Your airline e-tickets will be issued on a special fare that carries certain restrictions.  After receiving your airline itinerary, if you have any questions pertaining to your flight schedules, please contact The GRA Group as soon as possible at 440-937-5195.

To visit Buenos Aires, all U.S. Citizens must have a valid U.S. Passport.  Please visit www.travel.state.gov for up to date information regarding documents required for U.S. Citizens traveling abroad.  Non-U.S. citizens should contact their appropriate consulate for entry requirements into Costa Rica as well as returning to the United States. 

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:  Luggage is limited to two pieces per person, not exceeding 50 lbs. each in weight.  One additional piece of carry-on luggage is permitted if it fits under the seat of the aircraft.  A golf bag may be substituted in lieu of a checked bag. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less each) that fit comfortably in one, quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.  In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.  Please visit www.tsa.gov for up to date information regarding carry-on luggage restrictions.   The airline may charge extra for excess baggage.

INSURANCE:  We suggest you check your current medical insurance for coverage of a medical emergency including air evacuation and hospitalization while in Argentina.  The Hirsch Supply Co., nor The GRA Group are responsible for lost luggage; but our staff and the airlines will make every effort to recover lost luggage.  If you are not covered by homeowner’s insurance, you may want to purchase a travel insurance policy.

CLIMATE:  The weather in Buenos Aires has day time temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s.  Evenings are cooler with as much as a 20 degree drop.  Dress is casual.  Lightweight cotton and linens are perfect.  Los Suenos is more hot and humid with temperatures in the 80’s.  Appropriate resort wear for evening is fine.

LANGUAGE:  Spanish is spoken by 99% of the population.  Most people in tourism related jobs speak English.

CURRENCY:  The national currency is the Colon dollar.  It is equal to 100 centimos.  At the time of this printing $1.00 U.S. equals approximately 500 Colon dollars.  U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.  It is best to take smaller denominations for buying smaller items. 

CURRENT TIME IN BUENOS AIRES ARGENTINA: 

LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS:  Long distance phone calls from the hotel are very expensive.  If you need to make or receive calls while in Costa Rica, we recommend calling collect or using a cell phone.   If you have a cell phone, check with your service provider to determine if your carrier has coverage in Argentina. 

WEATHER AND CLOTHING:  In general “resort casual sportswear” best describes the preferred attire for sightseeing, lunch and shopping. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  Attire for evening receptions, dinners and farewell festivities is “upscale resort casual”.  Jackets or ties are not required for men.  It is recommended that you pack a sweater/shawl or light jacket for evenings.  Clothing recommendations are included for each group function in the Daily Itinerary. 

Travel Tips

US Dept of State Travel Specific Information about Argentina:

Arrival and Check-In

• When traveling internationally, check-in two hours prior to departure.

• You will need to provide your government issued identification (driver's license, passport etc.) and copy of ticket itinerary or reservation number at your specific airline counter.

• Most airlines will permit two checked bags per person, not weighing more than 50lbs. each, and one carry-on plus a personal item (purse or briefcase).  Be sure to double check the weight limitations with your airline when you call to reconfirm your flights.

• Be sure to pack your prescription drugs (in original containers), and valuable items such as jewelry, camera and laptop, in your carry-on.

Limitations for Carry-ons

• 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids, gels and aerosols (hand lotion, toothpaste etc.) should be placed in a 1 quart clear plastic zip-top bag.

• Limit of 1 zip-top bag per passenger will be placed in the plastic bin for screening.  See www.tsa.gov for exemptions.

Be Prepared for Screening

• Clothing:  Be prepared to place certain wearable items, such as belts with metal buckles in the provided plastic bin.

• Footwear:  You will be required to remove footwear for X-ray screening.  Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed you through screening.

• Boarding Pass and ID:  When approaching the security checkpoint, you will be asked to present your boarding pass and your government issued identification.  Please keep the boarding pass out and available throughout screening.

TSA Contact Center

For questions or concerns about security and screening call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673.

Traveling is a team effort involving your travel agent, TSA, airlines and passengers.  TSA's mission is security, and they intend to maintain reasonable wait times without compromising security.

IMPORTANT CREDIT CARD NOTICE

When you pay for goods or service outside of the United States or its territories with a credit card, the invoice is always shown in the currency of the country you are visiting i.e. pounds, sterling, euro's, etc.

Both Visa, MasterCard and others are now adding a transaction fee (surcharge) based on percentage of the total transaction and/or a flat fee for each ATM withdrawal.

Check with your credit card issuer before you leave home to fully understand their individual policy.