First Timer’s Guide to Buenos Aires: Everything You Need to Know

Warning! There is a lot of info contained in this first timers guide to Buenos Aires, because whenever we get ready to travel to a new destination, we do a lot of research to ensure we make the most of our time in that destination. (We’ll be posting about that process soon!) We highly suggest that you bookmark this page (after reading all of it) so you can come back to it when needed.

Tip: To jump to the info that is most relevant to you click on the little dropdown arrow in the Table of Contents section (below) to see the entire Table of Contents and jump to a particular section

As we prepare for our first visit to Argentina’s capital city, we’ve been poring over countless travel blogs, official tourism websites, chatting with other travelers and locals, and reviewing local recommendations to create the ultimate first-timer’s guide to Buenos Aires. In this post, we’ll share everything we’ve learned (and are learning) about Buenos Aires – from its wide, tree-lined boulevards to its pulsating tango halls. We’re excited to explore this city that promises a blend of European elegance and Latin American passion, and we want to help other first-time visitors navigate it with confidence.

We’ve compiled what we believe to be the most useful and up-to-date information for fellow first-time visitors. We’ll continue to update this guide to ensure it reflects our real experiences and any new insights we gain along the way.

What you need to know before you finalize any plans to go to Buenos Aires

As we prepped for our upcoming trip to Buenos Aires, like we do with all of our destinations, we need to find out if there was anything we needed to know before finalizing our plans. Luckily we didn’t see any red flags but there are a few things that could throw a wrench into your trip if you’re not prepared—stuff that could actually get you turned away at the border or even banned from entry altogether. Here’s what we’ve learned (so far!) and what you need to know before booking that flight.

Does a U.S. citizen need a Visa to go to Argentina?

Good news first: If you’re an American tourist, you won’t need a visa for visits up to 90 days. Easy, right? But – and this is a big “but” – you’ve got to make sure your passport is in good shape. Argentina requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. So, if your passport is set to expire soon, get it renewed now. Trust us, this isn’t something you want to find out at the check-in counter.

Note: IF you’re thinking of working in Argentina you’ll need a working visa and applications for those can only be submitted at the Consular Office of the Argentine Republic in your home country!

Where to check current visa requirements for US Citizens can be found on the US State Department’s website

Proof of Return Ticket

This is a detail that can trip up even seasoned travelers: you may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket. Why? Because Argentina, like many other countries, wants to be sure you’re not planning on extending your stay indefinitely. If you don’t have a flight booked out of the country, you could be denied entry. We’ve heard stories from other travelers who got turned away, so don’t make the same mistake. Have your exit strategy in place!

Vaccination Requirements

Let’s talk health. Depending on where you’re flying in from, you may need proof of certain vaccinations—most notably, yellow fever. Now, this primarily applies to travelers coming from regions where yellow fever is common, but double-check to see if it affects you. And of course, post-pandemic, COVID-19 rules are still something to keep an eye on. Whether you need proof of vaccination, a negative test, or a digital health pass, regulations can change quickly, so make sure you’re up-to-date before you head out. Read Your Health Abroad and check out recommendations for vaccinations and other health considerations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Travel or medical insurance

While not strictly enforced for all travelers, some airlines or immigration officers might ask for proof of travel insurance, particularly if you’re like us and plan to stay there for more than just a a few days or traveling during periods of heightened health concerns. It’s better to be prepared with documentation.

It’s highly advisable to have health insurance that covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation, as U.S. health insurance generally won’t cover you abroad. Even if it’s not officially required at entry, having it ensures you won’t be left footing a huge bill in case of an emergency.

For older travelers, or those with pre-existing conditions, like us, we’ll confirm that our insurance covers specific treatments abroad. Argentina’s healthcare system is good, but we’ll want to ensure our coverage covers the what ifs.

Read more in our Tips & Resource List for Travel Insurance and Nomadic Shocker: Medical Insurance for Fulltime Travelers and Retirees

Criminal Background Checks

This one’s a bit of a sensitive topic, but if you’ve got a criminal record, you’ll want to dig into Argentina’s entry policies. They can deny entry to anyone with certain convictions, so if this might apply to you or someone you’re traveling with, do the homework ahead of time. No one wants to deal with that kind of surprise at immigration.

Sufficient Funds for the Trip

Argentina might ask you to prove you’ve got the funds to cover your trip. This doesn’t always happen, but it’s within their rights to ask for proof that you can support yourself while you’re there. We’re not talking about a fortune, just enough to show that you won’t be sleeping on the streets. Bring copies of recent bank statements or proof of credit card limits just in case they ask.

