TGV coming to Argentina
Feb 15, 2008 | 7:44 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BA Silver, Amex BA Premium Plus
Posts: 544
I don't know if it has been fixed yet (would guess not), but the postal system was sufficiently unreliable a number of years ago that companies kept on their payroll a person whose function was to hand carry people's utility bill payments and such. Wonderfully inefficient overall for a country.
But I have to admit there was a lot I really liked about the place - the music, the style, the warmth, the scenery, etc.
Romelle
But I have to admit there was a lot I really liked about the place - the music, the style, the warmth, the scenery, etc.
Romelle
Feb 16, 2008 | 4:24 am
#17
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,214
I must agree with Lovecraft. The Correo Argentino is a disgrace!
Most unfortunatetly, this quasi-communist government we have here decided to cancel the private concession of the postal service, and this has brought back the service to the old days of state owned enterprise quality.
The only way to have things get down here in good shape is to use some of the more expensive courier or courier type service, but make sure you send documents or things that may not get caught under the "radar" of customs, because thats another black hole that will eat up anything thats interesting or that has any perception of value. It brings me great shame to say this, but two of Argentina´s most pathetic "institutions" are the Customs House and the Postal Service.
Most unfortunatetly, this quasi-communist government we have here decided to cancel the private concession of the postal service, and this has brought back the service to the old days of state owned enterprise quality.
The only way to have things get down here in good shape is to use some of the more expensive courier or courier type service, but make sure you send documents or things that may not get caught under the "radar" of customs, because thats another black hole that will eat up anything thats interesting or that has any perception of value. It brings me great shame to say this, but two of Argentina´s most pathetic "institutions" are the Customs House and the Postal Service.
Mar 5, 2008 | 4:38 am
#18
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
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The latest in this train fiasco is that the local press is reporting that this little toy is going to cost over $12 billion.... when the Ave train from Madrid to Barcelona is under that budget... 
Mar 5, 2008 | 12:24 pm
#19
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG 75k, SPG Gold
Posts: 35
I must agree with Lovecraft. The Correo Argentino is a disgrace!
Most unfortunatetly, this quasi-communist government we have here decided to cancel the private concession of the postal service, and this has brought back the service to the old days of state owned enterprise quality.
The only way to have things get down here in good shape is to use some of the more expensive courier or courier type service, but make sure you send documents or things that may not get caught under the "radar" of customs, because thats another black hole that will eat up anything thats interesting or that has any perception of value. It brings me great shame to say this, but two of Argentinas most pathetic "institutions" are the Customs House and the Postal Service.
Most unfortunatetly, this quasi-communist government we have here decided to cancel the private concession of the postal service, and this has brought back the service to the old days of state owned enterprise quality.
The only way to have things get down here in good shape is to use some of the more expensive courier or courier type service, but make sure you send documents or things that may not get caught under the "radar" of customs, because thats another black hole that will eat up anything thats interesting or that has any perception of value. It brings me great shame to say this, but two of Argentinas most pathetic "institutions" are the Customs House and the Postal Service.
PS. Aside from the ever-present infrastructure problems ARG needs to resolve... I still am very excited about the high-speed train concept to Cordoba
Mar 5, 2008 | 12:50 pm
#20
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,214
The cheapest carrier is the regular post office... at least in my experience.
Mar 5, 2008 | 3:07 pm
#21
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,711
Interesting comments on train. I have no clue as to what is right.
On one hand, I would guess a lot of traffic from BA to Rosario to Cordoba. But not too much beyond. And Mar de Plata is a 3-4 month busy period. And I would think right of way is fairly cheap at this time.
On the other hand, not much traffic once 20 miles from downtown BA. Roads are not great, but not too bad and the traffic is minimal. Sure an expressway would reduce travel time 25% or so - mainly by bypassing infrequent towns. But rare traffic jams, etc. in my experiences.
However, train traffic will likely increase in a country with hardly any routes, if they put in a better system. And might as well go with high speed as distances are far and land is pretty flat.
On one hand, I would guess a lot of traffic from BA to Rosario to Cordoba. But not too much beyond. And Mar de Plata is a 3-4 month busy period. And I would think right of way is fairly cheap at this time.
On the other hand, not much traffic once 20 miles from downtown BA. Roads are not great, but not too bad and the traffic is minimal. Sure an expressway would reduce travel time 25% or so - mainly by bypassing infrequent towns. But rare traffic jams, etc. in my experiences.
However, train traffic will likely increase in a country with hardly any routes, if they put in a better system. And might as well go with high speed as distances are far and land is pretty flat.