[Previous entry: "Advice for Travellers to China"] [Next entry: "The New E111 Form"]
19/04/2005: "Insurance & Advice for Travel to Argentina"
Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavoured sophistication, and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. The silver lining to the financial cloud is that it's now one of the best travel bargains going around.
This is one Latin American country where Europeans and North Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. An interest in soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local. It's the perfect time of year to take advantage of the changing seasons, and for a young couple taking a break of 7 days in South America, we offer Insurance Packages from as little as £49.98. That's compared to a charge of £92.00 at the Post Office!
The Government Foreign Office have released some information on safety when travelling to Argentina and how to ensure you have the best trip possible:
SUMMARY
Though the economic and political crisis of 2001/02 is over and the recovery has been strong, the consequences are still evident in Argentina and there are occasional outbreaks of social unrest. Crime has increased since the crisis.
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Three bombs exploded in central Buenos Aires on the morning on 17 November 2004. A security guard was killed and another person injured. A fourth device failed to explode and was removed by the local police. All four were placed near banks (two branches of Citibank and one of Banco Galicia).
You are advised to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations and to keep in touch with the news.
Most visits to Argentina are trouble-free.
You should be aware that health and safety standards may not be as rigorously enforced as in the UK.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Two terrorist atrocities committed against the Jewish community in the early 1990s killed 115 people. Please read Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas and Security and General Tips pages on the FCO website for further information and advice.
Crime
In Buenos Aires the most frequent problems involve bag snatching and armed robberies in the street, in taxis and restaurants. Kidnappings have also increased, although tourists are not particular targets. Be alert at all times: con-men have frequently robbed tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard which has been "accidentally" sprayed on them. Another common occurrence is the slitting of handbags in crowded places. Be particularly attentive in popular tourist areas, such as San Telmo. You should avoid carrying too much cash or wearing ostentatious jewellery.
Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night. Hail moving taxis rather than those waiting at the kerbside, or use a hotel recommended radio taxi. Do not offer resistance in the event of an attempted robbery. If you are being met at the airport and you do not know your greeter, ensure you identify his/her bonafides before accepting a lift. Alternatively use a "remise" service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
When travelling on local buses and trains, remain alert at all times. Pickpockets are rife. If you are robbed, you should inform the local police – a police report will be required by your insurers and by the Embassy if you need a new passport. In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English has been opened, on telephone number 101, to help victims. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the Tourist Police Station.
Passports should be left in a hotel safe/security box except when being used for identification purposes eg. expensive purchases, cashing travellers cheques. Keep a photocopy of the details page of your passport with you at all times. Passports are required as identification for internal flights.
Political Situation
The economic and political crisis of 2001/02 is over, and the subsequent recovery has been strong. But the consequences are still evident in Argentina, particularly in the form of increased inequality and poverty. With almost half the population living below the poverty line, there are occasional outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations, which are, at times, violent. You are advised to be alert, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, watch the news and keep in touch with events. Most large demonstrations have taken place in the vicinity of Plaza de Mayo and Congreso. You may also encounter groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) blocking major roads into and out of the capital, causing delays and possibly a change in route.
Road Safety
There is no reason not to travel by road throughout Argentina. But drivers should be aware that driving and road safety standards are not uniform: respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy and manoeuvres by fellow road users can be unexpected. Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a growing danger to be aware of; in cities it is advisable to keep windows closed and doors locked at all times.
Care should be taken when driving in the Province of Misiones close to the frontiers with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods across the borders. It would be advisable to seek local advice if driving in this area.
Air Safety
Aero Vip, an Argentine airline company, recently suspended flights for operational reasons until further notice. Travellers should contact their travel agents to check on the latest position.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a minimum four-and-a-half year prison sentence.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist. On presentation of a valid British passport you will be granted a 90-day stay in the country. To enter Argentina for any other purpose, you should contact Argentinian Representation in the UK. Those remaining in Argentina for more than 3 months are encouraged to register with the British Embassy either in person, by telephone, or on-line, e-mail: registration.baires@fco.gov.uk.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence that both parents have given permission for the journey before allowing lone parents to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Argentine Consulate in London (contact details as above).
HEALTH
Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the city. Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive. You should take out full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents, as well as insurance cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage.
If you have specific conditions (eg. diabetes), you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines with you for the trip.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk
NATURAL DISASTERS
Many of the northern provinces of Argentina suffer from seasonal flooding. This can lead to disruption to transport, delivery of foodstuffs etc.
GENERAL
ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) availability is generally good but you should not rely solely on using international debit cards bearing the cirrus logo to access funds. You are advised, therefore, to ensure you carry alternative forms of payment, including a credit card (accepted in most hotels and major shops and restaurants) or travellers’ cheques, although the latter are not always accepted. US dollars are not widely accepted outside the major tourist areas for cash transactions but it is worth bringing a small supply of dollars to exchange for pesos. When exchanging money, you are advised to use only authorised bureaux de change, rather than informal traders.