Previous Overstays and Travel Violations

Here’s a cautionary tale: if you’ve overstayed your visa in another country—or worse, in Argentina—you might run into problems. Border control isn’t likely to let you slide on this, and you could be barred from entry if you’ve had issues in the past. Don’t assume they won’t check; they will. If you’ve got any immigration-related skeletons in your closet, take care of them before you book your trip.

Documentation for Minors and Special Permissions

Are you traveling with kids or minors who aren’t your own? In Argentina, you’ll need to have special documentation, especially if only one parent is traveling. This includes parental consent forms that show both parents are okay with the trip. It’s a serious requirement, and not having the proper paperwork can stop you cold at immigration.

Customs and Banned Items

Here’s a fun fact: Argentina is strict about what you can bring into the country. Forget about that charcuterie picnic you thought you’d bring as a gift. Foods, plants, and even some over-the-counter medications can be a no-go. We’ll definitely be sticking to our essential meds, making sure to pack the prescriptions to back them up. Research what’s allowed (and what’s not) so you don’t have anything confiscated—or worse, get fined.

Political or Economic Disruptions

Finally, there’s the matter of local politics. Argentina’s political and economic landscape can be… let’s just say “dynamic.” We’ve heard of protests popping up with little notice and have read warnings about unexpected policy changes affecting tourists. Before you fly, make sure you check the news or local advisories. It’s better to know ahead of time if something might disrupt your plans.

Pro Tip: For official info and updates don’t rely on social media posts. Visit the US Department of State’s webpage for Argentina

Also note that on September 16, 2024, the Department of State launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Even if you have previously enrolled in the STEP program you’ll need to re-enroll in the new system at step.state.gov to continue receiving alerts.

So, yeah, there’s more to entering Argentina than just showing up with your passport and a smile. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard and have your dream trip derailed before it even begins. Double-check everything before finalizing your plans to ensure smooth entry. Now that you’re all set to navigate the border with confidence, let’s move on to the next big question: How exactly do you get there? Whether you’re flying in or considering other options, we’ve got you covered.

Best time to visit Buenos Aires

Seasons of the year:
Summer (21 December to 20 March).
Autumn (21 March to 20 June).
Winter (21 June to 20 September).
Spring (21 September to 20 December).

Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires for warm-weather activities is from late October to mid April.

Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

We’ll be there in the Spring and expect daily high temperatures from 66°F to 72°F, rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 80°F.

Should you visit Buenos Aires? Find out if it’s worth visiting or maybe why you shouldn’t go there in this article 👈

What you’ll pay to stay in Buenos Aires

We’ll be visiting in October and November (2024) and research indicated that;

• 2-star hotels typical run $34–$70 per night in Oct
• 3-star hotels typical run $46–$95 per night in Oct
• 4-star hotels typical run $53–$137 per night in Oct
• 5-star hotels typical run $177–$349 per night in Oct, or you could stay in a
• Luxury Palaces and Hotels cost $400++ per night

3 Budget-friendly options

• Amplio Dpto 1 Ambiente Recoleta
• Hestia at Abasto
• Stunning Callao View

3 Mid-range accommodations

• Loft Premium EN Recoleta EN UN Lugar Estrategico – reviews mention a beautiful, cozy, well located apartment with the most friendly 24/7 security personnel in the world and spotless clean, with an indoor pool, near Palermo Soho
• Top Rentals Deheza – reviews mention that it’s quite, clean and comfortable
• Baires Homes Belgrano – reviews mention “Great location, in walking distance to everything, grocery store and a variety of restaurants and take-out options nearby”

3 Luxury Hotels

• Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, a Luxury Buenos Aires hotel in Recoleta with 3 restaurants
• Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, their level of service simply makes everywhere else pale in comparison
• Park Tower Hotel Buenos Aires, central Buenos Aires hotel connected to the convention center, steps from Plaza San Martin

Unique lodging experience

Faena Buenos Aires, a huge former industrial warehouse. Many of the warehouse features, such as exposed brick walls and industrial-style lighting, have been preserved, although there are plenty of sumptuous red velvet drapes and period furniture.

👉For more on how to Find Affordable Places To Stay read this article!

Quick Facts:

City tax: Since March 1, 2020, guests who are not permanent residents of Argentina pay a city tax of $1.50 per person, per night. The tax is charged to guests over 12 years old at check out. The tax rate varies by accommodation type, ranging from $0.50 for 3-star hotels to $1.50 for 5-star hotels which may or may not be reflected in published rate.

