CONTACT NUMBERS for ARGENTINA
CONTACT NUMBERS FOR ARGENTINA TRIP
Buenos Aires Hotel: Hotel Panamericano Buenos Aires
(participants will be at this hotel Friday Oct. 3)
Tel +54-11-4348-5000
www.panamericano.us
Mar del Plata Hotel: Hotel Costa Galana
(participants will be at this hotel Oct 4-10)
Tel +54-223-486-0000
www.hotelcostagalana.com
US Harvest Evangelism Office: 1-800-835-7979 ext. 215
1-800-835-7979 ext. 212 or
+408-350-1668
+408-350-1660
ABOUT ARGENTINA
THE PEOPLE
Argentina's current population is more then 36 million inhabitants, almost half of which live in the city and the province of Buenos Aires. Population density is calculated on a national basis to be 13 inhabitants per square kilometer.
95% of the population is Caucasian and most are descendants of Italians and Spaniards. As a result of the massive European immigration, marriages between Caucasian and indigenous peoples were slowly reduced and at present they account for only 4.5% of the population. The pure indigenous population (Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos and Chiriguanos) amounts to 0.5% of the population.
GEOGRAPHY
Argentina is located in South America and is divided into five geographical regions: the Andes in the west, the Gran Chaco in the north, the Mesopotamian region in the northwest, Patagonia in the south, and the Pampas in the center. Argentina’s main characteristic is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the impressive Andes mountain range to the west. This is the border with Chile and boasts the highest peak in the Western hemisphere: Aconcagua. From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the Andes present marvelous contrasts: the Northwest plateaus, the lake region, the forests and glaciers in the Patagonia.
To the north, Chaco is a forested area linked to rivers Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo. Between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, the Argentine Mesopotamia (provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones) is formed by low hills, where pools and marshlands reveal the ancient courses of these great rivers. In some places within the subtropical rain forest, there are fissures that provide such spectacular phenomena as the Iguazú Falls.
The Pampas, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known plains region. Agricultural and livestock activities are performed in this area, which includes the province of Buenos Aires. To the south, the plains give way to small hills in Tandil and de la Ventana, and to the west, to the Córdoba hills.
Towards the south, from the Andes to the sea, are the sterile and stony plateaus of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Peninsula Valdés, with its spectacular and unique colonies of sea animals.
CLIMATE
The country's territory offers a wide variety of climates: subtropical in the North, sub-Antarctic in the southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains.
THE NAME ARGENTINA
It comes from the Latin term argentum which means silver. The origin of this name goes back to the first voyages made by the Spanish conquerors to the Río de la Plata. The survivors of the shipwrecked expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís found indigenous people in the region who gave them silver objects as gifts. The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata—a mountain rich in silver—reached Spain around 1524. At that time the Portuguese named the river Solís, Río de la Plata (River of Silver). Two years later the Spanish used the same name. The National Constitution adopted in 1853 included the name “República Argentina” (Argentine Republic) among the official names to designate the government and the country’s territory.
CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT
Argentina consists of 23 provinces plus a federal district, the City Buenos Aires. The Argentine Constitution established a Republic under a representative and federal system which has three separate branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial.
NATIONAL EMBLEMS
The Argentine flag has three horizontal stripes: the one in the middle is white and bears the golden sun, and the two outside stripes are light blue. The golden sun is not always used when flying the Argentine flag. The sun is associated with the military although not limited to. The national flower is the ceibo, and the national stone is the manganese spar (rodocrosita) or "Inca Rose".
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic.
RELIGION
There is complete religious freedom in Argentina, although the official religion is Roman Catholic. Other religions practiced in the country are Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and others.
TOURISM
Please visit http://www.turismo.gov.ar/ for plenty of photos, as well as information on tourism.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
All airlines flying to Argentina arrive primarily at Ezeiza (“Ministro Pistarini”) International Airport, which is 37 km from the City of Buenos Aires. Please note that when leaving the country, a US$18 exit tax must be paid.
Airport Transportation: Harvest Evangelism's Land Package airport transfers are subject to certain arrival and departure times. Participants must arrive Ezeiza Int. Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires between 6:00 AM and 12:00 noon on Friday, October 3, 2008 and depart between 6:00 PM and midnight on Friday, October 10, 2008. Please review your flight itinerary with Harvest Evangelism Registrar prior to purchasing international ticket if your arrival and departure times fall outside the above windows, in which case additional airport transportation services may be arranged with Harvest Evangelism for a modest fee.
