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Buenos Aires Travel Tips

Buenos Aires Travel Tips

Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Fd, Argentina Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Claro, Personal, Movistar are the main mobile carriers in Argentina.

SIM Card Information

  • Purchase SIM cards at official stores, kiosks (Kioscos), or at airports.
  • You need an Unlocked phone and your passport for registration.
  • Prepaid (Prepago) options are available and affordable. Recharge credit at kiosks.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces throughout Buenos Aires. Many plazas also feature free municipal Wi-Fi.

Connectivity Tips

  • Speeds vary, but connectivity is generally good.
  • For consistent private internet, explore Solis Wi-Fi portable devices.
  • Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi for security. Consider Airalo eSIM for seamless connectivity upon arrival.

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

Official Language: Spanish. The Argentine dialect often uses "vos" instead of "tú" for informal "you," and has separate pronunciations.

Language Details

  • English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and high-end restaurants.
  • The Google Translate app (with offline Spanish pack) is useful.
  • Rosetta Stone is a tool to pick up basic expressions before your trip.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings & Questions

  • Hola (OH-lah) - Hello; Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you.
  • Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please; Sí / No (see / noh) - Yes / No.
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?) - What does it cost?

More Essential Phrases

Navigating & Ordering

  • Disculpe (dees-KUL-peh) - Excuse me (to get attention or apologize).
  • Perdón (per-DON) - Excuse me (to pass through).
  • ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS?) - Do you speak English?
  • La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEN-tah, por fah-VOR) - The bill, please.

Food & Dietary

  • Agua (AH-gwah) - Water.
  • Carne (KAR-neh) - Meat.
  • Vegetariano (veh-heh-tah-RYAH-noh) - Vegetarian.
  • Enjoy local food with these terms.

Traveler Tip

Have small bills and coins for taxis, tips, and small purchases. Large notes are often difficult to break.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operating Hours

Shops: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Many smaller shops close for a "siesta" from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Shopping malls stay open until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

Dining & Cafe Schedules

Lunch is 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Dinner begins late, from 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM onwards. Cafes open in the morning, often by 7:00 AM, and stay open until late evening.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. ATMs (Cajeros automáticos) are widely available 24/7. They may have withdrawal limits and high fees for cards from other countries.

Public & Religious Holidays

Argentina observes several public holidays, including New Year's Day, Carnival, Holy Week, and Christmas Day.

Holiday Impact

  • On public holidays, banks, government offices, and some businesses close.
  • Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule. Plan accordingly.
  • Religious holidays bring specific cultural observations and closures.

Seasonal Closures & Schedules

Some smaller businesses or restaurants, especially in tourist areas, may close for a few weeks in January/February (summer holidays).

Summer Operations

  • Locals often take vacations during the summer months.
  • Always check particular times for individual museums or attractions.
  • Larger venues and malls typically maintain regular hours.

Financial & Travel Assistance

ATM Alternatives

  • Exchanging cash at a "cueva" (informal exchange house) can also yield favorable rates.
  • Be aware of withdrawal limits and fees at ATMs for international cards.

Flight Disruption Help

  • For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
  • This service aids customers in receiving compensation for eligible flight disruptions.
  • Understand your passenger rights when faced with travel issues.

Traveler Tip

For comfort and ease during airport waits, consider Priority Pass access to independent airport lounges.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

A common greeting for both men and women, even among new acquaintances, is one kiss on the right cheek. A handshake is a more formal greeting for men or in business settings.

Informal Greetings

  • "Che" is an informal address, similar to "hey" or "mate," widely used, especially among friends.
  • Observe local interactions to gauge appropriate greetings.
  • Initial handshakes are acceptable before adopting the cheek kiss.

Appropriate Attire

Buenos Aires locals are generally fashion-conscious. They dress smartly, particularly at night. Casual but tidy attire works for daytime sightseeing.

Evening Wear

  • For evenings out or upscale restaurants/tango shows, smart casual to semi-formal attire is suitable.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring during the day.
  • Sunglasses and a hat are good for sunny days.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Dinner after 9 PM is standard. Do not expect eateries to be busy before then. Table service is common; ordering at the counter is typically for fast food or cafes.

Tipping Customs

  • A 10% tip in cash for good service at eateries is customary.
  • Tips are generally left on the table or given directly to the server.
  • Enjoy the relaxed pace of Argentine dining.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Generally acceptable to photograph public spaces and landmarks. However, always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Ethical Photography

  • A simple "Puedo sacar una foto?" (Can I take a photo?) works to ask permission.
  • Some museums or religious sites may have photography restrictions. Observe posted signs.
  • Be discreet. Respect people's privacy and avoid intrusive photography.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid Discussion Of:

  • Politics, the Falkland/Malvinas Islands dispute.
  • The military dictatorship. Approach these subjects with respect and caution.
  • Avoid comparing Argentina negatively to other South American countries.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

  • Buenos Aires is generally progressive and open.
  • Same-sex marriage is legal, and LGBTQ+ rights are recognized.
  • Palermo is an especially LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Infrastructure

  • Infrastructure is getting better but nevertheless has challenges.
  • Sidewalks can be uneven, and many older buildings are without ramps or elevators.
  • Puerto Madero stands out as one of the more accessible neighborhoods.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

  • Public transport has limited accessibility, especially on older Subte lines and buses.
  • Taxis or ride-sharing are frequently the most practical options.
  • Some major museums and attractions have accessible entrances.

Traveler Tip

Consult local disability organizations or travel agencies specializing in accessible travel for specific advice and resources.

Airport Services

Enhance your airport experience and manage potential disruptions efficiently.

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with individual airport lounge access around the world, offering a comfortable and productive waiting experience.

Benefits

  • Enjoy comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
  • Access to over 1,300 lounges globally.
  • Makes layovers and early arrivals more pleasant.

Flight Compensation Services

Compensair assists customers in receiving compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. This offering helps passengers claim their entitlements.

Claim Assistance

  • Receive compensation for qualifying flight disruptions.
  • Navigate the compoundities of airline compensation policies.
  • Save time and effort in pursuing your claim.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Various plans cater to different needs.

Coverage Options

  • Medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
  • Trip interruption or cancellation.
  • Lost or delayed baggage.

Currency Exchange & ATMs

While ATMs are widely available, it's common for them to have withdrawal limits and high international fees. Explore alternative currency exchange methods.

Optimal Exchange

  • Western Union frequently offers favorable exchange rates.
  • Informal exchange houses ("cuevas") may also feature affordable rates.
  • Carry small denominations for daily purchases and tips.

General Airport Tips

Navigating airports efficiently makes for a smoother travel day. Keep these general tips in mind for arrivals and departures in The Paris of south america.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights to allow for check-in and security.

Check airport transfers

Know Your Terminal

Buenos Aires has two main airports: EZE (international) and AEP (domestic). Double-check your flight's terminal.

View airport information

Transportation to City

Alternatives include official taxis, ride-sharing apps, private transfers, and airport buses. Pre-booking is often wise.

Book airport transport

Final Airport Advice

Keep important documents, like your passport and boarding pass, easily accessible. Consider downloading a local airport app for real-time updates.

Buenos Aires Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture - MileHacker