GENERAL INFORMATION ON CORDOBA AND ARGENTINA

Cordoba, often called "the Heartland of Argentina", has a rich tradition as Argentina's most important city during South America's colonial period. It is located at the intersection of the routes that historically went from Chile and the Alto Peru (Bolivia) to the port of Buenos Aires.

At its peak, Cordoba was Argentina's center of arts and learning and a place of priests, churches, and universities (including the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, South America's first university founded by the Jesuit order in 1613). Now, some 300 years later, Cordoba and its 1.3 million inhabitants are somewhat overshadowed by the giant metropolis of Buenos Aires, but the city has retained its rich colonial heritage, especially in its culture and architecture, and was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000.

Today's Cordoba is both a prominent university town with a vibrant youth culture as well as one of the country's most popular tourist destinations for Argentineans themselves seeking to enjoy their history as well as the breath- taking scenery of the Sierras at whose foot the city lies. Cordoba is safe and modern, offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor diversions, and is even more affordable than Buenos Aires. The lack of many international tourists here makes the environment quite conducive to true immersion in Argentina's language and rich culture.

Since the city is at an altitude of around 400 meters above sea level, Córdoba has a sunny and semi-tropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. Average annual rainfall is about 870 mm (35 inches) but is highly variable. Temperatures at low elevations are high, ranging from 33 °C (92 °F) in summer to 0 °C (32 °F) in winter.

Argentina
To learn more about Argentina, please visit:
http://www.argentinaturistica.com/
http://www.welcomeargentina.com
http://www.argentinaxplora.com
http://www.turismo.gov.ar/

Weather
Average daily temperature
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
ºC 26 25 22 19 15 12 11 13 17 21 24 25 19
ºF 79 77 72 66 58 53 51 55 63 70 75 77 66

Average rains
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Mm. 168 112 109 56 19 3 25 10 32 80 108 148 870
Inches 6.7 4.5 4.4 2.2 0.8 0.1 1.0 0.4 1.3 3.2 4.3 5.0 34.8

Local Food and beverages
Argentina has an imported cuisine rather than an original one. Most Argentine cooking had origins elsewhere, with Spain and Italy being the most dominant influences. There is also a lot of South American food, which originated in the Andean Highlands of Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay.

Argentina is famous for its steaks and other grilled meats. While certain foods can be found in all corners of the country (barbecued meat; milanesas; empanadas; dulce de leche, yerba mate, and all sorts of Italian and Spanish dishes) there are some regional as well as socioeconomic differences.

"Mate" is the traditional and favorite drink and is consumed daily by the inhabitants of the Southern Cone. It is an infusion prepared by steeping dried leaves in hot water, often with added sugar. Drinking mate with friends from a shared hollow gourd with a metal straw is an extremely common social practice. However, in Argentina especially, given that there is a strong European cultural imprint, the consumption of coffee and tea is very common as well.

As to alcoholic beverages, Argentina is the world's fourth largest wine producer. Much of its wine is superior and even world class. Visitors are usually surprised at the high quality wines they find, especially when they compare prices. Local wines are less than half the price of what one has to pay for a comparable French, Californian or Australian product. Although Argentina is a leading wine drinking country on the basis of per capita consumption, beer has always been popular and has experienced a booming expansion trend.

Safety
Compared to many other countries, Argentina is very safe for personal security, though petty crime has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. However, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching occur somewhat frequently (especially in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sight-seeing destinations, etc.).

Additionally, there are frequent instances of false taxicabs in which passengers have been robbed. So, it is wise to be cautious with your personal possessions in public places. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

- Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public
- Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel
- Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling
- Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
- Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's checks or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.
- Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived
- Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses.
- Always let your coordinators or other participants know where you are on your free days.
- Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.
- Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
- Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.
- Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Argentina's laws, code of ethics and morals.

Health
In Argentina medical facilities are generally of a high standard in main cities and towns and no vaccinations are required to enter the country. You can also obtain standard Western and traditional medications. As with any foreign travel, we do recommend you consult with your doctor before your trip to Argentina.

There are no major heath risks in the area where the project take place. However, it is common sense to be aware of some health concerns when you travel to Argentina, for example:

AIDS: Exists in Argentina and every country in the world. The things to avoid are well known. The blood supply is as safe as at home.
Malaria: Only in some rural areas in the northern provinces bordering Bolivia and Paraguay.
Dengue: (Chagas disease): is carried by insects and also occurs in some rural areas in the northern provinces. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent both Malaria and Dengue.

