The Land of Patagonia, The Iguazú Falls,

The Iberá Wetlands & Tango

Information on Relocating to Argentina

• The capital city of Argentina is Buenos Aires; it is located on the River Plate and has approximately 12.2 million people. The political centre is also in Buenos Aires where the President resides. Argentina is a Republic.

• Languages: Although Spanish is the official language of Argentina, Italian, English and German, as well as other languages, can be heard within immigrant communities. Spanish is spoken in different ways depending on the area of the country. Accents can vary from the sharp fast-paced speech of Buenos Aires to the slow-paced drawl of the provinces. The local TV programs are generally in Spanish. Cable TV and satellite TV is available and offer more options.

• Population: The population is approximately 40 million people - 97% are white (mostly Spanish and Italian), 3% mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups.

• Expat areas: Buenos Aires is the primary Expat location within Argentina, followed closely by Córdoba, Rosario and Mendoza.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live all over Buenos Aires and the suburbs. Apartments in the city are the primary option for single transferees and detached and semi-detached houses as well as apartments are available in the suburbs. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Argentina can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 1000 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 7000 and more for a modern house in the suburbs. The local currency is the Argentine Peso ($). Note: Rental contracts and real estate transactions are often expressed in US$.

• Schools: The Lincoln School is the American School of Buenos Aires offering education from pre-K to grade 12. It follows the American calendar year and the American curricula. There are a number of renowned bilingual schools offering both the Argentine and International Baccalaureate: St. Andrew’s Scots School, St. George’s College, Northlands School, St. John’s School. The French School, the Swiss School, the German School and schools with religious orientation are other option.

• Transportation: Buenos Aires has a comprehensive transport system that is continuously expanding and improving. An extensive subway network, innumerable buses, micros and taxis enable quick access to any destination. The subway system is, for the most part, old but guarantees a quick move, especially during peak hours. Driving throughout Argentina requires getting used to and a lot of care. Drivers are very aggressive, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires and frequently ignore traffic regulations.

• Bank: Bank hours are normally between 10.00 am - 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

• Shopping: Stores: in the big cities from 9.00 am - 8.00 pm, although in the outskirts and the provinces they generally close at midday. Saturdays, from 9.00 am - 1.00 pm. Shopping malls are open from 10.00 am - 9.00 pm all week. Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.00 pm and dinner as from 8.00 pm. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.

• Climate: Argentina covers several different climatic regions: subtropical in the north to humid and steamy in the center and cold in the temperate south. In Buenos Aires the summer temperature rarely exceeds 38ºC (100°F) and the level of humidity is normally comfortable, but there can be a few days where the heat and humidity are really oppressive. Offices and homes are normally air-conditioned. Winter temperatures vary normally between 5ºC (45°F) and 18ºC (65°F), with a few exceptional days at both ends of the scale. Although it doesn't snow in Buenos Aires, the very high humidity level gives a sense of colder temperatures.

• Culture: Buenos Aires in particular has self-consciously copied European cultural trends in art, music and architecture. As a result, there are many important art museums and galleries in the city, and it has a vigorous theater community plus a magnificent Ballet & Opera House, the Colon Theater. Argentine cinema has also achieved international recognition. International movies are in their original language with Argentine subtitles.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year; Easter Friday-(March/April dates vary); April 2nd-Veterans' Day (Malvinas); May 1st-Labor Day; May 25th–May National Day (Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution); June 20th-Flag Day; July 9th–Independence Day; August 17th-Death of General José de San Martín; October 12th-Columbus Day ; December 8th–Immaculate Conception Day; 25th-Christmas Day.