Generally, in the biggest cities, shops open from Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 20:00 hours, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00 hours. Shops which are located over the main avenues remain open during the whole afternoon.

Shops in the inland regions of the country often take a rest at noon, from 13:00 to 16:00 hours.

Shopping malls are open from 10:00 to 20:00 hours every day, including weekends and holidays.

Leaving tips is usual, especially when it comes to gastronomic services, but also to doormen, bell-boys and ushers.

• Ways of payment.

Dollars and euros are accepted at shops; however, exchange takes place at banks and authorized exchange houses.

The most frequently used credit cards are American Express, VISA, Diners and Mastercard.

Travellers cheques are easily exchanged in Buenos Aires, but it could be complicated in the inland regions.

• Banks and offices timetable.

Banks open from Monday to Friday – 10:00 to 15:00 hours. Some banks have an extended schedule for certain operations. Cash machines operate 24 hours.

Offices are typically open from 09:00 to 18:00 hours, with a lunch break of an hour. Some locations are used to take naps, so their work schedule is extended for a few hours.