THE OPTIMA JURIS GUIDE TO CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of Central and South America
2. Central and South America Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention
3. Countries That Require Visas
4. Currency
5. Security Isssues
6. Tipping Rules
7. Transportation
8. Country Specific Information
9. Major Cities in Central and South America
10. Major Central and South American Airports
11. Useful Links

Overview of Central and South America

Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent. Central America consists of the seven states of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Central America is part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, which extends from Northern Guatemala through central Panama. It borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, the North Pacific Ocean to the west; and Colombia to the south-east.

South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. It includes twelve countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The South American nations that border the Caribbean Sea - including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, as well as French Guiana, which is an overseas region of France are also known as Caribbean South America.

Central and South America Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention

Argentina
Venezuela
Full List of the Hague Evidence Convention Parties

Countries That Require Visas

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities and in many instances a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.

When you're checking with a South American consulate, check into the requirements for health records. You may need to show your HIV/AIDS status, inoculations and other medical records.

Central and South American Countries Requiring Visas:

• Brazil
• Paraguay
• Suriname
  Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Currency

Money

Cash is easy, flexible and you don't even have to show your passport as ID to exchange cash like you do with travellers checks. But easy come easy go. Cash is also the riskiest way to carry large amounts of money. If lost or stolen, it's gone - unlike travellers checks which can be replaced.

Credit cards

Check carefully for your credit card's terms and conditions. In particular, check the small print regarding ATM transaction fees and currency conversion charges so you don't get any suprises. Make sure your card has the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol - otherwise you may not be able to use it overseas.

Exchanging money

Compare exchange rates at a number of booths if possible, but don't waste time and money traipsing across town to save ten pesos. Banks and booths typically give much better rates than hotels or other businesses. It's wise to exchange money at a licensed foreign exchange location - while you may get a better rate on the street, you may get burned by a scam or wind up with obsolete or fraudulent notes --weigh up the pros and cons.

Travellers checks

The main advantage of travellers checks is that they can be replaced if lost or stolen. The disadvantage is that there is often (though not always) a fee to both buy and cash them. Even so, think of this small expense as a type of travel insurance, guaranteeing that you'll be able to get cash in an emergency, when you'll need it most. Travellers checks are most commonly issued in U.S. dollars, but other currencies are also becoming more widely accepted.

Security Isssue

• Ask your hotel for a list of safety cell numbers & email.
  There should be a main contact and a backup contact whom you can contact in the country you're visiting. Get a cell number and email. Getting a contact number of someone in the USA is ok.
• Carry some cash.
  While credit cards are accepted throughout Central and South America, cash is still king when you are absolutely in a bind. While we aren't saying to be a walking ATM, do have several hundred dollars on you just in case.
• Get your paper work straight.
  Do make sure everyone has a passport. Do make sure everyone has a visa if applicable. Do check the embassy rules as they are constantly updated. Also, see what items are included in your travel package (insurance, tipping, forms, etc).
• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Central and South America.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Global Security Updates
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so someone can contact you in an emergency

Tipping Rules

To tip the cabbie, round up. For a typical ride, round up about 5-10 percent. If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more. But if you feel like you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip.

Restaurant tips are more modest in Central and South America than in the U.S. In most places, 10 percent is an acceptable tip. If you eat in a local place tips will be unexpected but highly appreciated

Transportation

If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

Also available in Metropolitan Areas

• Buses
• Cars
• Taxis
• Subways

Country Specific Information

Major Cities in Central and South America

1. Sao Paulo, Brazil
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4. Santiago, Chile
5. Bogota, Colombia
6. Brasilia, Brazil
7. Lima, Peru
8. Caracas, Venezuela
9. Guyaquil, Ecuador
10. Medellin, Colombia
11. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
12. La Paz, Bolivia
13. Montevideo, Uruguay
14. Tegucigalpa, Honduras
15. Managua, Nicaragua
16. Port-au-Prince, Uruguay
17. Asuncion, Paraguay
18. San Salvador, Ecuador
19. Georgetown, Guyana
20. Paramaribo, Suriname
21. Tarija, Bolivia

Major Central and South American Airports

1. Sao Paulo, Brazil
   Guarulhos International Airport
   GRU
2. Bogota, Colombia
   El Dorado International Airport
   BOG
3. Santiago, Chile
   Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
   SCL
4. Maiquetia, Bolivia
   Simon Bolivar International Airport
   CCS
5. Lima, Peru
   Jorge Chavez International Airport
   LIM
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
   Ministro Pistarini International Airport
   EZE
7. Brasilia, Brazil
   Brasilia International Airport
   BSB
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
   Jorge Newbery Airport
   AEP
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
   Santos Dumont Airport
   SDU

Useful Links

Hotels

Agoda Hotel Search in South America
Agoda Hotel Search in Central America
Lonely Planet South America Hotel Search
Lonely Planet Central America Hotel Search

CIA

CIA Factbook Page

U.S. Embassy

United State Embassies Around the World

Electrical Requirements

Detailed List on Voltage Requirments

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