Activation will be automatic - the system just needs to recognize the number encoded on your SIM. You'll be able to tell when you turn on the phone that it's being recognized ...

The easiest and most reliable way to recharge your phone, is to go into a store that is displaying the bill-paying services Rapipago or Pago Facil - these are everywhere, often pharmacies, and kioskos. Just tell them how much credit you want on your phone (minimum is $5).

There are other less common services listed on the movistar.com.ar web site (navigate via the selection 01planes/movistar Ahorro/Medios de Recarga to see all the ways to recharge). The credit will appear instantly on your phone (sometimes you will get a text message, otherwise you can check by calling *444). Write the cell phone number on a card (it should be something like 15 xxxx xxxx) if your spanish isn't perfecto. There are no English-language options for Movistar online or by voice ...

Some of the recharge places will make you a plastic card with a bar code that is linked to your cell phone number so that they can use a bar code scanner to recharge you phone in the future - and there is space for you to write in the number for those places that don't have a scanner.

I've found the scratch off cards to be unreliable, and sometimes fake ... no need to bother with them.

John