VAT refund: International visitors can receive a refund of the 21% value added tax (VAT) on accommodation. This refund is automatic and applies to visitors who pay with a foreign credit card or bank transfer from a foreign bank. The refund is available at the time of billing and does not require any additional paperwork. Visitors must provide a valid passport or identification card to prove they are not residents of Argentina.

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Getting To Buenos Aires

Since we’re flying into Buenos Aires, that’s what we’ll focus on in this section—how to book your flight, what to expect at the airport, and tips for navigating customs and immigration on arrival. Buenos Aires is well-connected and easy to reach, with three airports, two bus stations, and a port and cruise terminal. But if you’re looking for a more scenic option, we’ve heard you can book a repositioning cruise to Buenos Aires as well. While we haven’t tried it ourselves (yet!), it’s worth exploring if you want a more leisurely way to get there. For now, we’re sticking to the skies!

Nearest airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), also known as Ezeiza International Airport

Direct Flights to Buenos Aires from the US leave from

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Dallas-Forth Worth
• Houston (IAH)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York City (JFK)

US Airlines with direct flights to Buenos Aires:

• American Airlines: from Miami (MIA) and New York City (JFK). Seasonal flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• Delta: from Atlanta (ATL) and seasonal flights from New York City (JFK).
• United Airlines: flights from Houston (IAH).

What to Expect at the Airport

We’ve done this a few times (travel internationally) and we’ve been told that there isn’t really anything different to expect when we land in Buenos Aires.

If you haven’t done this before here are a few things to be prepared for to make your arrival smoother. First, immigration can take a bit of time, especially during peak travel hours. If you’re arriving after a long-haul flight, patience will be key. Make sure you have all your documents ready—passport, proof of onward travel, and any necessary health forms or vaccine proof—because they might ask for them at this stage.

Once you’re through immigration, baggage claim is straightforward, though it can be a little slow depending on the volume of travelers (this is why we are flying with carryon only). After picking up your luggage, you’ll go through customs, which may involve random bag checks. If you brought any electronic devices, medicines, or valuables, make sure they’re clearly declared to avoid any hiccups.

The airport can be busy and slightly chaotic, especially for first-timers, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be out and on your way into Buenos Aires without too much hassle!

How to get from Buenos Aires airport to the city centre?

Now, here’s something to note: taxi scams are common at Ezeiza, so we’ve been told to resist the urge to hop into the first cab we see outside the terminal. Instead, we’ll book a remis (private car service) inside the airport at one of the official counters, or use apps like Uber, Cabify, or the local ride-sharing service BA Taxi.

What we’re doing

If we decide to hire a remis, we’ll book online in advance or head to one of the remis booths located inside the airport to make our reservation and receive the ticket allowing us to grab our remis vehicle. Payments are accepted both in cash and via credit/debit cards. At the time that we published this article the cost for our remis from the airport to our apartment is estimated to be about $45 (US).

Also, since we are planning to take public transportation while in Buenos Aires, we could just get a SUBE card, which you can buy right at the airport. HOWEVER! And this is a BIG BUTT…. flying from the US to Buenos Aires is a ten hour flight, not counting layovers and wait time, so we’ll be exhausted by then and probably won’t rely on public transport to get to our apartments since it can turn what should be a 35 minute car ride into an hour and half bus ride, thanks but no thanks.

But here are just a few options to get from the airport to the city center:

Taxis, buses, and private transfers

• Taxis: Taxis are available at all three airports, and you can book an airport taxi at the arrivals area for a fixed fee. You can also hail a street taxi outside terminal “A”, but these don’t have fixed fees. Taxis usually aren’t equipped with a POS system. Thus, they can be paid only in cash. Taxis accepting bank cards should have a sticker on them displaying “MercadoPago”.
• Manuel Tienda León Bus Company: This bus company offers a shuttle bus from Ezeiza airport to downtown Buenos Aires every 30 minutes. It’s an inexpensive option, but can take 1–1.5 hours to get downtown.
• Private hotel transfers: You can book private transfers in advance or on arrival.
• Public bus lines: All three airports are served by public bus lines, but you’ll need a SUBE travel card to use them. The Buenos Aires Tourism board recommends using the app “BA Cómo Llego” to check how to arrive at your destination by public transport but we have yet to find a working page for that app. Bus #8 leaves the airport and takes you to the city center. (More info on the SUBE card is below)
• Uber: You can request an Uber ride at Ezeiza International Airport.
• Taxi Ezeiza: This service offers airport and town transportation, and some say they are easy, safe, and reasonably priced.
• Note: There are no subway or train lines to the city center from the airport!

