Tips on travelling to Buenos Aires
Travel tips before to arrive to the city, are important to understand cultural parameters and habits. Some insiders recommendations like the described below will certainly help you to get the most of your vacation time in Buenos Aires.
Keep your Small Change
if you decide to travel around in urban bus. Buenos Aires has a coins crisis since last year and results very difficult to find change as bus tickets are paid in machines that only receive coins.
When taking a taxi at the street
try to take only cabs with the word Radio Taxi written above. They suposse to be more secure as they are affiliated to a radio taxi company and not independent drivers.
Strong rains
In the city usually block some subway stretches and stations are closed generating a big traffic chaos. Is better to wait until is clear up especially if it gets you during the rush hours (9 A.M.& 6 to 8 P.M.).
To pay a taxi ride
with a ARS$100 bank note could be almost an insult to the taxi driver. Change the high denominations bank notes and try to carry small change to pay the closest you can to the total amount. If you couldnt find change, ask the driver if he can give you change before to get into the cab.
Be careful when crossing streets
stop signals doesnt exist in the city and pedestrian crossings are not respected by the drivers, in the same way, dont pretend the cars are going to stop people are not use to give the pedestrians to pass.
Even though Buenos Aires is a big city
small neighborhood kiosks and stores use to close during 2:00 P.M until 4:00 P.M to rest during their siesta time. Be sure you dont need anything important during these hours.
Tipping is not mandatory
but it is always well received. The usual is to give between 10% and 12% and many places tip is only allowed in cash.
Small stores and restaurants dont receive credit card
if they do, you will be usually charged with an extra 10%. In order to avoid misunderstandings try to ask before consume.
Restaurants use to charge
an extra fee that can vary between $4 and $10 ARS each person for table service.
Usually kiosks dont sell
alcohol beverages after 10:00 P.M.
Weekends are the best days to sightseeing Buenos Aires
as most of the tourist places, parks and central avenues are full of craft markets, street concerts and other cultural expressions.
Be careful when paying for taxis with a $100 peso bill.
A dishonest cab driver can skillfully switch your genuine bill for a fake one, claiming that the counterfeit note is yours and refusing to accept it. In the end, the cabbie winds up with the true $100 peso bill plus the extra money you have to come up with for the ride.
Avoid taking taxis just outside of Buenos Aires´ airports, Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP),
as there have been cases of robbery by fake taxi drivers. If you didn´t book a transfer service before your trip, then ask for an authorized service at the official taxi stand at the airport arrivals gate. Click here to book in advance with the BsAs4U transfer service for a worry-free arrival.
Keep your valuable personal belongings out of sight
at the hotel room to avoid tempting the hotel staff. Make use of the in-room safe, if available, to store your valuables.
Always keep your handbag and camera on your lap when sitting outside
at a café or restaurant; never set your belongings on the ground or on the table. Remember: Thieves act more quickly than you can react. Take into account that in every country , especially those with large socioeconomic differences like Argentina , there are always light-fingered folk looking to catch travelers unawares. If luck´s not on your side and you find yourself the target of a robbery, give the muggers what they want without putting up a fight; no cell phone, credit card or any other item will ever be worth more than your personal safety.
When booking a hotel or buying a package in Buenos Aires
, note that most tours and activities don´t include pick-up from hotels outside the downtown and Recoleta circuit. Many tour operators also exclude apartments from their pick-up routes. Consult a map and don´t put absolute faith in statements such as "just a 10-minute ride on the subway from downtown", as work stoppages or other subway service interruptions can make moving around the city difficult at times.
Public transportation in Buenos Aires is generally safe and reliable.
Buses run the whole night, while subway stations close at 10pm. There is no extra fee for public transportation on weekends or holidays.
Buenos Aires is a walkable city.
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, and plan to spend many hours on your feet. Click here to see our selection of walking tours.
Read More about Buenos Aires:
About Buenos Aires City
Buenos Aires Top 10 Places To Visit
Buenos Aires City Quick Facts
How to Choose a Tango Show in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Football
Shopping in Buenos Aires
