Breaking News -- We've just confirmed with the US Embassy that, as of December 20th, US citizens will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entering Argentina. The US$131 fee will be charged only on entries via Buenos Aires´s Ezeiza Airport, will be good for multiple entries, and valid for 10 years.
Argentina is not technically calling this a "visa fee" as there is no visa paperwork or application process to go through...though this is the same amount that the US charges Argentines for its visa process.
Australians will be charged US$100 for the 10-year, multiple entry pass, while Canadians receive just a one-time entry for US$70.
Forms of Payment: Travellers may pay by Argentine pesos, US dollars, credit cards, or travellers´cheques. If paying in pesos, the local exchange rate for US$131 will be used.
Please note that, for now, travellers will have NO access to ATMs or currency exchange desks before having to pay their reciprocity fee. Make sure that you have a way to pay!
The fee represents the implementation of a law passed back in 2008, but which had not been put into practice until now. Click here for the Argentine government announcement, released just this week.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Holiday Cheer! Our (Informal and Subjective) Wine Guide for Toasting this Season
Ah, the holiday season is upon us - time to deck the halls and bring out the holiday cheer. Wine is the primary choice of 'cheer' here in Argentina, so we thought we'd add our two pesos on brands to try and buy while visiting this part of the New World. (Note: this is a fully subjective list!)
Inspira was quite happy to see a recent November Wine Spectator article that recognized Malbec as an emerging grape in the wine industry, but also noted Argentina's other rising stars, such as the reds Bonarda (considered by many wine experts to follow Malbec as Argentina's next big boom) and Pinot Noir as well as the white, fruity Torrontes (a Salta specialty, and perfect for the area's arid clime). We suggest branching out beyond Malbec (if only to say you did), though if taking bottles home, you may want to stick with this forerunner.
But back to our brands. For "Best Buys at Argentine Supermarkets" - great for purchase and taste in your apartment or hotel room with some cheese - we like Colome's Amalaya (around US $10), Norton (around US $7) and Quara (around US $5!). Under "Restaurant Values," to accompany some great tenderloins at an Argentine parrilla, try the classic brands Salentein, Rutini, or Luigi Bosca or even slightly lower-priced wines from Escorihuela Gascon or Trapiche. To "Impress the Folks Back Home," experts count the Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2006 among the highest scorers (see Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiastic). We also happen to like wines from powerhouse producers Catena and Achaval Ferrer; the "restaurant value" brands are also good bets.
Salud! and much holiday cheer from the team here at Inspira Travel.....
Inspira was quite happy to see a recent November Wine Spectator article that recognized Malbec as an emerging grape in the wine industry, but also noted Argentina's other rising stars, such as the reds Bonarda (considered by many wine experts to follow Malbec as Argentina's next big boom) and Pinot Noir as well as the white, fruity Torrontes (a Salta specialty, and perfect for the area's arid clime). We suggest branching out beyond Malbec (if only to say you did), though if taking bottles home, you may want to stick with this forerunner.
But back to our brands. For "Best Buys at Argentine Supermarkets" - great for purchase and taste in your apartment or hotel room with some cheese - we like Colome's Amalaya (around US $10), Norton (around US $7) and Quara (around US $5!). Under "Restaurant Values," to accompany some great tenderloins at an Argentine parrilla, try the classic brands Salentein, Rutini, or Luigi Bosca or even slightly lower-priced wines from Escorihuela Gascon or Trapiche. To "Impress the Folks Back Home," experts count the Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2006 among the highest scorers (see Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiastic). We also happen to like wines from powerhouse producers Catena and Achaval Ferrer; the "restaurant value" brands are also good bets.
Salud! and much holiday cheer from the team here at Inspira Travel.....
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Buenos Aires Jazz Festival, December 3-8
The Buenos Aires Jazz Festival opens tomorrow, December 3rd, showcasing more than 150 local and international artists. From big names to new talents, the music fest offers jazz in all its variations - instrumental, vanguardist, Latin American, European, tango jazz, and much more. Clinics, midnight jam sessions, Classic venues such as the Sarmiento Theater are complemented by open-air shows at the Centro Cultural Recoleta and the Buenos Aires Zoo, and speakeasy basement venues like the renowned La Trastienda.
We love the fact that ticket prices remain so accessible, costing between 10 to 40 pesos depending on the show. That's roughly US $3 to $12 to see top musicians perform!
For more information, contact the City of Buenos Aires or give us a ring here at Inspira.
We love the fact that ticket prices remain so accessible, costing between 10 to 40 pesos depending on the show. That's roughly US $3 to $12 to see top musicians perform!
For more information, contact the City of Buenos Aires or give us a ring here at Inspira.
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