Ground Transportation: During the Institute, participants will visit the cities of Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata. Buenos Aires is located 37 km from Ezeiza International Airport and Mar del Plata is located approximately 400 km from Buenos Aires. Land Package transportation is made available by Harvest Evangelism using a luxury tour bus company.
SHOPPING & VAT RETURN
At the airport participants may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system.
PAYMENT METHODS
Although US Dollars and Euros are generally accepted everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks, authorized bureaus, and even at the conference hotel front desk in small amounts. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted. Exchanging traveler's checks outside Buenos Aires can be difficult and Harvest Evangelism does not recommend their use since many Argentine vendors will not accept them as payment.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE
The official Argentine currency is the Peso. The exchange rate is $1 dollar US to $3 pesos Argentine (1 US Dollar equals 3.17 Argentine Pesos). Exchange as of Friday, August 10, 2007.
TIPPING AND GRAUTITY
10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen and porters are generally tipped although there is no set percentage for these services. At the conference hotels and conference restaurants Harvest Evangelism will cover all gratuities and tips.
DOCUMENTS AND TRAVELLING TAXES
Valid passport with or without visa (depending on your nationality) is required to enter the nation of Argentina. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate for details regarding passports and visas. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on traveling articles and new articles up to US$ 300 and an additional US$ 300, if purchased at duty free shops within the national territory.
IMMUNIZATIONS
No immunization certificate is required to enter the country. Conference participants will not be in rural areas of the country where the precaution of immunizations is necessary. Harvest Evangelism recommends that conference participants consult their personal care provider if they have any further concerns.
TELEPHONES AND CALLING SYSTEMS
Pay phones work with cards that may be purchased in mini marts (“Kioskos”) and telephone company offices. There are stores with pay phones (open 24 hours) where you can pay in cash. Harvest Evangelism highly discourages making international calls from the hotels due to inflated prices. Note: typically long distant calling charges are reduced from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.
MAPS
Maps for Argentina and Argentine cities may be found at http://www.embassyworld.com/maps/Maps_Of_Argentina.html.
SECURITY AND SAFETY
Harvest Evangelism, as the organizing committee for the International Institute, takes every precaution to help keep participants safe and free from theft. Participants are encouraged to read the following information to further educate themselves on safety while in Argentina.
Argentina is an extremely interesting country to travel and explore but it is located in South America and special caution must be taken when touring. For that reason, it is important to be conscious of your environment. Buenos Aires is a safe city for its size and local police work to keep it that way by patrolling all the tourist areas. Violent crime is extremely rare and often unheard of. Some believe that small towns are even safer than Buenos Aires.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember there are thieves who spend their time in tourist areas looking for easy prey. Always protect valuables and keep passport and tickets in a hotel safe. Prior to traveling, participants should make 3 copies of their passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement of passport if lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Participants should carry the second copy with them, separate from the passport itself (in your suitcase, for example). The third copy should be sent to the Harvest Evangelism registrar. Participants should keep some form of identification with them at all times (for example, a driver's license from their native country). Should you be stopped or detained by local police, you will need to provide a valid form of identification.
Female travelers should not go out into the city alone at night. It is advisable that participants always stay in groups of 2 or more people (regardless of gender). It is recommended that participants not wear flashy or expensive-looking jewelry.
During the Institute all ground transportation arrangements have been made with Harvest Evangelism vendors. Participants at Institute events may make custom transportation arrangements with the assistance of Harvest Evangelism Staff Members (an additional cost may be involved). If a participant is in need of local transportation beyond what has been arranged by Harvest Evangelism, they can go to the nearest hotel, restaurant or public facility to ask for a private taxi service. Taxis ordered in this manner are generally very safe.
CONTACT NUMBERS FOR ARGENTINA TRIP
Buenos Aires Hotel: Hotel Panamericano Buenos Aires
Tel +54-11-4348-5000
www.panamericano.us
Mar del Plata Hotel: Hotel Costa Galana
Tel +54-223-486-0000
www.hotelcostagalana.com
US Harvest Evangelism Office: 1-800-835-7979 ext. 215
1-800-835-7979 ext. 212 or
+408-350-1668
+408-350-1660
