Travelers drawn by the stunning Andes, idyllic vineyards, welcoming people and its rich heritage are increasingly spreading the secret of Mendoza. It offers something for everyone—a seemingly endless mecca with soccer, polo, skiing, rafting, windsurfing, not to mention the chance the scale the tallest peak in the western and southern hemispheres, the impressive mount Aconcagua. Here are The Vines tips to safely navigate this wild west wine wonderland!

* When to go

* Maps

* Adventure

* Getting Around

* Tour Guides

FACTS

• Currency: Argentine Peso (Arg$)

• Official Language Spoken: Spanish

• Electrical Plugs: metal pins 220V 50Hz

• Time Zones: GMT/UTC -3

• Weights & Measures: Metric

SAFETY TIPS

There are occasional occurrences of petty theft in Mendoza so keep a close eye on your valuables- do not hang your bag on the back of your chair, do not work on computers outside, do not wear expensive or flashy jewelry and be careful with your camera gear.

Take a photo copy of your passport to take with you during the day and leave the real version behind in the hotel safe. In case you lose it, you should contact your embassy in Buenos Aires. Click here for more information.

In case of emergency call police - phone number: 911

TAXI TRAVEL

There are many clearly marked and metered black and yellow taxis. In general, they are completely safe, but if you are ever concerned you can always ask your hotel or restaurant to call you a cab. You may also call a ‘remis’ or livery car which is also metered and just has a number on the side of the car. Ask your hotel for the number of a few reliable remis services.

MONEY

• A lot of restaurants, bodegas, and shops do not accept credit cards- be prepared to have more cash on hand than usual and check with your bank prior to leaving about ATM issues.

• You will find that there is a shortage of change in Argentina, especially coins.  Most merchants will not want to break your bills; the easiest way around this is to take out $290 instead of $300 when you visit the ATM. Save your big bills for restaurants and larger stores, or ask about change before making your purchase.

• In restaurants, it's customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Even a small propina (tip) will be appreciated. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but it's customary to round up to the nearest peso.

PHONE

+54 Country code
11  Buenos Aires’ city code.            
261  Mendoza’s city code .

For calling a landline from abroad, you will need to dial
54+city code+mobile number(without 15)
Mobile phone numbers start with 15 (e.g  151234567)

For calling an Argentine mobile from abroad you must dial
011+ 54+9 +city code+mobile number(without 15)

GENERAL

• If you decide to rent a car (you are an adventurer) beware that driving in general requires unique intuition and is a bit of a daring sport- there are no right turns on red and you can't turn left almost anywhere - yes, you will need to drive around the block.

• During the warm spring and summer months you will find the outdoor cafes filled into the wee hours, the ice cream parlors hopping with people of all ages at 1am.

• Don't even think about going to a boliche, or nightclub, before the fashionable hour of 2am to dance well into the morning. You can stay out until the sun rises or around 6-7am.

• We also recommend sampling the ubiquitous Fernet and coke, the Argentine national drink of choice and, for foreigners, either an affair of love or hate- but be warned, they grow on you.

• For a truly memorable experience, enjoy the slower pace of life- outdoor tables on Aristedes street, the place to see and be seen, Parque San Martin on Sundays to drink mate (herbal tea), play soccer and enjoy the open air, or the peatonal (outdoor walking mall) to listen to live music on Saturdays.

BUS

If you're doing any serious traveling around Argentina, you'll become very familiar with the country's excellent bus network, which reaches almost everywhere. Buses are fast, surprisingly comfortable and can be a rather luxurious experience.