Depending on your prior travels, Argentina can seem like a

Travel in Argentina is full of beauty and adventure, but things are done a little differently in our part of the Southern Hempisphere.  Entry into a different culture can be a little disorienting – is that a horse on the highway?  But it can also be one of the most delicious elements of your adventure.  When you´re in a country where the customs, rules, habits are different, your senses are heightened, your mind & body are put on high alert, and you open up to truly experience the newness of this place, and the people that call it home.

Mendoza Traffic:

By U.S. standards, Argentine city traffic is fast and agressive.   Whereas U.S. drivers are trained to always drive within the lines, Argentines are known to weave in and out like olymic speed skaters.  Spotlights are typically followed, though stop signs are not and many intersections are uncontrolled.  Generally speaking, the car on the right has the right-of-way, but not all the time.  Though crosswalks paint the pavement throughout the city, Pedestrians never have the right away.

The unspoken hierarchy on the road is the more wheels, the more respect.  Buses and trucks come first, bikers and walkers come last.  That being said, walking around the city is one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to experience Mendoza living.  Just be sure to follow the flow of the walking traffic, and when crossing major intersections – step lightly.  In the U.S. pedestrians have the right of way, in Mendoza pedestrians have the right to get out of the way.

Walking in Mendoza City

Though fast & furious drivers do pose a hazard to pedestrians, the real hazard is a much more inconspicious source: Asequias.  Asequias are small, open concrete/ stone canals that channel clean water from Andes peaks to the city center.  All sidewalks have small bridges that rise above the asequias, but make sure you´re on the bridge or you could wind up walking the plank.

Sidewalks are covered with beautiful old tiles, but are uneven and quite slippery when wet. Watch out for small steps up and down when walking.  Given the uneven terrain, comfortable walking shoes are essential.  Fashion in Mendoza is not as high a priority as it is in Buenos Aires, so it´s best to forgo the stilettos for a tennis shoe with some cushion.

On your walk through the city, you´re bound to notice the thriving population of stray dogs that fearlessly wander the streets – using pedestrian crosswalks, and sunbathing in the city´s plazas.  Most of these dogs have learned to survive in the city, and though they may pull at your heart strings, it´s best not to feed or pet them.

Taxis & Remises:

Taxis are black and yellow and are clearly marked. Traveling by taxi is a safe and easy way to explore Mendoza.  Unlike in Buenos Aires, you don´t have to worry about Radio taxis vs. unmarked cabs, taxis in Mendoza are generally all trustworthy.  Taxis are equipped with meters and fares are paid in pesos.  Because drivers rarely carry large amounts of cash, try to use small bills and exact change when possible.

Remises are unmarked taxis that look like normal cars with a small antennae and a yellow number on the trunk. They are much newer and cleaner than most taxis, akin to a private driver. It can be cheaper to rent a Remise (car and driver) for the day than to rent a car for the day, not to mention the added benefit of having a local driver who is familiar with the area. You should consider both options before making your decision.

Maps:

Finding a map of downtown Mendoza is not hard to do, finding two maps that are alike however, that gets a little trickier.  Within the city, streets are generally marked with names (at least, every other street is).  However, travel a few kilometers outside of downtown and you´ll find that street signs are very hard to come by.  Native drivers have memorized on and off ramps, side roads, and country lanes, but this kind of savvy is hard for short-term travelers to acquire.

Within the city, there are tourist kiosks stocked with maps and friendly faces that are happy to point you in the right direction should you ever get turned around.

Money in Mendoza

The Argentine Peso value fluctuates frequently, it´s best to check online to find the most up-to-date exchange rate.  American Dollars can be exchanged in money exchange offices or at the airport. Check the exact exchange rate before your trip and bring a small calculator if you want to compute your trip expenses in reference to your home dollar value. When you see prices printed $40 it always represents the value in pesos. The USD or U$D printed next to the item are the only indicators that the price is in US Dollars. Beware of false bills and always count your cash after a transaction to ensure you were not short-changed.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards 

Most shops and restaurants in Mendoza receive credit cards and debit cards. You can withdrawal approximately  USD$175 per transaction at the nearest cajero (ATM) and will be charged a service fee by your home bank. We recommend withdrawing pesos to carry at all times. Leave larger bills in a safe place and always be conscious of your purses or backpacks while out in the city.

Gratuity

Gratuity is just that, showing gratitude, in forms of money, gifts or even wine. You may like to keep a few smaller bills handy for the bellmen & housekeeping. You will also meet some fun winemakers and talented professionals, beautiful children and creative street performers where you may enjoy exchanging something tangible other than paper bills or monedas (coins). It is not common for locals to tip in Argentina; however, it is considered impolite for foreigners to scrimp on the tip, and restaurant service appreciates a 10% gratuity.

Sending things home from Argentina

If you do not have room in your luggage, purchased items can be sent home via Argentina mail, DHL, & UPS. The high shipping cost is determined by size, weight and destination. Delivery Items purchased at TAX free stores and over a value of $70 peso have the option of tax reimbursement upon leaving the country. Tax is always figured into the price of the item and is 21%.

Greetings in Argentina

Men to women and women to women usually greet with a kiss. They “kiss” the air while touching the right cheek to cheek. Men shake hands or embrace and even “kiss” too.

Electrical Adaptors

Electrical current is 220 V. in Argentina. Make sure your devices have a universal electrical adaptor 100-240 V. Also, the outlets are different and require an adaptor to plug in. You can get them at the hardware store or ask the hotel front desk. Hairdryers are often provided in hotels.

Water in Argentina

Water is very safe to drink, however, bottled water is more popular among most people. Bottled water can be purchased in street side kiosks, restaurants and stores. Also, you can choose your water with carbonation (con gas) or without carbonation (sin gas).

Cell Phones in Argentina

Unfortunately, not all US cell phones work in Argentina. You may carry your device down, purchase a SIM card and still NOT have communication. The roaming laws are tricky in Argentina. Some companies work. If you want to rent a cell phone to use nationally or internationally, we recommend: http://www.privatephone.com/