Buenos Aires Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Stretch your travel budget further with these smart financial approaches.

Discount Cards & Free Activities

Buenos Aires has no comprehensive city-wide tourist discount card.
Student or senior discounts are available at some attractions with a valid ID (e.g., ISIC).
Recoleta Cemetery and Plaza de Mayo entry is free.
Bosques de Palermo and Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur admission is free.

Dining & Entertainment Deals

Seek out happy hour specials (Hora Feliz) at bars, especially in Palermo.
Weekday set lunch menus (Menú ejecutivo) at restaurants offer excellent value.
Tip-based free walking tours introduce you to areas and history.
Many public museums offer free entry days or specific free hours.

Transportation & Accommodation

Use a SUBE card for public transport; it is significantly cheaper.
Utilize the city's free Ecobici public bicycle sharing system.
Hostels offer budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, often with kitchens.
Apartment rentals from platforms like Airbnb provide more space and use of a kitchen.

Walking for Discovery

Buenos Aires is a highly walkable city; explore on foot.
Walking neighborhoods uncovers hidden gems.
Save on transportation expenses by walking.
Discover the city's character at a leisurely pace.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your schedule to experience more of Buenos Aires efficiently.

Efficient Sightseeing

Pre-book tickets online for well-known places like Teatro Colón tours.
Bypass long lines by purchasing tango show tickets in advance.
Guided tours often include fast-track entry to attractions.
Visit popular sites early early am or late pm to avoid peak crowds.

Smart Planning & Navigation

Group attractions by neighborhood to minimize travel time.
Use Google Maps or "BA Cómo Llego" for real-time traffic and public transport.
Book flights and accommodation well in advance, especially during high season.
Secure tickets for high-demand tango shows early.

Optimizing Transport

The Subte is often faster than buses or taxis during rush hour in central areas.
For short distances, walking can be quicker than waiting for public transport.
Avoid heavy traffic by choosing the Subte or walking when routes align.
Strategic routing minimizes time spent in transit.

Advance Bookings

Teatro Colón tours can sell out; book ahead.
Make reservations for popular Parrillas or fine dining establishments.
Early booking secures desired dates and times.
Avoid disappointment for high-demand experiences with advance planning.

Local Insights

Learn about local customs and navigate common tourist situations smoothly.

Avoiding Tourist Pitfalls

Avoid relying solely on official exchange rates; explore better options like Western Union.
Utilize the favorable "MEP dólar" rate for credit card purchases.
A SUBE card is essential for public transport; purchase one early.
Use licensed taxis (black and yellow) or reputable ride-sharing apps.

Dining & Exploration

Dinner typically starts after 9 PM; embrace the late-night culture.
Explore diverse Barrios such As san Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta, and La Boca.
Experience the full character of Buenos Aires beyond one neighborhood.

Social Etiquette & Greetings

Expect one kiss on the right cheek as a common greeting.
Argentines are passionate about football; conversations about it foster connection.
If offered Mate, accept it as a gesture of friendship and follow etiquette.
Argentine Spanish frequently uses "vos" instead of "tú" for informal "you".

Impress Local Speakers

Use "Che!" (cheh) as an informal address, similar to "hey" or "mate".
"Dale" (DAH-leh) conveys "go on," "let's do it," or "okay."
"Qué quilombo!" (keh kee-LOM-boh!) "What a mess!" (informal, often humorous).
"Todo bien?" (TOH-doh byen?) serves as an informal greeting, "Everything good?".

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your travel strategies for different group dynamics.

Solo Traveler Focus

Be vigilant with belongings, especially at night.
Use reputable ride-sharing apps for evening transport.
Inform someone of your itinerary.
Hostels are perfect for meeting other travelers.

Family & Kid-Friendly Exploration

Focus on parks like Bosques de Palermo and Jardín Japonés.
Consider a boat trip in Tigre for a relaxed family outing.
Pizzas, Empanadas, and Milanesas are generally kid-friendly food options.
Apartment rentals provide more space and kitchen access for families.

Group Logistics Management

Book accommodation and popular activities well in advance for larger groups.
Think about reserving a private a minivan or multiple large taxis for group transport.
Make restaurant reservations, specifically for larger groups.
Coordinate itineraries and meeting points clearly within the group.

Accessibility Notes

Travelers with mobility needs research certain accessible accommodations.
Taxis or ride-sharing services are generally more flexible than public transport for accessibility.
Clearly communicate your needs when booking services.
Some attractions offer specific provisions for travelers with disabilities.

Local Currency Tip

Carry a small amount of cash in smaller denominations for quick purchases, tips, and taxis.

