RE: Xavier University Buenos Aires Program February/March, 2010

Transcription

1 July, 2009 RE: Xavier University Buenos Aires Program February/March, 2010 Dear Travelers: PLEASE NOTE. Before your flight, check with your airline and government websites to see what the current security restrictions are. In order to have a safe journey, as well as adhere to the current security procedures, we would like to advise you of the following procedures: 1. Arrive at the airport for your flight 2 hours prior to departure. 2. Passengers need to check their luggage in the airport lobby. Check-in at the curbside will not be permitted on international flights. 3. Under new security regulations regarding liquids and gels, travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag. 4. After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board the aircraft. 5. All sharp objects such as razors, knives, or box cutters are not permitted in their carry-on luggage. Scissors less than 4 inches long are permitted on board. Medically necessary needles and syringes are exempt from these prohibitions if passengers have in their possession prescription medicine with a professionally printed label that identifies the medical office, pharmacy or manufacturer of the medication. No lighters are permitted. 6. Only 1 piece of carry-on baggage is allowed on board, regardless of class of service. If possible, passengers should check-in all their baggage. 7. Removal of shoes at the security checkpoint. 8. The Department of Transportation will prohibit loose lithium batteries in your checked luggage. For more information please check the following website:

2 1. PASSPORT. Everyone is required to have a valid passport. Please keep your passport in a secure place but DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT in your check-in suitcase at any time. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the conclusion of your trip. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Argentina. If you hold a passport other than US, a visa may be required. Please make certain that you have checked this prior to departure. 2. LUGGAGE TAGS. Please fill out the name cards on each and attach these tags to your check-in bags. Please write your last name in LARGE BLOCK LETTERS, since the porters use this name tag to bring your luggage to the proper room. 3. LOCKS, SECURITY MEASURES AND VALUABLES. Although you normally may have locked your suitcase in order to travel, in today s world many airlines will cut off your lock in order to check its contents. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens every passenger s baggage before it is placed on the aircraft and many times must open luggage to inspect a piece. TSA has worked with several companies (such as Safe Skies and Travel Sentry) to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal master keys. They are available at travel stores nationwide with the package indicating that they can be opened by TSA. If you do not use such a lock, we suggest that you carry your lock for any internal travel you may be doing. We suggest that you bring only jewelry that you intend to be wearing all the time, so as not to leave it unattended in your hotel room. In addition, please use the hotel safes and security boxes for ALL your valuables. We suggest that you do not leave any valuables, such as cash, cameras, laptops, video cameras or jewelry unlocked or visible in your hotel room. 4. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS. Most airlines allow each person two pieces of check-in luggage, weighing up to 50 pounds each, plus one carry-on bag. Please check with your airline for the baggage restrictions. Please note that the luggage allowance is the policy of the airlines and at their discretion. We are not responsible for any excess baggage fees. We include every possible protection available to us relative to the unfortunate loss or damage to your baggage or personal effects, but we wish to point out that Accent nor Xavier University are responsible should this occur. Therefore, if you do not already have adequate insurance, we recommend that you arrange for Baggage Insurance (see enclosed form). Although luggage handling is included during the trip, you may have to carry your own bags in other areas where porters are not available (i.e. - customs areas).

3 5. LUGGAGE CHECK-IN. Please check your luggage through to Buenos Aires when you check-in at the airport. Your luggage receipt should be labeled: EZE (the code for the airport in Buenos Aires) if you are arriving in Buenos Aires first. After check-in, you will not see your luggage again until you claim it in Buenos Aires. 6. HOTEL. Listed below are the details of the hotel where you will be staying. If anyone must contact you, remind them that local time in Buenos Aires is 3 hours later than Eastern Standard Time. Hotel De Las Americas Buenos Aires Libertad 1020 Buenos Aires, BA 1012 Argentina Tel: ** Remember that incidental expenses are the responsibility of the participant. You may be asked to present a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex) at the time of check-in for payment on your incidental room bills. 7. TELEPHONE/INTERNET. Hotels may make surcharges for phone calls made from the room with calling cards. Please check the rates with the front desk. Please note that you may need to activate phones with international call capability. If you are traveling with your laptop, consider subscribing to a VOIP call service such as skype.com to reduce phone calling costs. 8. TRANSFERS. Transfers to and from the airport are included for group flight participants. For participants arriving in Buenos Aires on an individual basis, taxis can be picked up at the airport or at the hotel and will cost approximately $45-$55 each way. A private airport transfer will cost $65 per car each way (2 people max per car) and must be booked through Accent Travel prior to departure.