Please note that as a program requirement you need health coverage throughout your program. Your home country coverage is acceptable if it covers you abroad; if not we can arrange for health coverage for you here. This coverage includes medical and dental consultations, hospitalization and emergencies. It does not include civil liability or life insurance. If you are a student intern we suggest you ask whether you are covered abroad by a family or university policy. If you do bring medical insurance from your country, we will ask you for any necessary information we should know in case of any health problem.

Money
Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit card are accepted?
Credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted almost everywhere in main cities. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks and ATM machines with a US$ 300 daily limit and $2-4 USD surcharge for each transaction.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?
Name: Peso Argentino
Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be made at various branches of the most banks of Argentina. Current exchange rates are posted daily.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?
You can cash your paper notes at the several banks and exchange agencies. Traveler's checks are not commonly used but can be cashed in exchange agencies. It is suggested that you bring US$100 and cash it into Pesos after arrival. This money will be sufficient to cover the first 2 weeks for meals, petty expenses and daily transportation.

How much money should I bring with me?
Argentina in general is very inexpensive for foreigners due to the favorable currency exchange rate. Córdoba, with a lower cost of living as compared to Buenos Aires, is exceptionally attractive for interns looking to stretch tight budgets. Following are some sample prices in US$, so that you can appreciate the cost of living in Córdoba.

US$ Euros
1 liter of gasoline 0,65 0,47
1 liter de mineral water 0,62 0,45
1 liter of milk 0,49 0,36
1 kilo of bread 0,97 0,71
1 small café in a Bar or Café 0,97 0,71
1 big pizza in a Pizzeria 2,92 2,13
1 litter bottle of beer in a bar 1,95 1,42
1 ticket to the cinema 2,27 1,66
Public bus trip in the city (suburban) 0,39 0,28
Taxi trip, approximately 4 kilometers: 1,95 1,42
Bus trip 700 km (e.g. Córdoba - Buenos Aires) 28,00 20,40

We suggest to bring ATM cards as ATM machines are available in most urban areas. You can also use credit or ATM cards in hotels, travel agencies, department stores and restaurants. A mixture of cash and ATM cards is probably the safest way to bring money. Your program fee covers your lodging from the first to the last day of your program. However, you will need extra money for food and transportation as well as for travel, shopping, and personal expenses.

How much extra money you need depends on your lifestyle/habits but an extra $ 50-70 per week of stay is an appropriate amount to budget for your food, transportation and personal expenses. It is suggested that you bring at least US$ 300 and to cash US$ 100 into Pesos after arrival (not at the airport) and keep the rest for any emergency. The US$ will be sufficient to cover the first 2 weeks of meals, petty expenses and transportation to your project.. You can later get pesos for your weekly or biweekly expenses from ATM machines.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?
Carrying large amounts of cash is not safe in any country. We strictly advise not to carry lot of cash. Just carry only what you may need.

What about tipping in Argentina?
Although tipping is not obligatory, a 5-10% tip is expected at restaurants and bars. Taxi drivers very rarely get tipped and never expect to be.

Communications
How do I contact my family after I arrive into Argentina?
As soon as you arrive, we suggest you call or send an email to your family to let them know you arrived safe and sound. International Direct Dialing within Argentina is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from the many "telecentros" found in urban areas, hotels and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee.

The Argentinean mobile phone networks are very advanced so if your cell phone does not work in Argentina, you can adapt it for local use by changing its sim card for around US$5. Internet cafes are available in most towns. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?
Yes, in most urban areas. Internet cafes are widely available in Córdoba, although the cafes can be very noisy as they are a popular venue for the youth to play online games and for students to do work.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?
Yes, but it if it does work in Argentina, your local communications will be very expensive. For this reason, we recommend that upon arrival you change your cell phone chip and number to a local one (for around US $5) or buy a new local phone for around US$ 35 (which includes US$ 15 for local calls and messages). We will also help you to do this.

How can my family members contact me?
Once you have a local cell phone number, your family can contact you at any time. They can also contact you via email. If you stay at our house with other program participants there is free Internet access.

Clothing, religion and culture
Local dress codes are similar to the US or Western Europe. However, participants should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please. Please note that Argentina has opposite seasons to the northern hemisphere and pack clothing accordingly.
Argentina respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice as you wish.

Official Argentinean Holidays
- Jan 1 2006: New Year's Day.
- Mar/Apr*: Good Friday / Holy week.
- Apr 2*: Veterans Day
- May 1: Labor Day.
- May 25: Revolution Day (First Patriot Government).
- Jun 20*: National flag day.
- Jul 9: Independence Day.
- Aug 17*: San Martin' Day.
- Oct 12*: America's discovery day.
- Dec 8: Virgin Mary's day
- Dec 25: Christmas Day.

(*) Mobile days (to closer Monday)