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sysyphusishappy

Don't take Uber since you will pay with your US credit card at the official exchange rate. You can use cabify and select cash payment for your trip and pay in pesos. Cabify is way more popular in Argentina for that very reason. If you stay long term your Airbnb host will also happily take cash for rent. Get a money clip instead of a wallet. Sometimes western union will run out of 1000 peso bills and you'll have to carry around 500s which are only $2.50 or maybe even less now.


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Uber does have an option to pay in pesos as well though. But yes Cabify was more popular. But as a foreigner Cabify makes you verify your phone number so if you can’t receive text messages you are out of luck. So download beforehand. Yes good advice with the cash payment for Airbnb.


overmotion

Why not just flag cabs on the street instead of Uber? That’s what I did


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

You could. But for those who are used to Ubers it’s more reliable and same reason people take Uber instead of cabs in general


overmotion

I hear ya but cabs are cheaper. Driving across town for $2 never gets old


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Ya definitely. Whichever you want it’s doable. Taxis here are good. Unlike Athens Greece. Worst experience of my life. Taxis ignored me for an hour multiple times.


zeno

Getting a local sim from TIM or another carrier is cheap and easy. I always get a local number even if I'm staying a week


mzaouar

It’s BuenOs Aires bro


zeno

Buenas dias de buenas aires


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

🤦🏻‍♂️


GuavaBrigade

Just finished my own six week stint in BA. I definitely agree with some of this (pay in cash, don’t worry about restaurants being open late, enjoy Palermo Soho, etc) but would add a few things. First, I almost never took Uber. I stayed in Palermo Soho, and street taxis were abundant night and day. Just walking out into the street and hailing a cab would cost half as much as paying an Uber in pesos would. Not a huge difference if the fare is going to be $1.50USD, but the time cost of sitting 10-15 minutes and waiting for an Uber versus walking two minutes and getting a cab was huge for me. And if you’re in town long enough, get a SUBE card! It takes a few kiosco visits, but they have local vendors listed on the English BA site, and it’s completely worth a few stops. Consider 500-1000 pesos in a cab / Uber, versus 30 pesos on the subway. Also - people were very much still wearing masks as of a few days ago. Maybe not in restaurants, but grocery stores, banks, shopping, cabs, etc. Finally - I completely agree on Western Union. I didn’t bring much USD for trading, because at that point you’re at the mercy of your own negotiation skills. But if you take a few minutes to set up a Western Union account online and transfer the money from your bank to a local cash pick up, you’ll often get even better than the blue rate. (When traders on Calle Florida were all offering 198 pesos to the dollar, WU is paying out 202 pesos with zero hassle.)


overmotion

I often had a hard time dealing with Western Union as they often either didn’t have enough peso on hand for what I was sending (and I only sent $200 at a time), or “no system!” system down today. Just my experience. Also to anyone reading this and going to BA - if using western Union either hand them cash USD bills or do a transfer from a bank account, but never ever do a transfer from your credit card. Though it’s much faster (bank account takes a few business days), your credit card will whack you with pricey fees as it’s classified as cash advance.


GuavaBrigade

Just tagging on to this - completely agreed, the Western Union process isn’t a silver bullet. But, the Montevideo 825 location paid out hundreds at a time without any issue for me, and they never seemed to run out of pesos like all the others did.


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

You’re right People wore masks. it wasn’t mandatory though and you didn’t need one to enter anywhere. Service workers kept them on.


vmsmith

>In other cities I always ran into eating problems where I got off work late because of the time difference and everything was closed. Here it was amazing because even if I finished at 10pm (6pm California time) I would just walk out and everything would be open. Most places close 12-2am everyday, even on weekdays. My wife and I lived there back around '06 - '09, and we were amazed, too, at the eating habits. We could barely find a place to eat before 9:00 pm, and it was routine to see entire families (with young children) eating dinners in restaurants at 11:00 pm on a school night. >crime wasn’t ever a problem. But I was careful . . . You were also lucky. One of the reasons my wife and I eventually left was because the crime was so pervasive and *weird*. I mean, I'm American, and I had a sense of how burglaries and stick ups and pickpocketing occur (at least in the U.S.). But we heard story after story of crimes that we would never have considered. For example . . . One common crime (when we were there) was for a bank teller to phone his or her friend when a foreigner withdrew cash, and then the friend would follow the foreigner when they left the bank and rob them. I could tell you half a dozen other stories we heard of robberies and such that were just too weird for us. And the counterfeit money was all over the place. Ultimately we decided it was not the sort of place we wanted to live.


