South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

Ranging from balmy subtropical reaches in the north to the frosty Antarctic shores of the Patagonian south, Argentina is one of the world’s most geographically diverse countries. Its kaleidoscope of landscapes offers endless adventure and leisure opportunities, and this natural variety – coupled with its warm, animated locals, delectable carnivorous cuisine, and fascinating history – makes it a captivating and unforgettable travel destination. Allow yourself to be spellbound by the spectacular torrents of Iguazu Falls, the sprawling ski slopes of Bariloche, the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, or the age-old Inca city of Humahuaca. Argentina has gifts to delight and mesmerize even the most seasoned explorer.

Currency 

Local currency: Argentine Peso 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: ARS 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM Argentina 
International Airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque) 
Domestic Airports: Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella International Airport (Cordoba), Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed well or peeled
Ice: Yes, bt check if it is tap water
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Argentine cuisine is known for its beef, especially the famous Argentine steak. Other traditional dishes include empanadas, choripán (sausage sandwich), and locro (a hearty stew). The country is also renowned for its wines, particularly Malbec, and yerba mate, a traditional South American infused drink. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 18°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 15°C 
Average lows: 5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Argentina is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type I 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Set in the icy South Atlantic Ocean, east of the southern tip of South America, the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a cluster of scenic islands which serve as an oasis in the stormy southern seas. These remote sub-Antarctic island groups are home to a variety of wildlife including, large colonies of seals, whales, penguins and other birdlife such as albatross and petrel. Dubbed ‘The Alps in the mid-ocean’, this British Overseas Territory is known for its rugged natural beauty, with its dramatic landscape featuring snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and emerald green bays dotted with abundant wildlife. The scenic archipelago draws visitors from all over the globe and is known for being one of the most visited locations in Antarctica.

Currency:
Local currency: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Symbol: £
ISO code: GBP
Subunit: Pence (1 GBP = 100 pence)
Banknotes: £5, £10, £20, £50
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence, £1, £2

Banking:
Card Transactions: Not applicable (no financial services available for tourists)
ATMs: No
Mastercard: No
Visa: No
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: Not applicable
Weekends: Not applicable
Public Holidays: Not applicable
Foreign exchange services: No

Air
Main airlines: None
International Airports: None
Domestic Airports: None
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is on the Falkland Islands, from which vessels depart for South Georgia.

Road
Driving on the: Not applicable
Tar roads: No
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: No
Car hire available: No
Taxis: No
E-hailing services: No

Bus
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No

Rail
Railway system: No
Subway System: No

Water
Ferries: No (access via expedition ships or research vessels only)
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes (limited to expedition cruises)

Caution: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are extremely remote and have no permanent population. Access is limited to scientific research missions and occasional expeditions.

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes (in research stations)
Fresh fruit and veg: Limited
Ice: Yes (in research stations)
Meat: Yes (limited supply)
Street food: Not available

Local cuisine: There is no local cuisine, as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited except for scientists and support staff at research stations. Food supplies are typically shipped from the United Kingdom or nearby territories, consisting primarily of canned and frozen products, along with some fresh supplies delivered periodically.

Drinks: N/A

Tipping: N/A

Annual rainfall: Approximately 1500 mm
Average temperature: -5 to 10 °C

Summer:
Average in highs: 10 °C
Average in lows: 2 °C

Winter:
Average in highs: 0 °C
Average in lows: -10 °C

Best time to visit: The best time to visit South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from November to March. During these months, temperatures are milder, and wildlife such as penguins, seals, and various bird species are most active. However, access is restricted to organized expeditions and research teams.

Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable, and comfortable: No
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes

Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Strongly recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes

General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes (frequent rain and snow showers)
Warm gloves, hat, and scarf: Yes (essential)
Swimming costume (bathing suit): No
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes (for UV protection in snowy environments)
Walking shoes: Yes (sturdy boots recommended)
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No

Internet cafes: No
Accommodation options: No (limited to research stations)
Restaurants: No
Cafes: No
Shopping malls: No
Public parks: No
Libraries: No (limited resources in research stations)

Glistening ice sheets dominate Antarctica’s vast landscape, stretching over mountains, valleys, and hidden subglacial lakes. From above, the continent appears as a fractured expanse, ringed by floating ice shelves and edged with jagged coastlines. Almost entirely uninhabited, apart from research stations, Antarctica is the coldest, highest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, with an interior plateau of compressed snow and a peninsula shaped by steep mountains and rocky outcrops. The Antarctic Circle marks the southernmost latitude where the sun remains visible for 24 hours during the summer, a phenomenon known as the midnight sun, while in winter, the continent is plunged into 24 hours of darkness, known as the polar night. Volcanic peaks, such as Mount Erebus, rise through the ice, and the Ross and Ronne shelves extend into the Southern Ocean. Historic huts from early explorers like Scott and Shackleton remain as relics of their expeditions. Visitors to this desolate wilderness partake in wildlife viewing, guided hikes, sea kayaking, and overnight camping — all under strict environmental controls.

Currency 

Local currency: No local currency 
Symbol: N/A 
ISO code: N/A 
Subunit: N/A 
Banknotes: N/A 
Coins: N/A 

Banking 

Card Transactions: No 
ATMs: No 
Mastercard: No 
Visa: No 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Not applicable 
Weekdays: Not applicable 
Weekends: Not applicable 
Public Holidays: Not applicable 
Foreign exchange services: Not applicable 

Air: 
Main airlines: No commercial airlines 
International Airports: Limited research stations with airstrips 
Domestic Airports: Limited research station airstrips 

Road: 
Driving on the: Not applicable 
Tar roads: No 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Not applicable 
Car hire available: Not applicable 
Taxis: No 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: No 
Local city bus networks: No 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: Limited availability near research stations 
Leisure cruises: Yes, there are expedition ships and cruises: 
Expedition ships and cruises offer a popular means of exploring Antarctica. They provide comprehensive travel packages including accommodations, meals, and guided excursions. Several reputable cruise operators offer voyages to Antarctica during the austral summer season, typically departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. These voyages provide a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes, abundant wildlife, and scientific research stations of Antarctica. 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Limited availability 
Ice: No 
Meat: Limited availability 
Street food: No 

Local cuisine: Antarctica does not have a native human population, so there is no local cuisine. 

Drinks: No notable local drinks 

Tipping: Not applicable 

Annual rainfall: Low to zero (Very rare)

Average temperature: -37°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: -20°C 
Average lows: -40°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: -30°C 
Average lows: -50°C 

Best time to visit: Antarctica's climate is extreme and inhospitable, making it challenging to visit outside of scientific expeditions. However, for tourists, the austral summer from November to March offers slightly milder temperatures and 24-hour daylight, making it the best time for expeditions and wildlife viewing. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Not applicable 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: No 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): No 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: No 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E, Type F 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Chile is a slender ribbon of land flanked by the South Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The country is a mystifying amalgam of extraordinarily diverse scenery, vibrant cultures, and exciting cities. From the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica to the driest desert in the world at Atacama, volcanoes to tropical islands, Chile boasts nearly every landscape imaginable. One of the country’s defining characteristics is its warm culture, summarised in its motto of ‘buena onda’ (‘good vibes’). Rituals surrounding relaxation and connection - such as the ‘mate’ tea custom - are integral to Chilean culture, as well as a strong connection with food, music and dance. World-class cities like Santiago weave together 21st century global culture and time-honoured traditions, and provide everything from phenomenal restaurants and buzzing nightlife to gorgeous, trendy beaches. Wine lovers will also find worlds of taste to explore in the lush valleys of vineyards offering some of the best wine on earth.

Currency 

Local currency: Chilean Peso 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: CLP 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: $1000, $2000, $5000, $10000, $20000 
Coins: $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline 
International Airports: Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez) 
Domestic Airports: El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt), La Araucanía International Airport (Temuco) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Chilean cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Mapuche, Spanish, and other European culinary traditions. Highlights include empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn pie), and cazuela (stew). Notable localdrinks include pisco, Chilean wine, and mote conhuesillo. 

Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 2000mm 
 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C - 35°C 
Average lows: 10°C - 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 5°C - 15°C 
Average lows: -5°C - 5°C  

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region. Generally, summer (December to February) is ideal for coastal areas, while winter (June to August) is popular for skiing in the Andes. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type L 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.