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Buenos Aires Travel Hacks

Updated: Jun 11, 2025



Traveling Information:

Passport and visas

  • You are required to have a valid passport the does not expire within 6 months of entering the country

  • MUST have 2 blank visa pages

  • Visitors visa allows you to stay for up to 90 consecutive days (resets the day you leave) which is given with a valid passport

Flying

  • There are three main airports in Buenos Aires; 

    • Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeia (EZE) which is a 35-50 min drive away from the city center. This is the largest airport in BA that supports most long haul flights and some domestic. If you are Traveling from another country this is the airport you are probably going to end up flying into.

    • Jorge Newbery Airport, known as Aeroparque (AEP) which is located in the Buenos Aires neighborhood Palermo and serves as a domestic flight airport and short flights to neighboring countries (we used this one to fly to Rio for a week) 

      • Moderately confusing because it's broken up into the direction you are going. Be sure to ask around but it's very quick to get through.  

    • El Palomar (EPA) which is 11 miles from the city center and is another domestic airport that has nice and cheap flights for traveling through Buenos Aires 

Taxis are available from the airport and buses and trains also have stops near El Paloma airport but the trains don’t have luggage storage space so keep that in mind. Taxis and uber are very cheap. 

Transportation:

Taxis and ubers are very cheap and reliable. This is the best way to get around. 

  • Taxis are yellow and black and VERY clearly marked.

  • Be cautious because Uber drivers do not like taking short trips. So maybe rent a bike or e-bike. 

There are bus and train systems and in order to use them you will need a SUBE travel card but it's easier to use the app BA como Llego. 

Train schedules are easiest to find here: Rail Ninja 

They drive on the right side of the road and left side of the car.

I would NOT recommend renting a car as their road laws are not followed and you have to spend time there to really understand the driving culture there.

Currency/Money Exchange: 

  • Argentina Pesos: Conversion rate

  • The peso is very volatile so prices are changing constantly

  • It is best to use cash in Argentinian Pesos when paying for things

  • It is best to exchange your currency to AR pesos IN argentina to get their ‘Blue rate’ 

  • Exchange options: Don’t go to an ATM (cajero) you will get pennies to the dollar and get tons of service fees.  1. Cash Beauro or Cambio: This is a great option if you have time. These will run out quickly so you have to keep asking where other ones are or look on google maps.   2. Street Vendors: Hear me out, this is the best way and it is safe if you don’t make it obvious you have stacks of cash on you and you are will to barter a little.  

    • KNOW THE EXCHANGE RATE. You wont get it exactly but try and get close. They cannot add on a service charge; this is illegal. 

    • USD gets the best rate

    • 100 notes get the best rate (20 and under will get terrible rates and sometimes aren’t accepted) 

3. Western Union or Xoom

  • If you don’t want to bring cash with you, the best way of exchanging money in Argentina for foreigners is to use Western Union (which works with PagoFacil) or a  Xoom (which works with Cobro Express)

Open Western Union or Xoom bank account

send yourself some money via Pago or Cobro (like venmo) 

Go to a local Western Union or Xoom and ask for a withdrawal to pick up locally, and this will be at the blue rate.

Culture/General Living

  • Food Delivery (PedidosYa)

  • They use Aussie outlets (220-240 V)

  • The language is Spanish, and most people can and will speak English to you but not everyone. It's always a good idea to learn enough to order and get some points across (google translate is a great tool for more complicated conversation) 

  • Tipping is reserved for outliers in service so it is not required. Sometimes there will be a total with a suggested tip on there but you DO NOT have to pay that amount. 

  • Most places close for siesta from 2-6 so plan for that when going out or making plans. 

  • Debit and credit cards (not amex) are generally accepted everywhere but the conversion rate isn't the blue rate and your bank will charge a conversion fee on top of that, IF you use your credit card select the pay in pesos option. 

Hospitals ( dial 911)

Grocery Stores

  • Carrefour is going to be your best option supermarket wise. They have a huge one and they have express ones.

  • Jumbos are also god for a quick grocery stop

  • There are gyms, tennis, and paddle places. Because tennis clubs are usually members only you will need to find the open gyms with tennis and paddle. There are some in Palermo. 

  • Sheraton Fitness center buenos Aires- City Center  

Coworking Offices: 

Safety information:

  • Don’t leave your phone on the table of ANY restaurant 

  • Try not to take bags out but if you do it needs to stay closed and secured at all times. 

  • Do not buy stuff from people who come up to you; they want you to take out your wallet. 

  • If you see people selling stuff, put a hand on your belongings and put your phone away. 

  • Buenos Aires is not dangerous but people will steal from you if you are not paying attention or make yourself a target



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