Digital & Print Resources

Utilize these assets for navigation, communication, and exploration in Buenos Aires.

Essential Apps

Google Maps for navigation, BA Cómo Llego for public transport, Uber/Cabify/Didi for ride-sharing, WhatsApp for communication, XE Currency for exchange rates, HappyCow for dining options, and the SUBE app for card balance (with Argentine registration).

Useful Websites

Official Buenos Aires Tourism, Subte official site, Manuel Tienda León for airport transfers, Buquebus/Colonia Express for Uruguay ferries, and official sites for main sights.

Print Resources

Lonely Planet, Rough Guides for detailed information. Free city maps at tourist centers. Books like 'The Buenos Aires Affair' or works by Borges/Cortázar. Local publications like 'La Agenda Cultural'.

Document Security

Save digital copies of all important documents in a cloud service or email them to yourself.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

General Emergency: 911
Police: 101
Ambulance (SAME): 107
Fire: 100

Tourist Assistance

Tourist Police: +54 911 5050 9260 / 5050 9262
This specialized unit assists tourists with issues.
Report theft/loss immediately.
Contact your embassy for lost documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

The Paris of south america is not prone to major natural disasters.
In severe weather, follow local authority instructions.
Stay indoors and avoid affected regions in heavy rain.
Localized flooding might occur.

Medical Care

Public Hospitals

Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Juan A. Fernández (Palermo).
Hospital Ramos Mejía (Balvanera).
These facilities provide free emergency care.

Private Clinics

Hospital Alemán (German Hospital).
Hospital Británico (British Hospital).
Clínica Suizo Argentina.

Embassy Support

Consular Assistance

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Buenos Aires.
Assistance is available to lost passports.
Support includes help with legal issues.

Preparation Measures

Find your embassy's address and emergency contact details before traveling.
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport separate.
Notify your embassy of significant travel changes.

Lost Document Protocols

Reporting Incidents

Report loss or theft to local police immediately.
The Policía Turística is the recommended contact.
File a police report for insurance claims.
A police report is necessary for replacement documents.
Keep copies of the report for your records.

Replacement Procedures

Contact your embassy or consulate.
Apply for emergency travel documents.
Follow their specific directions for document replacement.
Having copies of original documents expedites the process.
Expect processing times for first-time travel documents.

Travel Insurance Focus

Medical Coverage

Verify your travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies and hospitalization. Understand deductibles and claims processes.

Trip Interruptions

Ensure coverage for trip cancellation, delays, or unforeseen interruptions. This protects your financial investment.

Baggage & Belongings

Confirm coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. Be aware of the limits and requirements for filing a claim.

Critical Safety Note

For private clinics/hospitals, having travel insurance is highly recommended due to higher standards and shorter waiting periods for tourists. Check World Nomads: WorldNomads.com

Planning Ahead

Essential Preparations

Early Planning Checklist

Passport Validity
Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure.
International Flights
Book your international flights to Buenos Aires early for better prices.
Main Accommodation
Look up and book your lodging, especially for high season travel.

Advance Preparations

Health Consultation
Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and health precautions.
Bank Notification
Notify your bank and your credit card providers about your trip plans.
Currency Strategy
Arrange your currency exchange strategy (e.g., Western Union).

Pre-Trip Research

Currency Dynamics

Familiarize yourself with Argentina's unique currency situation and favorable exchange options.

Western Union

Basic Spanish Phrases

Learn essential greetings, food ordering, and direction-asking phrases.

Babbel Language App

Local Transportation

Understand the SUBE card and public transport system for efficient travel.

NordVPN for Secure Access

Detailed Itinerary & Bookings

Mid-Term Planning

Plan your detailed itinerary, outlining daily activities.
Book any domestic flights or major regional transport.
Book popular tours, tango shows, or special dining experiences.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including health insurance.

Final Week Preparations

Reconfirm all flights, accommodation, tours, plus getting from a to b.
Pack climate-appropriate clothing, including layers.
Assemble all essential documents: passport, visa, insurance policy.
Download key applications and offline maps for navigation.

Home & Personal Readiness

Pre-Departure Home Tasks

Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
Organize care for any pets while away.
Notify close contacts of your itinerary and emergency information.
Ensure your home is secure before leaving.

Electronic & Medication Readiness

Charge all electronics and pack necessary adapters and portable chargers.
Pack prescription and over-the-counter medications in your carry-on.
Include documentation for prescriptions.
Email digital copies of important documents to yourself.

Document Safety

Always keep copies of your passport, visa, and trip coverage policy kept separate from the originals. This way, documents become retrievable if lost or stolen.

Buenos Aires Travel Hacks