictatorship was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation.
Ethnic Groups:
white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3%
Language:
Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French
Currency:
ARS
Argentine peso (ARS)
Argentine pesos per US dollar - 1.000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)
Climate:
Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest
Population:
37,384,816 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%
Medical:
Medical care in Buenos Aires is generally good but varies in quality outside the capital. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the US can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the US unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety:
Although in recent years there have been occasional instances of small explosive devices placed outside businesses identified with the US or other foreign countries, there is no evidence of terrorist organizations or violent groups in Argentina which specifically target U.S. visitors. However, given the presence of members of and support for foreign extremist terrorist groups in the tri-border region of Argentina (Misiones Province), visitors to Argentina cannot discount the possibility of terrorist activity to include random acts of anti-American violence.
Both planned and spontaneous demonstrations and protests sometimes inconvenience or delay travelers throughout Argentina. These may include blocking streets and highways, which cause sporadic travel delays, including getting to and from airports. Although demonstrations are usually nonviolent, U.S. citizens should take common-sense precautions and avoid gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to protest. Information about the location of possible demonstrations is available from several sources, including the local media. Additional information and advice may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers or email address listed below.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Argentina is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good/Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Good/Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Good
Driving throughout
Argentina is more dangerous than driving in the United States. Drivers in Argentina are very aggressive, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires and frequently ignore traffic regulations. Road conditions are favorable throughout Argentina, which is well connected by main highways. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the rest of the country. For further information, please contact the Argentine Automobile Club, Av. Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal, telephone (011)(54) 11-4802-6061 or contact the Embassy of Argentina as listed above in paragraph 2.
