Answer: C - It's customary to take a vacation then.

Business hours

Business hours in Argentina vary, but are generally as follows:

Banks
Most banks are open 1000 to 1500, Monday to Friday. Hours vary according to city and season.

Business
General business hours are 0800 or 0900 to 1800, Monday to Friday. There is typically a one-hour lunch break midday, which is sometimes longer for executives.

Government
Typical hours are 0800 to 1700, Monday to Friday; however, some government offices may keep seasonal hours of 1300 to 1900 in the winter, and 0700 to 1300 in summer. Post offices are typically open 0800 to 2000, Monday through Friday, and 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays.

Retail
Stores and shops generally open from 0830 or 0900 to 1900, Monday to Saturday. Many close at 1300 on Saturday; outside of Buenos Aires, shops often close from 1200 to 1700 or other afternoon hours for siesta.

Scheduling business travel
The best time for business travel to Argentina is April through November. Avoid the two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter. The summer vacation period is January to March, and many people take a long vacation at this time. Some firms may be closed completely during vacation periods.

Excerpted from Living Abroad's Argentina report: Business Practices/Business Hours.

Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations