• Keys to Success

• Business Customs

• Language
• Currency
• Time
• Electric Current
• Weights and Measures
• Temperature Conversion

• Security Assessment and Visas

• Business Infrastructure
• Transportation
• Lodging
• Communications
• Health
• Holidays

• Temporary Entry of Personal Laptops and Exhibit Materials

• Geography and Climate

Business Customs

Argentine business customs are generally more formal than those in the United States. Business dress, appearance, and general demeanor are more conservative. Courtesy is very important, and efforts to rush a business deal are unlikely to meet with success. No encounter starts with a business discussion. To establish trust, some time spent discussing family members or sports and social activities is fundamental to the development of a solid business relationship. It is important to shake hands with everyone in the room upon arriving and leaving. Among Argentines, it is customary for men to kiss even women they meet for the first time on the right cheek. However, Americans should shake hands with Argentine women, until a friendly relationship has been established.

Contacts and introductions are important, therefore use the services of the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, or other organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce, industry associations and other contacts rather than a direct "cold call" approach. The Gold Key Matching Service offered by the U.S. Commercial Service is an excellent way to find the right contacts and have a schedule of meetings set up in advance of your visit.

It is important that you be prompt to business meetings, though your Argentine contact may be slightly late, and always have a pre-arranged appointment. Be sure to have an ample supply of business cards. Although not essential, it is beneficial to have cards printed in Spanish, as well as English.

One cultural note is that it is better form not to say you are from "America." In Latin America, the term "America" denotes North and South America, not just the United States. Therefore, it is better to call yourself a North American (norteamericano), from the United States. Saying you are from the United States (de los Estados Unidos) is clearer.

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Language

Spanish is the national language of Argentina, although many businesspeople speak English and European languages as well. Do not assume, however, that your contacts will speak English. For U.S. businesspeople that already speak Spanish, note that Argentina has distinct differences in pronunciation, cadence, and vocabulary. Any printed matter translated into Spanish should be reviewed first by a native Argentine to assure its suitability in Argentina.

It is wise as well as courteous to hire an interpreter to assist in business meetings unless you are certain that all parties speak English fluently. Contact us for a list of qualified interpreters. Many large business hotels can also provide this service.

Almost all business in Argentina is transacted in Spanish and all documents and records must be in Spanish. Business documents in a foreign language to be presented for legal purposes to Argentine authorities should be translated by a certified public translator. Contact us for a list of certified public translators.

Currency

The Argentine currency is the peso, and is signified by the same symbol ($), as the U.S. dollar. ATM machines are widely available in Buenos Aires, allowing travelers with a variety of credit or debit cards to withdraw funds automatically in local currency. Although usually accepted at most hotels, travelers checks are often refused by business establishments and can be difficult or expensive to change at banks. So, be sure to bring an ATM card.

Time

Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and two hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Argentina does not observe daylight savings time. Therefore, the time difference with Eastern Standard Time is one hour, but with Eastern Daylight Time it is two hours. The 24-hour system is generally used rather than the 12-hour a.m./p.m. system. For example: 3.00 p.m. is referred to as 15.00 hours.

Business office hours are generally Monday through Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (two hours earlier for factories) with a one-hour lunch break. Work luncheons are frequent for business executives and they generally extend from 1.00 to 3.00 p.m. Business dinners, and dinners in general, do not begin until 9.00 or 10.00 p.m., therefore it is common to return home or to the hotel to sleep for a few hours before going out. Because evenings start late and end late, the early evening nap is the secret to being functional the next day. It is advisable to not schedule morning meetings before 10.00 a.m. Business breakfasts are not common.

Most retail stores are open from 9.00 or 10.00 a.m. to between 6.00 and 9.00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Banks are open to the public from Monday through Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Electric Current

Unlike in the United States, electric current in Argentina is AC 220 volts, 50 cycles in the case of one phase; AC 380 volts, 50 cycles for three phase. In addition, business travelers should be aware that outlets in Argentina are shaped differently than in the U.S.

Weights and Measures

Argentina uses the metric system of measurement. Government regulations provide that the indication of net content in labeling must be in the metric system. The units, symbols, and other notations used in the conversion guides set forth below for your convenience are in accord with the International System of Units, which is interpreted or modified for use in the United States by the Secretary of Commerce (55FR 52242, December 20, 1990).

