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 — 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 — 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.
