Argentina Travel

[jonathon]

I just got back from Argentina on business. Naturally, I brought the camera along. When entering the country via Rosario, I hit the button and got red, so my bags were to be searched. My backpack had the 350D and a 28-70 2.8L and they were asking me about what I did for work. It was pretty hard, since I don't speak Spanish and none of them spoke any English.

Is there a tax for bringing in things like this? After about 15 minutes of loud and GREAT conversation, the guy told me to get out, so I left.

Has anyone else experienced this? Did my lack of language skills save me anything?

[Olli]

I just returned from Argentina, entering and exiting via Buenos Aires. I took also a domestic flight from BA to Mendoza. Nothing was screened in BA, and everything in Mendoza, including my camera back (20D + 3 lenses), without comments. Have to say that all custom officials seemed to be not intersted at all of the travellers. Maybe I was just lucky?

Regarding the language I would be in the same situation as you. Still, everybody was very helpful and polite everywhere without any common language.

[jonathon]

Yes, I have to agree, everyone I ran into was very nice and I would like to return. I think the gentleman I was attempting to communicate with was frustrated because the lines were getting backed up.

Hopefully next time I won't be selected. :)