Buenos Aires offers excellent, high-quality shopping for leather goods, gems and brand-name products such as Gucci, Dior, etc. Other items to look for include rugs, gaucho souvenirs, sheepskin products, wines, guitars, art, handicrafts, yerba-mate paraphernalia such as gourds and bombillas (metal straws with a filter at the bottom) and vicuna products (high-quality wool from a llamalike creature). You also may want to get a pair of gaucho trousers - bombachas - or perhaps a poncho. In Buenos Aires, stroll down Calle Florida and Avenida Santa Fe for upscale stores, where leather goods and custom-made suits are a good buy. There are also many markets and department stores for bargain shoppers. Low-key bargaining may get you a better price outside of department stores or on any big-ticket item. Palermo Viejo is often noted for its lovely boutiques, designer outlets, lingerie craft couture and dozens of quirky shops.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-7:30 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm.

Banking Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-3 pm.