Page 9 - South America 2020

TRAVEL TIPS

WHEN TO GO CURRENCY
Argentina: The climate in Buenos Aires tends to Argentina: Argentinean Peso (ARS)
have warm summers and cooler winters. If heading Chile: Chilean Peso (CLP)
south to Patagonia, try to travel between December Peru: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
and March as the winters can be harsh and can take ATMs and money change facilities are available in
the shine off sightseeing. Aim for June to August cities. Major credit cards are widely accepted in
to visit Iguazu Falls when the humidity is lower. If tourist areas and major cities but cash is preferred
grapes and wine are more your thing, visit Mendoza in towns and rural areas. US Dollars and Euro
during September and December. are the preferred currency and can be used at
Chile: Like Buenos Aires, Santiago can be enjoyed money change facilities. It is recommend that small
year round, as the surrounding mountains are ideal denomination notes are used and to avoid using
for snow sports. Patagonia, including the Lake larger bills as they are not often accepted.
District and Torres del Paine, are most picturesque TIPPING & BARGAINING
from October to April and are the perfect months
for hiking. In general, the best time to visit Atacama A 10% tip on services and at restaurants is
is between December and March, although appreciated but not obligatory. Hotel staff will
between July and September can bring afternoon expect a small tip for services. Bargaining is
rains and a spectacular wildflower bloom. not generally practiced in shops. In Peru, good
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT natured bargaining at markets is acceptable,
Venezuela Peru: Given its northern location, Peru can be however fierce haggling is not encouraged.
REGIONAL AIRPORT
visited all year round. The most popular time is
Guyana between May and September when there is little LANGUAGE
French NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Colombia Suriname Guiana rain or humidity, so it’s perfect for the Inca Trail. Spanish is the official language of Argentina,
The warmer months between December and Chile and Peru. Quechua is the second language
EQUATOR March see frequent showers in many regions, but of Peru. English is spoken in large tourist areas
it’s a great time to visit the coast, including Lima. however it is less common in smaller towns and
Ecuador rural areas.
VISAS & PASSPORTS
Amazon River ELECTRICITY
A valid passport is required with at least six
months validity beyond the intended stay. A visa Argentina: 220V 50Hz.
PERU for Argentina is not required for stays up to 90 An adapter is required.
Brazil days. A visa for Chile is not required for stays Chile: 220V 50Hz.
Lima • up to 90 days. A visa for Peru is not required An adapter is required.

• Cusco  for stays up to 90 days. A visa for Brazil is not Peru: 220V 60Hz.
BOLIVIA required for stays up to 90 days. A visa for Bolivia An adapter is required.
Lake Titicaca is not required for stays up to 90 days. A visa for
• La Paz  • Brasilia 
Uruguay is not required for stays up to 90 days. HEALTH
Travel advice is available from the New Zealand Some regions of Argentina, Chile and Peru have
Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade high altitudes and there is always the minimal risk
at safetravel.govt.nz. of altitude sickness. Certain regions of Peru and
SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN Paraguay Brazil may also require a Yellow Fever vaccination.
TIME We recommend that you consult with your
CHILE
Argentina is 15 hours behind New Zealand local doctor, travel medical service or specialist
Standard Time (NZST). Chile is 16 hours behind vaccination clinic before commencing your
NZST. Daylight Saving Time is observed from travel. General health advice for all destinations
August to May when their clocks are turned is available from the New Zealand Government at
forward by 1 hour. Peru is 17 hours behind NZST. safetravel.govt.nz.
Uruguay
Santiago •

Buenos Aires • • Montevideo 
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

ARGENTINA Lima, Peru J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 26 27 26 25 22 21 19 19 20 21 23 25
Average rainfall (mm) 4 2 3 2 5 11 12 15 13 7 5 3
Cusco, Peru J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 17 17 17 18 18 18 17 18 18 19 19 18
Average rainfall (mm) 155 136 120 46 8 2 4 8 23 40 68 116
Santiago, Chile J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 30 29 27 23 18 15 15 16 18 22 25 28
Average rainfall (mm) 10 10 10 10 50 40 80 40 20 10 10 10
Torres Del Paine, Chile J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature (max ºC) 18 18 15 13 6 5 4 6 8 13 15 17
Average rainfall (mm) 6 4 8 14 19 18 17 17 5 8 3 4
Buenos Aires, Argentina J F M A M J J A S O N D
22
29
Torres del Paine • • El Calafate  Falkland/Malvina Islands Temperature (max ºC) 100 25 26 100 19 16 15 17 19 22 25 28
30
50
50
80
90
50
80
90
90
80
Average rainfall (mm)
El Calafate, Argentina J F M A M J J A S O N D
South Georgia & the South Temperature (max ºC) 16 15 13 10 5 3 2 4 8 11 13 15
Sandwich Islands
Average rainfall (mm) 42 40 51 50 48 47 46 44 39 36 36 42
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