Question about Argentina travel...

[Superfly]

Hi, all!

My wife and I are going to San Luis Argentina for our honeymoon in a couple months and we plan on renting a car while we are there.

Is an international driver's license required to rent a car/drive there? If so, how do I get one?

Also, I hear that they eat beef for every meal. Is this true?

Thanks!
Brian

[eyesroll]

1. Try Lonely Planet

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/argentina/

Parrillada -- mixed grill -- is a big thing there. Beef is indeed all over the place. It's not a particularly vegetarian-friendly country, but there are some Italian influences.

I couldn't find the international drivers' license info, but perhaps a travel agent or AAA will know?

Oh, and congratulations!

[Superfly]

2. Grassy-ass!

I better start practicing my Spanglish right away.

[eyesroll]

4. Aha! From the State Dep't

http://travel.state.gov/argentina.html

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Argentina is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good/Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good/Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

Driving throughout Argentina is more dangerous than driving in the United States. Drivers in Argentina are very aggressive, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires and frequently ignore traffic regulations. Road conditions are favorable throughout Argentina, which is well connected by main highways. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the rest of the country. For further information, please contact the Argentine Automobile Club, Av. Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal, telephone [phone], or contact the Embassy of Argentina as listed in the above section on Entry Requirements.

(I'm bored at work today.)

[Red_Storm]

6. it's in Buenos Aires.............

where cars zoom around at fast speeds and go in and out of lanes as if it was a NASCAR race, driving conditions are not as bad in the provinces outside Buenos Aires..............

[Red_Storm]

3. In Argentina.............

beef and pasta are the main meals in restaurants and every day life.........Just curious, why did you choose San Luis for your honeymoon ?

[Superfly]

13. It's off the beaten track

and close to a lot of activities like Mendoza and teh wine country, etc.

You've been there?

[Red_Storm]

14. I've been to Mendoza...............

very, very, beautiful part of Argentina......if you can, DEFINITELY spend some time there, you will not regret it........

[Superfly]

18. One of my lifelong dreams is to see

Aconcagua, not necessarily climb it at this time, but just lay my eyes upon it. How far is the mountain (or a nice viewpoint) from Mendoza?

Brian

[Blue_Chill]

5. You should have gone to Chile instead

You see, I was born in Chile, and thus feel I must post this that Chile pwns Argentina in every possible way.


jajajaja, che!

:D

[bobja]

7. I got a steak dinner in Buenos Aires for about $1

but that was in 1977.

[Red_Storm]

8. believe it or not .............

it's not that expensive even now......you can have a very good meal in Buenos Aires for less than 10 dollars per person..........

[GumboYaYa]

9. I rented a car in France with my passport.

It is probably the same in Argentina.

My kids' babysitter is from Argentina. If you have any questions, you can PM me with them and I will ask her.

[HEyHEY]

10. Bastard!

I want to go to Argentina sooo bad...take me with!


Have fun!

[brainshrub]

11. Beef gooood in Argentina

Now those folks know how to BBQ!

To them, steak is a breakfast food.

[Red_Storm]

12. as well as .........

pizza, ice cream, pastas, pastries, bread, .......all the food there is very good.............

[Lydia Leftcoast]

15. See if you can track down LiberalTexan

I believe her husband is from Argentina.

[omshanti]

16. I want to beee a part of Beee Aaaaa Buenos Aires... big apple.

Now see what you did!!! Argh! The song is stuck in my head and I can't get it out!

[mitchtv]

17. Pizzarias everywhere

Mendoza is lovely. certain times of the day the air pollution is horrible. don't for get to see the park(San Matin?) I think and the Cerro de la gloria( battle of the Andes monument on top of a hill)

[Festivito]

19. It's been a long time since I was there.

AAA used to issue Internations Drivers Licenses. Passport photo. Regular state drivers license and it was good enough.

In the U.S. plan on a quarter pound of meat per person. In Argentina plan on a pound per person. Garganta, throat, is a delicacy. Asadas, BBQs are wonder meatfests.

The Confiterias are wonderful spots to relax and talk while eating tea and and a cookie on twelve different plates. Argentinos talk. They'll sit in the back of the store talking while a customer waits, talking about why the customers never buy enough.

They love rubbing shoulders while walking down the street. Everyone's shoulders. It's one thing Argentinos miss when out of their country.

They are warm and friendly as Italians and Spanish should be. They seem to appreciate genuine people.

Take a Canadian T-shirt, just in case. Bush has not made friends anywhere we know.