IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL Visas are no longer required for U.S. citizens traveling to Argentina. U.S. passport holders are can stay 90 days. The best months for business travel to Argentina are April through November. BUSINESS CUSTOMS Office hours are generally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banking hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. A prior appointment for a business call is usually necessary and considered a courtesy. Negotiations are based on personal contacts. Business dress, appearance and general approach should be conservative. All business in Argentina is transacted in Spanish, and all documents and records must be in Spanish to constitute valid evidence. Although most Argentines with a secondary school education understand English, a good working knowledge of Spanish is essential for anyone planning to work in Argentina for any length of time. BUSINESS HOLIDAYS (1994) National holidays are: - January 1, New Year's Day - April 1, Good Friday - May 1, Labor Day - May 25, Revolution (1810) Day - June 10, Sovereignty Day - June 20, Flag Day - July 9, Independence (1816) Day - August 17, Death of General J. de San Martin - October 12, Discovery of America - December 25, Christmas. In addition, on a number of 'non-work days', government offices, banks, insurance companies and courts are closed, but closing is optional for business and commerce. These are: Holy Thursday and Good Friday (immediately before Easter) and December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The U.S. Embassy observes all U.S. Federal holidays in addition to the above. Argentines take vacations in January and February, the summer season, so travel to Argentina unless prior arrangements have been made would be frustrating as most of business community would be out of town. TELECOMMUNICATIONS International services are adequate. The new owners of the privatized telephone system have vastly improved operations. Many business people use cellular telephones to make their work more efficient. Both domestic and international long distance calls in Argentina are notably expensive; doubly so from hotels. ATT, MCI and Sprint have local numbers which halve the cost, but are infernally hard to connect with during business hours. Call- back services are available for established businesses. TRANSPORTATION Buenos Aires has an extensive system of subways and buses. Taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable. Railroad travel to the suburbs is available from several stations in downtown Buenos Aires. Travel outside greater Buenos Aires can be accomplished by train, air, bus or auto. Two main airports serve Buenos Aires. One is Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, near downtown. All domestic flights and some regional flights to Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay leave from Aeroparque. All other international flights use Ezeiza Airport, which is a 45-minute (and $45) drive from downtown Buenos Aires. HEALTH Buenos Aires has no particular health risks and no special precautions need to be taken. Sanitary conditions are good. Tap water is safe. Many competent doctors, dentists and specialists are available in Buenos Aires. SECURITY ASSESSMENT There are no specific threats directed against American visitors at the present time. It is recommended, however, that due caution be exercised when traveling about the city. Pickpockets and thieves have become a real problem on the streets, in public conveyances and in areas frequented by visitors, such as hotel lobbies, airports and department stores.