Useful Information in Brief
- Official Language: Spanish
- Local time: UTC – 3
- Currency: Argentinian peso (ARS $)
- General emergency number: 911 or 107
- International dial code for Argentina: +54
- Shop opening hours: Most shops, including grocery stores, open at 9:00 and close at 20:00.
Important news
As of July 1st, 2025, the Argentine National Directorate of Migration has implemented new regulations for the entry of foreign nationals. All temporary visitors must now have health insurance covering their entire stay, including basic and emergency medical care, and hospitalization due to illness or accident.
As usual in many countries, the agents might also ask for proof of accommodation (hotel reservation) and evidence of financial means, i.e., a demonstration that you have sufficient funds to cover their entire stay. IAU Travel Grant beneficiaries will receive a letter from LOC acknowledging their grant.
It’s advisable to have some cash.
You can usually pay with debit and credit cards at restaurants, hotels, and most shops. However, you will need cash for local transportation, small shops, and taxis, especially in La Plata.
Consider that neither banks nor exchanges would accept broken, stained, or written euro or dollar bills.
Banks at the airport:
- Banco de la Nación Argentina (terminal A, arrivals; open 24h)
- Banco Piano (terminal A)
Money exchange in La Plata:
- Banco de la Nación Argentina (on the corner of 7th Ave. and 48th St.)
- Dolar OK (on the corner of 8th Street and 48th Street)
Transportation to La Plata
You will need a rechargeable card (SUBE) to use public transportation.
You can purchase the SUBE card at Ezeiza International Airport’s “Open 25 hs” stores. The closest store to your arrival is in the international arrivals public zone after exiting the baggage claim and security check area.
Moreover, the SUBE card can be purchased at many stores, train and subway stations, lottery agencies, and post offices.
Once you have the card, you can recharge it at the same point of sale, electronically, or at ATMs.
Open 25 hs at Ezeiza airport 
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In the public zone > Check in area E, D, H
In the public zone > International Arrivals Hall
In the public zone > National Arrivals Hall
Weather in La Plata in August
The average temperature in La Plata in August is about 9° to 15°C. There will be some rainy days.
Time zone
Argentina is in the UTC-3:00 time zone. The program will be scheduled using local time. Please be careful when checking the IAUS 401 program as an online attendant.
Currency
The Argentinian currency is the Argentinian Peso (AR$). Currently, 1 USD averages AR$1200.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Some shops will accept US dollars. Cash payments in other foreign currencies are not accepted.
You can exchange US dollars or euros at many banks and money exchange offices.
Language
The official language in Argentina is Spanish. All the activities of the IAUS401 will be in English.
Food and water
Tap water is safe and fine for consumption, but some people prefer bottled water to avoid the taste or chlorine smell produced by water treatment.
Charging and connecting your gadgets
The voltage in La Plata is 220V, 50Hz. The outlets are type I, with three flat pins in a triangular pattern.
Occasionally, you could use a plug type C with two round pins.
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We recommend getting an international power plug adapter to avoid running out of batteries.