Our Buenos Aires Itinerary

As full-time travelers, we don’t spend every day rushing to see all the sights. In fact, a lot of our time in Buenos Aires (or anywhere we stay) is spent living our normal, everyday lives. You’ll often find us hanging out at the apartment, doing things like grocery shopping, cooking our own meals, watching TV, or working on our blog and projects. It’s just part of how we’ve designed our travel lifestyle—blending exploration with the day-to-day routine.

That said, we’re putting together a [X]-day itinerary for Buenos Aires to help you (and us!) navigate the must-see spots and hidden gems. If you’re only in the city for a few days or a week, you can easily follow this plan and fit everything in. But if you have more time to linger, feel free to stretch it out, take breaks, and really savor the experience. This itinerary isn’t meant to be followed back-to-back unless you’re in a hurry—it’s more of a flexible guide to help you make the most of your trip, whatever your pace.

MUST SEE Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada Museum

• Why You Should Visit: As the oldest plaza in Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo has witnessed all the important events in Argentine history. The Casa Rosada (pink house) dominates the Plaza de Mayo. This iconic building houses the Argentine national government and the president’s office. Eva Perón famously addressed supporters from The Casa Rosada’s balcony in 1951. Nice well-kept museum that complements your visit to the actual Casa Rosada. It’s free and you can learn more about all the phases of the city’s development. As a plus, the mural by Siqueiros is one of the artist’s top works and will flood your senses. Today, locals and tourists alike meet friends and eat lunch in the plaza.
• Tips: Don’t miss the changing of the guard, every hour, in front of the Cabildo. The free tours are totally worth it and easy to arrange, online, in advance; they are conducted in Spanish, unless specially arranged/paid for, also in advance. On a weekend, you can also visit Casa Rosada (for free as well) on a guided tour.

Recoleta Cemetery

La Boca neighborhood and Caminito street

Teatro Colón (Colón Theatre) (must see)

• Why You Should Visit: The acoustics are magnificent and attending an opera here is a great idea. With sculptures, marble, gold leaf, stained glass windows, artwork, and ornate chandeliers the building itself is just beautiful and well worth a visit.
• Tip: Several tours are conducted daily in different languages, so inquire at the box office.

Metropolitan Cathedral (must see)

San Telmo Market:

To check out the lively Sunday market with street performers, cute shops, and tasty local food like choripán.

La Boca

Explore the colorful streets, enjoy the artsy Caminito area with its bright buildings, and visit the Boca Juniors soccer stadium.

La Recoleta Cemetery

Take a peaceful walk through this beautiful cemetery known for its impressive tombs, including Eva Perón’s.

Plaza de Mayo guided walking tour

Free things to do in Buenos Aires

National Historic Museum

The Museo Histórico Nacional, located in San Telmo, displays objects relating to the May Revolution of 1810 and the Argentine War of Independence, including paintings, scultpures, flags, standards, weapons and uniforms as well as everyday objects. Free Admission: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm.

Casa Rosada Museum (Pink House Museum)

Sadly they no longer offer tours of the inside the house but from what we can gather we believe the museum is still open. Their website states “In one of the city’s most important buildings, this museum opened in the year 2011 to celebrate the bicentenary of Argentina’s revolution of Independence. The museum is located behind the Casa Rosada governmental palace and is a must for anyone interested in history and architecture.”

Immigration Museum

The Museo Nacional de la Inmigración is located in the old “Hotel de los Inmigrantes“, a state-funded institution that, from 1911 to 1953, provided free boarding, orientation and training to immigrants arriving in Buenos Aires, and helped them find work. Their website states “This fascinating museum tells the stories of the immigrants who arrived in Argentina from Europe, Asia and Africa in the 19th century and who continue to arrive largely from elsewhere in South America today. This is a journey that reveals something of the origins of the city’s idiosyncrasies.” Interactive Guided Tours of the permanent exhibition: Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Free. No registration required.

Quinquela Martín Museum

The Museo Benito Quinquela Martín‘s collection is representative of the history of Argentine art and features several key figurative artists working from the late 19th century to the present day. Benito Quinquela Martin, who donated the museum to the city, was an influential Argentinian artist who lived & worked in the La Boca district. Note: Though the city’s page mention that the museum is free, the museum’s website mentions “Entrance: $2000 Bonus”

🎉We’ve put a few of the top Buenos Aires landmarks, tours and activities in our Viator Shop so they are easy to book!

Buenos Aires Day Trips (and other fun Things to Do)

Full-Day Excursion to Tigre Delta

a Venetian-style village filled with freshwater canals and fabulous museums.