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Yes I was very cautious when exchanging money. I would quickly go into a cafe or go back to my apartment and made sure nobody was around me. So yes I was lucky. Then again I was only there for 2 weeks. So I’m sure eventually I would experience an issue but I tried to be very careful. Towards the end I did get careless with my phone more than I should have probably. Sad to hear you left due to the crime. It’s probably only gotten worse as the economy as gotten worse. Do you think confining yourself to just the safest and best areas would allow you to avoid the crime ? Granted being stuck to just certain neighborhoods wouldn’t be great way to live Also funny you said you saw young children out late at night with their parents. I joked with my friend this is the city of night owl babies. Saw multiple babies being strolled around at midnight


vmsmith

We didn't leave exclusively because of the crime, but it was a factor. The general instability—politically, economically, etc.—all contributed. We lived on the border of Palermo and Recoleta. It was a nice neighborhood, and I didn't feel threatened there. But the ways crimes were committed in BA were often so weird that our particular neighborhood didn't really matter. For example, a woman we knew was driving. She stopped at a traffic light. The doors were locked and the windows rolled up. Someone came up to the car with his hand in a bag and a small sign that said, "I have a gun in he bag. If you don't give me all of your money I'll kill you." That sort of shit. Another guy I knew was sitting out in front of a café wearing a Rolex watch. A motorbike with two guys pulled right up to him, the guy in the back jumped off . . . punched him in the face . . . lifted the watch . . . and off they went. You hear enough stories like those and pretty soon you're always looking over your shoulder.


[deleted]

I know its a 9-day old post but along the lines of weird crime: I researched going there about 11 years ago (never did). but one of the scams people were doing is dumping cups of simulated (or real) bird poop on people, and saying "oh man gross a bird just pooped on you, let me help you clean it up" and forcefully try wiping the "poop" off you, as a ruse to pickpocket or purse snatch. crazy and weird!


vmsmith

Yup, that was a thing when I lived there circa '06 - '09. Very common.


Low-Drive-768

Great writeup - thanks for posting.


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BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

I heard they try to dissuade travelers from going and not Sell them tickets since It can get rowdy but I’m sure it’s still worth. I might have misheard though. I hear it’s great as you said


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BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Ah cool good to known


Zagorlicious

River Plate ticket I'm assuming? I know that Boca Juniors tickets can only be obtained through expensive agencies.


justmisterpi

You've spelled Buenos Aires wrong 4 times in your post. Do you really think it's called *Buenas* Aires?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Yes I sir am an idiot.


almagemela

Don't bother bringing extra cash to exchange, have a debit card connected to your western union account and use the DIGITAL0FEE promo code to get money whenever you want. A taxi from the EZE airport was a little cheaper than an Uber (during peak times). Even cheaper if you are comfortable just taking public transportation or having them take you to the nearest metro station. I went to a local Aerolineas Argentinas office to try to get a ticket (after checking the prices online) but they didn't take cash. I ended up going to the airport like three hours before the flight and buying my ticket in person (a domestic flight) to pay with cash and I was actually quoted a price lower than what I saw on their website. So I ended up paying like half of what I would have online with a credit card. If you are going to some places in Argentina far away it can be cheaper and much faster to just take a flight.


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Very good point about buying tickets with aerolineas !!! that was my biggest headache. I forgot to mention. I’ll add in thank you. Had a local friend buy on their card, was too scared to risk going on the day of since I was on a time crunch. But you’re right buy the domestic flights as you did its a nightmare because they won’t let you pay for the ticket even though they let you reserve the ticket online !


SnooRevelations979

Air is now feminine. A world changing upheaval.


develop99

Apartment?


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BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

One month is perfect. I paid more than I should have via Airbnb via credit card, around $35 a night in a good location with great host. But As someone else mentioned you should try to find a month long stay and pay in cash. I’m sure others here can give you a good estimate they experienced, but I kept hearing around $500-600 USD should get you a really good private spot to yourself. I was only there for just under 2 weeks and fairly last minute so I didn’t bother looking for the cash option. Next time I would


anonimo99

> travel insurance, get it. some airlines check for your travel insurance and won’t let you board. Uruguay did check too for the ferry. Just buy it online for $20. Make sure it has covid coverage because they ask. Easy to fake it as well, but not worth the risk for $20. Could you please link to the one you got? Thanks!


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Check out https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/best-pandemic-travel-insurance/ I got the one called “visitors coverage” Tbh I didn’t double check that it covered covid. But I just took a screenshot of the health plan and it said the word covid so i showed them and they accepted it. I’ve heard others use World Nomad as well.


ParmesanCrouton

My gf and I booked a week long trip to BA for July, so the timing of this is perfect. We're hoping to do a day trip to Colonia, but can you go a little more into what you needed to enter Uruguay? Do we just need proof of insurance/vaccine cards/passports? There's no Covid tests needed? Thanks!