4 9. WEATHER. The seasons in South America are the opposite of ours. Although the weather is always unpredictable, you should have pleasant and mild weather during the trip. Rain can be expected at any time of year and hailstorms are not a strange phenomenon. Bring along sweaters and/or light coat for cooler evenings. Jackets and ties may be requested in some restaurants or nightclubs. A lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella are also suggested, just in case. The temperature range in March is: Buenos Aires - Average High: 77F / Average Low: 64F Due to the changing weather patterns worldwide, we suggest that you consult your local paper or the Internet closer to departure for the exact weather conditions. 10. TRAVELERS CHECKS / CREDIT CARDS. We suggest that you purchase travelers checks rather than carrying cash. Travelers check should be in U.S. dollars. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted for most major purchases throughout Asia. We recommend that you contact your bank and credit card company to advise them that you will be traveling abroad to avoid any interruption in service. 11. CURRENCY. Exchange rates of currencies throughout South America change daily and can be obtained from local and overseas banks. We suggest you wait until your arrival in Buenos Aires to change your U.S. dollars into local currency, as the rate of exchange will be better. The current rate of exchange as of July 29, 2009 is approximately: U.S. $1.00 = Argentine Peso The best place to change currency or travelers checks into local currency is at the hotel. If you wish to purchase a local handicraft from an outdoor market, you may wish to have either local currency or U.S. dollars on hand. Some bargaining is done at the local markets. We highly discourage the trading of money on the street as you might receive some out of print bills for your dollars. This money will not be valid for use and you will have already given away your US dollars. There are ATMs throughout Buenos Aires. ATM cards can be used at both ATMs and most retail locations, as long as they have been validated for international access. Cardholders must use their personal identification number (PIN) when obtaining cash or services. Please contact your bank for information on availability and service charges prior to departure from the U.S.

5 12. ELECTRICITY. The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets usually take Continental-type plugs, with two round prongs or three flat, angled prongs. 13. UNUSED PORTIONS OF THE TOUR. Please be advised that Accent cannot reimburse you for any unused portions of your travel arrangements. 14. DEPARTURE TAXES. Argentine departure tax ($18) must be paid by each person when departing the airport. 15. MEDICAL INFORMATION. Argentina does not REQUIRE inoculations before entry; although you should check with your physician for their recommendations. Please also check with your physician as to any special medications you may require while touring. If you are bringing prescription medication, please be sure to carry them in their original containers to facilitate clearance during customs inspections. If you wear glasses, you may wish to bring along an extra pair. Do not drink the tap water in Argentina. We suggest you drink bottled water, which is easily available throughout. 16. U.S. CUSTOMS. Upon your return to the United States, each person is permitted to bring up to U.S. $ of goods into the country, duty free. After this amount the dollar value is taxable at the rate of 10% on the portion over and above the first $ You are permitted 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars and one liter of alcohol. 17. WEBSITE INFORMATION Detailed and current travel information can be found on the following websites: Transportation Security Administration : Travel Health Online : Center for Disease Control and Prevention : World Health Organization : International Society of Travel Medicine : US Department of State : Argentina tourist office :

6 IMPORTANT NOTES: 1. Taxis - they will charge what the meter reads. Negotiation of the taxi price is usually only done with the taxis parked outside of the hotel. HOWEVER, you should use small bills when paying cab drivers because if you need large amounts of change, they may try to give you old bills, no longer in circulation. 2. Be sure that all your travel documents are in order: passport and tickets. Pack those documents in your carry-on luggage and keep them safe throughout your trip. 3. Make photocopies of these documents and keep them in a secure and separate place. These will come in handy if you lose the original documents. 4. Arrive at the airport on time. Check-in for your international flight is at least 2 hours prior to departure. Make sure that your luggage is checked through to the first city on your tour. 5. Pack wisely. Make sure that medications and other essentials are in your carry-on bag. Also include a change of clothing in case your checked luggage is delayed. Don't make your luggage too heavy to carry. If you have any questions or need additional information prior to departure, please contact our office at (800) Have a wonderful trip!