Approximate Conversion to Metric Measures

Symbol	If you know...	Multiply by...	To Find...	Symbol
		LENGHT
in	inches	2.5	milimeters	mm
ft	feet	0.3	meters	m
yd	yards	0.9	meters	m
mi	miles	1.6	kilometers	km
		AREA
in2	square inches	6.5	square centimeters	cm2
ft2	square feet	0.09	square meters	m2
yd2	square yards	0.8	square meters	m2
mi2	square miles	2.6	square quilometers	km2
	acres	0.4	hectareas (10,000 m2)	ha
		WEIGHT
oz	ounces	28	grams	g
lb	pounds	0.45	kilograms	kg
	short tons (2,000 lbs)	0.9	metric tons	t
		VOLUME
tsp	teaspoons	5	mililiters	ml
tbsp	tablespoons	15	mililiters	ml
in3	cubic inches	16	mililiters	ml
fl oz	fluid ounces	30	mililiters	ml
c	cups	0.24	liters	l
pt	pints	0.47	liters	l
qt	quarts	0.95	liters	l
gal	gallons	3.8	liters	l
ft3	cubic feet	0.03	cubic meters	m3
yd3	cubic yards	0.76	cubic meters	m3

Temperature Conversion

Celsius (Centigrade):
- Water boils at 100 degrees C, freezes at 0 degrees C.
- To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32.

Fahrenheit:
- Water boils at 212 degrees F, freezes at 32 degrees F
- To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and divide by 1.8.

Security Assessment and Visas

Security Assessment

Buenos Aires is a high crime area. Therefore, U.S. visitors and residents should take the same precautions they would take in any major U.S. and foreign metropolis. There are no specific threats directly against American visitors at the present time. It is recommended, however, that due caution be exercised when traveling about the city, including avoiding wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Pickpockets and thieves abound even on busy streets and are especially common in areas frequented by tourists, such as the Florida Avenue mall in Central Buenos Aires, in public conveyances, and other visitor frequented locations, such as hotel lobbies, airports, and shopping malls. Because of the many cases of robberies in false taxis, visitors should, whenever possible, call radio taxis, or arrange for a remise, instead of flagging passing taxis on the street.

Visas

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Argentina for up to 90 days for tourism or business, except holders of U.S. Diplomatic and Official passports. Visitors may request an extension of stay up to 90 days from the Argentine Immigration Service at:

Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
Av. Antártida Argentina 1355, Edificio 1, Piso 1
C1104ACA Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: (54-11) 4311-7695 or 4313-2777
Fax: (54-11) 4313-1778

On the other hand, due to the suspension of the Visa Waiver Program for Argentina, effective February 21, 2002 Argentine citizens traveling to the U.S. need a visa, as required for other citizens of other countries. This applies for tourists, as well as for business travel.

Work and Other Extended Visas

Although it is theoretically possible to arrange a work permit following arrival in Argentina, the process is much more complicated and time consuming than applying for the work visa abroad, and one may not legally begin remunerated employment until permission has been granted. Therefore, it is important to begin the work visa process as early as possible through applying at an Argentine consular office in the U.S. or abroad. This process can still be very lengthy and require many civil documents (e.g., birth and marriage certificates) and police certificates. U.S. civil documents submitted to Argentine consular offices do not require Argentine consular certification: the government of Argentina requires only a Hague Convention apostille certificate from the secretary of state of the U.S. state where the document was issued or from the U.S. Department of State for U.S. federal government-issued documents.

Argentine immigration law provides for the following temporary and permanent resident categories and conditions:

• Transitory residents, tourists, and students are not allowed to carry on a remunerated or profitable activity unless expressly authorized by the immigration service.
  
• Temporary residents may perform such activities during their authorized stay if they obtain a work permit. The work permit can be obtained from the immigration authorities at the Immigration Office, upon prior file of relevant documentation. The permit authorizes a stay from one to three years.
• Permanent residents may perform any kind of remunerated or profitable activity, either as employees or self-employed.

There are special immigration provisions for some foreign professional, scientific, or technical research personnel hired abroad to render services in Argentina for a maximum of two years. They must not be resident in Argentina and must be covered for contingencies such as old age, disability or death by the law of their own country.

For more information, contact an Argentine Consular Office in the United States.

Business Infrastructure

• Transportation

U.S. carriers flying to Argentina include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. The primary gateways are from Miami, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. Argentine carrier Aerolineas Argentinas also flies between the U.S. and Argentina. In country travel, and travel between Argentina and other South American countries, is widely available from a variety of U.S., Argentine, and foreign carriers. Two main airports serve Buenos Aires. One is Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, near downtown. All domestic flights and some regional flights to Uruguay and Paraguay leave from Aeroparque. All other international flights, including those from the United States, land at Ezeiza International Airport, which is a 45-minute drive (40-50 Peso cab fare; US$1 = approx. Peso 3.-) from Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires has extensive subway and bus routes. Taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable, and are generally the most effective way of moving around Buenos Aires. A widely available type of private car service, called "remise", is also available and is recommended for transporting from Ezeiza International Airport into Buenos Aires. Remise services have counter at the airport. For security reasons, the U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers use either remises or radio taxis, rather than hailing taxis on the street.

