Neither Americans nor citizens of the EU need visas for stays of 90 or fewer days in Argentina. English is not widely spoken in Buenos Aires but if you stay at the hotels you indicate they will have English speaking desk clerks. Waiters and so forth, doubtful if they will speak any English. Any Spanish you do have will be virtually useless on a short stay due to the unique accent and style of Spanish, which in Argentina is not espaņol but "castellano." I view it as a safe city but you should stick to the main areas at night if alone. Also, you should not hail taxis on the street. Have a taxi called for you by the hotel or restaurant, use a fake name, and don't get in the cab if they don't know your fake name.

Leather goods of all types and jewelry are excellent buys, also prescription eyeglasses if you wear them and if you have enough time.


[This message has been edited by LouGroza (edited 11-03-2003).]