Destination guide: Ushuaia
Useful information about Ushuaia
Cuisine
Considering that it's the southernmost city on the planet, it should come as no surprise that Ushuaia offers a typically southern cuisine. Locals enjoy Fuegian king crab, Argentine hake, pollack, red bream, a multitude of shellfish and fish, along with the classic Patagonian lamb on a spit. Visitors will enjoy these delicacies even more when seated in one of the rustic and quintessential restaurants in the city with a view of the impetuous Beagle Canal.
Currency
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso ($ARS). However, the US dollar (US$) is accepted in most tourist locations. Bills are available in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos; and coins are available in 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and 1 peso.
Tax
All goods and services include a 21% Value Added Tax (VAT). As a foreign tourist, if you purchase a nationally manufactured product worth 70 pesos or more, you have the option of requesting a VAT rebate. For tax-free shopping, the vendor must provide the original Type B receipt and a Global Refund Cheque. Upon leaving the country, these two documents must be presented at Customs in addition to the item that was purchased so they can be stamped and the check can be cashed.
Official language
The official language spoken in Ushuaia and throughout Argentina is Spanish.
Time zone
Before leaving on your trip to Ushuaia, keep in mind that most of the country is located in the GMT -3 time zone. During the summer however, some provinces fall one hour behind the official time.
Electric current
Electrical outlets in Argentina operate at 220 volts and 50 Hertz. If any of your electronic devices operate at a different voltage, you are encouraged to travel with a power adaptor.
