Covered in this section:
Congress Information
Venue
Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) - Building San Jose - Buenos Aires (MAP)
Format
The 2023 IPSA World Congress will be an onsite event with a limited number of virtual-only (no hybrid) panels. More details will follow in the coming months.
Participation Format Change Policy
Requests by individuals to change their participation format from virtual to in-person, or vice-versa, must be received by 19 April 2023. Please send request by e-mail to wc2023@ipsa.org.
Requests to change to a panel in virtual format must be made by 19 April 2023, the latest. Please note that there are only a small number of virtual panels, and this will limit the number of format requests that can be accommodated.
After 19 April, it will not be possible to accept any format change requests due to the need to provide a final program for all participants.
Important Note:
• Due to the limited number of virtual panels, there is no guarantee that the change request can be accommodated.
• The standard registration Refund Policy will apply to format change requests.
Language
All sessions are held in either of IPSA's official languages: English and French. Panel presentations in the LOC sessions may be in Spanish. Panel presentations in the "LOC08 - Brazilian Politics" may be in Portuguese.
Health and Vaccination
COVID-19
Note: Information was retrieved on 02 February 2023 from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs – please verify updated information prior to departure.
It is no longer required to test for COVID-19 or to show proof of COVID-19 health insurance to enter Argentina. Proof of vaccination is also not required.
If a suspected COVID-19 positive case is detected or reported upon entry into Argentina, it will be treated according to the same prevention and control measures of any acute respiratory infection.
If your flight has connections, we suggest checking if the transit countries require COVID-19 testing.
Note: The use of a masks in closed spaces in Buenos Aires is not mandatory. The recommendation for the use of masks is maintained, especially during the winter period.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever vaccination is not required to enter Argentina, nor is it considered a concern when traveling in Buenos Aires. However, vaccination is recommended for travelers aged 9 months and older traveling to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces including the Iguaçu Falls.
Liability and Insurance
The IPSA Secretariat and local organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to private property of participants. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.
Currency and VAT Information
Currency Exchange
Argentina's national currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Local currency can be purchased in Buenos Aires at casas de cambio (currency exchanges) and at most banks. Note that you will need to provide ID when exchanging money. Local currency can also be obtained from automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the city. ATMs operate 24 hours a day and accept all major international cards.
Note: In various businesses and even in the street in the city's central financial area, particularly on Calle Florida, you are likely to come across people offering to exchange money. Please note that while non-official operators may state a preferential rate of exchange, these money changers are illegal and for visitors' safety, the Buenos Aires Tourism office recommends changing money only at legal regulated institutions.
The Buenos Aires Tourism Office also recommends changing only small amounts of money at a time. You should keep the receipt(s) from your transaction(s) as you may need to show this if you wish to change money back to your original currency at the end of the trip. Please note that should you wish to change back any Argentine pesos at the end of your trip, you will be limited to changing only up to the equivalent of $100 USD in cash. Currency Converter – Argentine Peso
Argentina has a very extensive and common currency black market. For example, large shops and hotels may accept the US dollar bills at the rate of $190-200 ARS per $1 USD, while the legal change rate would be $110-112 ARS per $1 USD.
Value-Added Tax (VAT) Reimbursement
Accommodation
International visitors receive a direct and automatic reimbursement of the 21% value added tax (VAT) charged on accommodation in Argentina. VAT on hotel stays and other accommodations are automatically be refunded for international visitors who pay with a foreign credit card or via bank transfer from a foreign bank.
The elimination of VAT on accommodation charges, combined with a favorable exchange rate, makes visiting Buenos Aires more affordable. The new VAT rule covers hotel stays and other forms of accommodations, and includes VAT imposed on breakfast services if they are part of the cost of lodging. Other hotel services are excluded and must be billed separately.
Other Purchases
Foreign tourists are eligible to reclaim VAT on purchases of domestically manufactured goods with a value over $70 USD when made at participating outlets that belong to Global Blue Argentina. To do so, you will need to keep your receipts and complete the relevant forms at customs when leaving the country. Information on where to claim the refund can be found on the Global Blue website.
