Banks and Exchange Offices: from Monday to Friday, from10:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

Commercial Offices: generally open from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 and from 02:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Shops: in big cities, from 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. , though in the provinces shops close at midday . On Saturdays, the timetable goes from 09:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

Cafés, cafeterias and pizza-shops are open almost always except from 2.00 a.m. to 6.00 a.m.

Restaurants: lunch is served from 12:30 and dinner from 08:30 p.m. Many establishments offer fast food at any time.

Although dollars are generally accepted, you can change money in Banks and Authorized Exchange Offices. The credit cards which are generally accepted are American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card. You may have some trouble to exchange traveler checks out of big cities.

Where to report lost or stolen credit cards:

• American Express: 4312 0900
• Master Card: 4345 1322
• Visa: 4379 3400
• Diners Club: 4708 2484

Traveler Assistance:

• Travel Ace: 711 Paraná Street , Capital Federal. Telephone Number:. 4374 1134
• Assist Card: 1109 Suipacha Street , Capital Federal. Telephone Number:. 4312 6801
• Universal Assistance: 967Córdoba Avenue . Capital Federal. Telephone Number: 4323 6000
  

V.A.T. is returned
The airport will give you back the money charged as Value Added Tax if you have bought national products spending more than $ 70.- (with check) in shops which are members of "Global Refund" system.

It is a custom to leave 10% of the check in cafeterias and restaurants and give a tip to doormen, porters and show ushers.