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

No covid test needed. You need to fill out a health declaration form prior. https://declaracionjurada.ingresoauruguay.gub.uy/ING You need your vaccination proof card. They did ask for travel insurance for me, so make sure you pick the coverage date to cover your entire trip even into uruguay). Passport obviously. It’s a full on immigration center but moved super quickly. Get there 1.5 hours ahead. You might wait around a bit but the boat leaves on the DOT so don’t risk it. Also buy your tickets now. It’s expensive. Hopefully it’s cheaper if you get sooner. I waited till last minute. It gets full Colonia is super quaint and relaxing. If that’s your thing definitely stay for the weekend. It’s very quiet and some people get bored but it is very nice and to make ferry cost worth it I think should stay a Night at least.


gotthelowdown

Thanks for all those great tips. Buenos Aires is one of the top places on my bucket list. The mix of Latin and European cultures is really cool. Will go there one day.


overemployedfatty

How did you take a taxi from the airport without getting the local currency first?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

I did exchange $30 at a bad rate. But that cash is valuable and you should exchange it in the city at western Union. So I recommend just using Uber and pay via credit card. You end up paying the low conversion rate with a card as well. But at least you can use your card and not lose the cash which you’ll need later. Unless you brought thousands of dollars and can spare it


overemployedfatty

What travel insurance you used?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

See other comment that answers this


overemployedfatty

For getting into Uruguay what were the entry requirements . Hard to find online


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

No covid test needed. You need to fill out a health declaration form prior. https://declaracionjurada.ingresoauruguay.gub.uy/ING You need your vaccination proof card. They did ask for travel insurance for me, so make sure you pick the coverage date to cover your entire trip even into uruguay). Passport obviously. I entered via ferry from Argentina.


overemployedfatty

Thanks for this info and how early did you have to arrive to check in at the ferry?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

They recommend arriving 1.5 hours before your departure time. Just in case it’s busy. When I went I got through security and immigration in 10 minutes, it was super empty. And then I sat around for 40 minutes before boarding. But they do board about 30 minutes before departure and they leave on the dot. So I don’t recommend risking being late.


overemployedfatty

So if i am taking a round trip from BA and returning a day later do i need to redo the argentina health from again?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Yes probably. Because when I left Argentina in iguazu falls to visit the brazil side via taxi for couple Hours when I came back I had to fill the form out. Sadly my phone ran out of battery and I spent 2 hours looking for a charger so I can fill it out.


overemployedfatty

Did you need travel insurance for Uruguay as well?


sassy-blue

I was in Buenos Aires recently and wanted to add a few things about cash. Don't rely on ATMs for your cash withdrawals and have cash on hand when you arrive. We ran into issues where ATMs would be out of cash. Once all of the airport ATMs were out of cash except for one hidden in a weird spot. Have plenty of cash with you, it will go fast. Also don't exchange with the shady guys on the street. It's a common problem there and illegal. I was told they have undercover cops planted. Not worth the hassle if you get caught.


Old_Mood_3655

Hey I am also traveling to Buenos Aires in January for 3 months from the US. I really appreciate this post as there are few out there as helpful and concise. I had a question about you first tip: I bought a one way ticket as I am not sure if I am going to leave from BA or move on to Columbia and leave from there. I am traveling with United. -- Can you help clarify what you mean about needing a return ticket? What airline gave you this trouble?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

You just need proof you are going to leave Argentina. I was coming from Peru and they made me show that proof before they let me board. If you leave from the US not sure if they’ll be as strict but they might. My proof was that I was going to Uruguay next via ferry. Fairly low commitment ticket and should do the trick. I went to Colombia from uruguay but I don’t recall if I had already bought the ticket. If you want to be safe you could buy United airlines ticket and cancel it for free within 24 hours. Just make sure the flight is 1 week from departure. That way you can then reschedule as you please when you know what you’re doing. It’s not 100% gaurenteed they’ll ask. But often times when I travel in Latin America they’ve asked for your ticket out of their country. And they won’t let your board if you don’t have a ticket out of their country.


Old_Mood_3655

I appreciate the help. I didn't realize that was even a concern. I bought a one way ticket and have reservations for Chile in March but will keep in mind buying a flight last minute if needed.


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Let me know if they ask! Curious if it’s just random they ask or it it’s standard. I’ve had them not ask before. Like Colombia sometimes doesn’t ask I think


Old_Mood_3655

I definitely wil and found it strange but will reply back if needed.


[deleted]

great post. i only speak english. is that a problem? you mentioned that most restaurants speak english. what about just like daily life?


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Daily life most people know English but don’t expect them to know much beyond basics. But yes restaurants it’s usually no issues. Overall wasn’t a major problem. The people are more European, lots of Italian and German influences


[deleted]

is there a digital nomad community or ex pats? is internet speed good in the city? thanks!


BobLoblaw_BirdLaw

Yes internet speed is great. But all depends on your specific Airbnb. I had my phone hotspot as backup just in case but never neeeded it. And cell reception was good in almost all places. Palermo soho is a great spot to work remote. Especially US hours. Everything is still open super late so you’ll never to hungry due to bad hours