Railroad travel is available from several stations in downtown Buenos Aires. Commuter trains link Buenos Aires with most suburban areas, and long-distance trains connect most large cities. Travel outside greater Buenos Aires can be accomplished by train, bus, or car, although air travel is recommended for many trips to the provinces because of the distances involved.

Automobile rental is available throughout the country, although it is quite expensive compared to U.S. rental costs. Travelers should be aware that Argentina has a high rate of auto accidents, and driving is not recommended for travelers in country for short visits.

• Lodging

Argentina has a solid selection of international class business hotels. Many U.S. chains are present in country offering the same level of comfort and service as their hotels in the United States. Many categories of hotels are available throughout the country.

• Communications

Telephone services, both international and local, are adequate. The owners of the privatized telephone system have vastly improved operations. Many business people use cellular telephones to work more efficiently. Both domestic and international long distance calls in Argentina are notably expensive, doubly so from hotels. AT&T, MCI, and Sprint have local numbers that halve costs, but may be difficult to connect with during business hours. Callback services are available for established businesses.

Buenos Aires has numerous local television channels that broadcast Spanish language programming. There is also a wide range of cable television channels available, including CNN International, CNN en Español, MTV, as well as channels from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy and others.

International papers and magazines, including a wide range from the U.S., are widely available at the numerous kiosks to be found around Buenos Aires.

• Health

Buenos Aires has no particular health risks and no special precaution need to be taken. Sanitary conditions are good. Tap water is safe. Many competent doctors, dentists, and specialists are available in Buenos Aires. Outside of Buenos Aires or other cities, basic precautions, such as drinking bottled water, are recommended.

Holidays

Argentine national holidays for 2006 include the following:

• January 1, New Year's Day
• April 2, Malvinas Veterans and Memorial Day
• April 14, Good Friday
• May 1, Labor Day
• May 25, Revolution (1810) Day
• June 19, Flag Day (Actual Date: June 20)
• July 9, Independence (1816) Day
• August 21, Death of San Martin (Actual Date: August 17)
• October 16, Columbus Day (Actual Date: October 12)
• December 8, Immaculate Conception
• December 25, Christmas

In addition, Government offices, banks, insurance companies and courts are closed on a number of "non-work days", but closing is optional for business and commerce, such as Holy Thursday (immediately before Easter). The U.S. Embassy closes on all U.S. Federal holidays in addition to the above.

Temporary Entry of Personal Laptops and Exhibit Materials

Personal working elements such as laptop computers or other tools must be registered at Customs at the time of entry and again on departure from Argentina. Samples brought into the country by a traveling salesperson are admitted duty free provided they have no commercial value. Otherwise, the traveler may be required to deposit a 90-day bond that is refunded on the goods leaving the country.

Argentina is not a party to the A.T.A. (Temporary Admission) Carnet program of the U.S. Council for International Business to import goods, display booths, and literature for display in local trade shows for subsequent re-export. The Argentine Temporary Admission Regime (TAR) allows duty free admission of goods such as commercial samples, packaging, pallets, containers, and goods for exhibits. These items must be re-exported within the timeframe stipulated by Customs on entering the country. Many trade show organizers are able to obtain a special waiver from the Argentine government on a case-by-case basis.

Geography and Climate

Argentina is located in the southern cone of South America, and has a total area of approximately 1,500,000 square miles including the mainland and the Argentine territory in Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands. (Argentina claims the islands it refers to as the "Malvinas" and which Great Britain calls "the Falklands"). It is the eighth largest country in the world, approximately the size of the part of the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Topography and climate vary significantly, with the high Andes mountains in the west, subtropical climate in the northeast, temperate climate in the middle part of the country, and semi-arid and cold in the southern part. The middle third of the country, which includes Buenos Aires, contains the greatest part of the population, as well as most of the economic activity and agricultural production.

Travelers should note that since Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in the U.S. is winter in Argentina, and vice versa. School summer vacations take place from approximately Christmas through March, instead of June through August and there is usually an approximately two-to-three week winter school vacation in mid-July.

Unless you have made arrangements otherwise, we recommend against traveling to conduct business meetings in Argentina in January, since most businesses are either closed or working on a limited schedule. Most businesspeople take vacation, and there are few in town conducting business. Ask your business contacts for the best time to come, and plan travel times and pack accordingly. Summer, particularly during January and February, is hot and humid in Buenos Aires.

In winter the coldest months are July and August, with temperatures ranging in the 40s and 50s. The best months for business travel to Argentina are April through November.