Mendoza Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Claro, Movistar, and Personal are the main mobile carriers in Argentina.

SIM Cards & Data

SIM cards (chip) are available at official provider stores. Passport for registration is needed.
Prepaid (prepago) data packages are easy to find and affordable.
For eSIM options, consider Airalo.

Internet Access & Postal Services

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, hostels, cafes, and restaurants.

Connectivity & Mail

The majority of lodgings offer Wi-Fi as a standard amenity.
Correo Argentino is the national postal service. Branches are in Mendoza city.
Mail to other countries services can be slow.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in most tourist-oriented settings.

Translation Resources

The Google Translate App (with offline Spanish pack) is a useful tool.
A small Spanish phrasebook aids in common situations.
Making an effort to speak Spanish is appreciated.

Essential Phrases

Basic Spanish phrases for everyday interactions.

Greetings & Inquiries

Hola: Hello (OH-lah) / Gracias: Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
If you please: Please (por fah-VOR) / Sí / No: Yes / No (see / noh)
What's the cost?: How much does it cost? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah)

More Useful Phrases

Navigating & Ordering

¿Dónde está...?: Where can i find...? (DOHN-deh es-TAH)
La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah, a chinese-based charity in thailand-VOR)
Agua sin gas / con gas: Still water / sparkling water (AH-gwah sin gahs / kohn gahs)
¿Habla inglés?: Can you speak English? (AH-blah een-GLEHS)

Politeness & Understanding

Permiso: Excuse me (when passing through a crowd) (per-MEE-soh)
Disculpe: Excuse me (to get attention or apologize) (dis-KOOL-peh)
No entiendo: I don't understand (noh en-TYEN-doh)
Quiero...: I want... (KYEH-roh)

Language Tip

A few Spanish phrases go a long way in fostering positive interactions with locals.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand normal opening times and holiday impacts in Mendoza.

Shops

Generally open 9 AM/10 AM to 1 PM/2 PM. Many close for Siesta (2 PM-5 PM/6 PM), reopening until 20:00/9 PM.

Banks

Typically open weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. ATMs are available 24/7.

Restaurants

Lunch: NOON/1 PM to 3 PM/4 PM. Dinner: 20:00/9 PM onwards, peak after 9:30 PM/10 PM.

Banking & ATMs

Banks usually operate Monday to Friday.

Withdrawals & Payments

ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos) are widely found in banks and supermarkets.
ATMs may have low withdrawal limits and high fees.
Using credit cards for purchases is often more advantageous.

Seasonal Schedules

Smaller wineries or businesses in rural areas might adjust hours during low season.

Festival Impacts

During the Vendimia festival (late Feb/early Mar), areas may be more crowded.
Some businesses may adjust hours for festival events.
Bookings for tours with a guide and tastings are useful.

Public Holidays

Observed Holidays

New Year's Day (Jan 1), Carnival (Feb/Mar)
Good Friday, Labor Day (May 1ST), Revolution Day (May 25)
Flag Day (June 20), National Day of independence (July 9)

Further Holidays & Impact

San Martín Day (Aug), Cultural Diversity Day (Oct)
National Sovereignty Day (Nov), Immaculate Conception (Dec 8), Christmas Day (Christmas DAY)
Many holidays are "bridge holidays" (feriado puente), creating long weekends.

Planning Around Holidays

Plan your travel accordingly, as services may be reduced during bank holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with local customs enriches your travel experience.

Greeting Customs

A handshake (un apretón de manos) is common in formal settings.

Informal & Titles

A single kiss on the right cheek is standard between friends and new acquaintances.
Use "Usted" for strangers or elders; "Vos" is common among peers.
This greeting indicates warmth and familiarity.

Dining & Tipping

Leaving a 10% cash tip for good service in restaurants is standard.

Social Customs

Being a little late (5-15 minutes) for social gatherings is common ("hora argentina").
Sharing Mate is a social ritual; accept the gourd, drink, and return for a refill.
Say "gracias" for mate only when completely finished.

Appropriate Attire

Mendoza is generally casual, but a smart casual appearance is appreciated.

Dress Code

Avoid overly casual attire like swimwear for nice restaurants or wineries.
No specific dress code for religious sites beyond respectful clothing.
Comfortable shoes are useful for strolls through the city and tours.

Photography Ethics

Generally, ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.

Permissions & Restrictions

A simple "Permiso?" or "Puedo sacar una foto?" is appreciated.
Some cultural institutions or wineries may have flash restrictions on taking pictures.
Be discreet and respectful in religious sites.

Sensitive Topics

Political Discussions

Argentines are passionate about politics.
Tourists it's a good idea to to avoid deeply engaging in such discussions.
Unless invited and possessing deep local knowledge.

Falkland Islands Malvinas

This is a highly sensitive topic.
Avoid discussing this unless well-informed.
Always discuss respectfully, acknowledging the Argentine view.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Equality

Argentina generally shows progress regarding gender equality.
Public displays of affection are common for heterosexual and same-sex couples.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Argentina is a strong record of LGBTQ+ rights.
This includes same-sex marriage and adoption.
Mendoza is generally accessible and welcoming, with Aristides Villanueva notably diverse.

Cultural Courtesy

Small gestures of respect for local traditions and norms are always appreciated.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges or other special needs consider Mendoza's infrastructure.

Mobility Infrastructure

Mendoza's wide pavements and tree-lined lanes are beautiful.

Channels & Buildings

The presence of Acequias (irrigation channels) alongside sidewalks poses challenges for wheelchair users.
Newer buildings and tourist infrastructure show increasing accessibility design.
Older parts of the city and some historic Bodegas could have restricted access.

Accessible Attractions

The Metrotranvían is generally accessible with ramps and level boarding.

Sites & Venues

Parque General San Martín's main routes are wide and relatively flat.
Many modern hotels and wineries meet accessibility standards.
Inquire specifically when booking accommodations or tours.

Services for Impairments

Specialized services are not widely accessible all over the city.

Advice for Travelers

For visual or hearing impairments, travel with a companion.
Confirm that tour operators provide necessary assistance.

Information Resources

Access current information about accessible tours and facilities.

Seeking Information

Contact the Mendoza Tourism Office directly (online or in person).
Specialist tour operators focusing on accessible tourism tailor itineraries.
Accommodations meet individual needs.

Payment Tip

Carry small bills for tips and minor purchases, as vendors might not always have change for large denominations.

Mendoza Travel Tips