The Argentina Business Travel Guide provides a range of valuable travel information and resources for business travellers. The travel guide contains visa information, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. A good understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Argentina's economy has experienced a roller coaster ride in the past few years with defaults and inflation, however it has bounced back to an extent and offers a number of business opportunities. Major trading partners include neighbours Brazil, Chile and China and the USA. Argentina is a multicultural, multiracial and home to a number of ethic groups.
The country is the second largest in South America and includes has a variety of landscapes including mountains, hills, lakes and plateaus. Famous attractions include the Iguazu Falls, Glaciers National Park, Mendoza, Mar Del Plata, La Boca and other attractions in the capital Buenos Aires.
Argentina Guide
Quick Facts on Argentina
Argentina Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Argentina Map
Argentina Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Argentina
Country: Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires
Currency: Peso (1 Peso = 100 Centavos)
Population: 41.1 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 2,776,900 sq km
Languages: Spanish (Official), English, Italian, German and French. Indigenous languages include Guarani, Tehuelche and Quechua.
Time Zone: GMT -3
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 54
GDP: USD 611.8 billion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Catholic, Protestant and Jewish.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .ar
Argentina Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Argentina. You can find more information on entry requirements for Argentina, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Argentina. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a valuable resource to consult for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest up to date travel advice and information on Argentina. For more information please see: Argentina Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for nationals of the UK, many European countries, Canada, USA and selected other countries for short term visits. Citizens of other countries need a valid visa prior to arriving. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Argentine Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is stylish and conservative with dark coloured suits the norm, being well dressed will help make a good impression here. The usual business greeting is with a handshake. Punctuality is important for meetings but note the hosts may be a bit delayed, business is done with people and organisations where a good rapport has been established and trust and understanding exists, this can take some time to build up. Hierarchy is deemed important and it will be expected people at similar levels will attend meetings.
There is protocol to follow and decisions can take some time to come through, there are often several layers of approval needed. Using known names and nepotism is viewed more favourably than in the west. The communication style is direct and to the point yet it can still be tactful, you may find people generally need less personal space when communicating with each other than is the norm in most western countries.
Many Argentine business people speak English although most business is likely to be conducted in Spanish, business deals are often made over lunch with European business norms observed on the whole. There is a more relaxed attitude to timekeeping than is the case for Europe and North America and it is common for business meetings to start a few minutes late.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Argentina each year for both business visitors and tourists are likely to pleasant and incident free. You should be aware of pick pockets and bag snatchers particularly in tourist and busy areas. There are incidents of being distracted on public transport to take valuables. Ensure you valuables are not left unattended at any time and do not show them in public. It is wise to avoid badly lit areas at night and ensure you use licensed cabs. There have been cases of kidnappings where people are taken for a ransom, it is important to be alert and aware of your surroundings and environment at all times.
Travel Checklist: See our Checklist for Travellers containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%, tipping in taxis is not the norm.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
For Shops
08.30 to 20.30 Monday to Saturday
10.00 to 20.00 Sundays
For Banks:
10.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Shopping Centres are open 10.00 to 22.00 Monday to Sunday. Business hours can vary a bit from those listed above, for business visitors it may be best to avoid business trips during peak summer months of January and February when people are away on holiday and business activity is reduced with less staff around.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year’s Day
March 24: Truth & Justice Day
April 2: Veterans' Day
April 3: Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
May 25: National Day (Day of Revolution)
June 20: Flag Day
July 9: Independence Day
August 17: Anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín
October 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day
Argentina Map
Map of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Related Resources
Argentina Weather & Climate
Argentina's location in the southern hemisphere means it has seasons that are opposite to those in Europe and North America. Argentina is a long country and its climate ranges from subtropics to subpolar regions in the south, characterised by the heat and rains in the north, a fine temperate climate in the central regions and subpolar cold in the south.
In Buenos Aires summer during November to February is hot and in January in particular the heat is at its peak is can be hot and intense, the months of September to November and February to March are popular months to visit the city and enjoy the best in the weather. Visitors coming for a skiing trip would find the best months are June to October.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn for most of the year in the north, rain coats and water proof clothing are advisable in most areas. In the south visitors are advised to come with layers and will need warm clothing; in the winter additional layers and warmer clothing are required in the central area too.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
