From May Square to La Boca, dive into Buenos Aires’ rich history with these iconic landmarks.
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Argentina Time (AST) is GMT -3 hours, meaning that it’s 1 hour ahead of New York and 4 hours behind London. Argentina has not calculated Daylight Savings time since 2011.
US Citizens will need:
For more detailed info, check out Argentina Travel.
Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport (EZE) is the main and busiest international airport in the city. It takes 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach city center.
Bus (Colectivo): Cheapest, Least Comfortable
Private Shuttles: Best Option
Taxi (Remís): Most Comfortable
Jorge Newbery Airport (AFP) is the second busiest airport in Buenos Aires for domestic flights. 15-30 minute rides to the city center.
Bus (Colectivo): Most Convenient
Private Shuttle: Last Resort
Taxi (Remís): Best Option
This is the only city in Argentina with a metro system: Buenos Aires Underground Subte, which only has 6 lines therefore it is fairly easy to learn and navigate when switching lines.
There are no longer any paper tickets for the Sube. In order to use the Subte you will need a Sube Smart Card (which can be used for buses and trains as well as around the city) or a Sube E-card. A smart card can be purchased at the city’s tourist centers, stores or kiosks. These cards are always rechargeable, it can be done at any ticket office.
An average trip ticket is ARS 16.50 (USD $0.24). Prices may vary depending on the trip.
Buenos Aires is considered one of the best destinations to solo travel and as a female too, but there are always safety precautions to take when traveling to unfamiliar places. There is petty theft, so be street smart and hang on tightly to your valuables. It’s important to be vigilant and wary of your surroundings.
The emergency number in Buenos Aires is 101 or 911.
Don’t leave valuable possessions in your back pockets.
Do not take unfamiliar streets or alleyways when walking in town.
Always stay cautious and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone.
Ignore cat-calling, if you feel uncomfortable, politely but firmly tell them to stop and walk towards a big crowd.
Try to avoid taxis alone at night unless it is a “Radio Taxi”. You are less likely to be harassed or scammed in a “Radio Taxi”. Avoid walking alone at night even if it is to and from a bar.
Travel in groups of 2 or more- especially if you are a solo female traveler. Make sure you lock your doors.
Buenos Aires is partly cloudy all year round while the summers are warm, wet, and humid. Winters, however, are cold and windy.
Spanish is the official language of Argentina but there is a large population that speak Italian and Levantine Arabic. Regardless, Spanish remains the most widely spoken language in Argentina.
Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
You’re welcome: De nada
Excuse me: Perdóneme
I’m sorry: Lo siento
Please: Por favor
Good morning: Buenos días
Goodnight: Buenas noches
My name is…: Me llamo…
Check, please: La cuenta por favor
I don’t understand: No entiendo
Do you speak English?: ¿Hablas inglés?
Where is…?: ¿Dónde está…?
Call the police: Llama la policía
Appropriate etiquette can guide you through this interesting and unique culture. These tips are helpful to avoid any misunderstandings with locals.
The local unit of currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Approximately ARS 67.49 equates to USD $1.
Exchanging money is best done at the airports in Buenos Aires. It is recommended to not exchange money at ATMs on the streets.
Tipping! It is not expected but desired. If the service was great, most employees will hope for a tip. The usual rate for tipping is 10%.
Argentina’s electricity outlets are 220 volts with 50 HZ standard frequency (C or I). If the appliances you use are between 220-240 volts, they can be used in Buenos Aires. Plugs are typically 2 pronged and flat. While some plugs are three dots and rounded.
Your converter should look like this:
Drinking tap water straight from the faucet is safe to do. The British installed a water system in 1869 that made the water safe to drink, even better than the water in the UK.
Despite that it’s safe to drink, many travelers taste and smell chlorine and other chemicals in BA’s tap water. So it is recommended to drink bottled water instead since the water compositions have changed.
Uber is currently available in the city, other options include Cabify and Easy Taxi.
Drivers can be a little crazy so it’s not recommended to rent a car and drive on your own.
Argentina is one of the more progressive countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Argentina was the first country in South America to legalized same-sex-marriage in 2010 but even in 1887, same sex relations/activities were allowed.
Rights to change gender without a doctor’s consultation was legalized in 2012; Argentinians do not need reassignment surgery or hormones but if they want them, they are provided for free by the state if requested. Rights to change gender without surgery was legalized in 2018. Same-sex adoption was legalized in 2010. The LGBTQ+ community has the rights to donate blood and be part of the military. It is illegal in some areas to discriminate towards the LGBTQ+ community and they are only protected by the military code but not included in the general discrimination code.
BA has been more eco-friendly throughout the years by reinforcing hotel guests to reuse bed sheets and towels. Since 2009, BA has made bicycle paths and biking a source of transportation around the city.
From May Square to La Boca, dive into Buenos Aires’ rich history with these iconic landmarks.
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