Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Buenos Aires, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- US, EU, UK, Canadian citizens get 90 days visa-free. US citizens no longer need to pay the reciprocity fee
- Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No vaccination requirements for entry
- Ezeiza airport (EZE) is 35km from the city. Tienda León bus to Centro: ARS 5,000. Taxi: ARS 25,000–35,000. Uber works but drivers may ask you to sit in front
Health & Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires. No vaccinations required unless arriving from a yellow fever zone
- Petty theft (phone snatching, bag theft) occurs in tourist areas. Keep phones in inside pockets. Be alert in San Telmo, Retiro, and La Boca
- Emergency: 911. Public hospitals are free for everyone (including tourists). Pharmacies are on every block
Getting Around
- Subte (metro): 6 lines, ARS 150 per ride with SUBE card. Runs 5am–11pm (shorter hours on weekends). Buy SUBE at kioscos
- Buses (colectivos): extensive network, ARS 100–200 per ride. Use Google Maps for routes. Cash not accepted, SUBE only
- Uber works but is technically grey-area legal. Drivers may ask you to sit in front. Taxis are plentiful, but check the meter is running
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and the Subte stations (BA WiFi network). Hotel WiFi is generally reliable
- Movistar, Claro, or Personal SIM cards from kioscos or phone shops: ARS 3,000–5,000 for 5–10GB data
- Download Uber, Google Maps offline, BA Cómo Llego (transit app), and WhatsApp (everyone uses it for communication)
Money
- BRING US DOLLARS IN CASH. The blue dollar rate (ARS ~1,050/USD) is nearly double the official rate. Exchange at cuevas on Florida or use Western Union
- Cards are accepted but charged at the official rate. Use cash wherever possible for better value. ATMs dispense ARS at the official rate with high fees
- Tip 10% at restaurants (not included). Tip ARS 500–1,000 for delivery, ARS 200–500 for bathroom attendants
Packing Tips
- Buenos Aires is a walking city, so comfortable shoes are essential. The sidewalks are uneven and trees lift the pavement
- Layers for spring/autumn: weather can shift 15°C in a day. Summer (Dec–Feb) is hot and humid (30–38°C)
- A crossbody bag (not a backpack) is more secure. Leave flashy jewellery at home. Carry a photocopy of your passport
Cultural tips
Steak Culture
Argentine beef is grass-fed and extraordinary. Order bife de chorizo (sirloin), bife de lomo (tenderloin), or entraña (skirt steak). "A punto" is medium. Never ask for ketchup. Chimichurri is the only acceptable condiment.
Mate Ritual
Mate (yerba mate tea) is Argentina's national drink, shared from a gourd with a metal straw. If offered mate, accept. It is a sign of friendship. Never stir the bombilla (straw) or say "gracias" until you want to stop drinking.
Greetings
One kiss on the right cheek for everyone: men to men, women to women, and all combinations. This is standard for greetings and farewells, even with people you just met. A handshake feels cold and distant.
Argentine Time
Dinner at 10pm, clubs at 2am, bed at 5am. Buenos Aires runs on a late schedule. Restaurants before 9pm are empty, and showing up to a party before midnight means helping set up.
Blue Dollar
Always exchange USD at the blue rate, never at banks. Ask your hostel for a trusted cueva. Western Union also gives the blue rate. Paying by card uses the official rate. You lose 40–50% of your money's value.
Porteño Spanish
Buenos Aires Spanish sounds like Italian: "ll" and "y" are pronounced "sh" (calle = ca-SHE). Vos replaces tú. Saying "che" (hey/mate) makes you sound local. Even basic Spanish is deeply appreciated.