• Take a boat tour through this unique river delta
• Browse Puerto de Frutos
• hop on/hop off tour bus
• Museo de Arte (Tigre Art Museum)
• Naval Museum
• Museo de Mate
• Museo de la Reconquista

Getting there:

Bicycle: The Tigre route is one of the favorites of the city’s cyclists, since it is a very beautiful route bordering the river and it is also possible to get on the train at any time. A good alternative is to go by bicycle and return by train. In the city, it is possible to rent bicycles for the day.

Train: from the Retiro train station – https://www.trenmitre.com.ar/. The trip lasts 54 minutes and you must get off at the last station. Remember that you must take the TIGRE branch line.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

A charming UNESCO World Heritage site accessible by ferry. (You’ll be crossing a border as you are going to another country)

Estancia day trip

Experience gaucho culture at a traditional ranch

Tren de Las Nubes, Salta

One of the most popular tourist trains in Argentina is Salta’s Tren a los Nubes. This historic train line , known as the train to the clouds, connects Argentina’s northwest to the border with Chile in the Andes. The majority of the route is by bus, connecting passengers from the city of Salta to the village San Antonio de los Cobres.

In San Antonio, passengers board the train and enjoy epic views of the Puna and Quebrada del Toro until reaching the highlight, La Polvorilla Viaduct.

It’s a full day excursion but if you won’t have a car to do a Salta road trip, this is an excellent alternative to see some of the province’s natural wonders.

Getting Around

Rent A Car?

We have yet to rent a car during our international travels and this probably won’t change when we get to Buenos Aires. We’ve found that since we aren’t planning (yet!) to do a bunch of sightseeing by car, renting a car to wandering around Buenos Aires city center isn’t advisable. First of all, the traffic levels are very high during rush hours, while navigating around the city can be challenging due to the many unidirectional streets and the common prohibition of turning left when moving on a two-way road. What’s more, finding a parking spot is a hard task, and driving can be overall a stressful experience as local drivers don’t generally follow the traffic rules. We’ll be sure to let you know if this changes once we have our walking shoes on the ground in Buenos Aires.

Public Transportation

Buenos Aires Underground aka Subte

We usually rely on public transportation to get around our destinations. Run by a privately held company Metrovías S.A., along with the country’s rail lines, the Buenos Aires subway system (SUBTE) serves the area of the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The subway system provides connections with the city’s extensive commuter rail and bus rapid transport networks.

The underground network’s six lines—A, B, C, D, E, and H so how hard can it be! (We may learn to regret jinxing this preferred mode of transportation – bookmark this page and check back with us later in the year)

We’ve learned that when using rechargeable SUBE travel cards, each passenger will automatically receive discounts of 20% , 30% and 40% once they have made 20, 30 or 40 monthly trips, respectively.

Note: SUBTE and SUBE Card isn’t a typo. The SUBTE refers to the subway system, SUBE refers to the travel card you use to pay for your fare.

How to get a SUBE Card

1. SUBE cards are available at subte stations, at any of the eight Tourist Assistance Centers and at many “kioskos” (corner shops selling confectionary and tobacco) throughout the city. Cards can be charged with credit at all subte stations, national lottery outlets, and at some kioskos with automated terminals. (While searching for info on the SUBE card we discovered that the official site says the Tourist Assistance Centers are closed until further notice but also lists their opening hours – so I guess we’ll see if they are open or closed!)
2. Create an account and register your card.
3. Load your card through home banking, electronic wallets or ATMs and credit the load in an Automatic Terminal , the new SUBE app , the SUBE Load app and Load on Board in the locations where it is available.
4. You can find SUBE charging points here

NOTE: Sadly we are unable to provide links to the apps at this time, well coz… time… and the city’s official website is confusing and filled with broken links, so we’ll update the info when I have the brainspace for more research.

Buses: Extensive network covering the entire city

There is a new is an integrated public transportation system that encompasses buses, the Metrobus, trains, and subways within the Greater Buenos Aires area (AMBA). IF your SUBE card is registered (rather than just purchased and used) you’ll receive discounts when you use one or more combinations in public transport (National Jurisdiction buses, CABA buses, trains and subways) in the Metropolitan Area of ​​Buenos Aires (AMBA) within a 2 hour period.

How does this discount work?

• It is available only to those who have their SUBE card registered. (From what information I can find your SUBE card provides the discounts ONLY if you have registered your card. (This info leads us to believe that if you buy and load a SUBE card but don’t register the card, then discounts won’t be applied.)
• The first trip is always at full fare.
• The discount is automatic for registered SUBE cards that have completed the process at a SUBE Automatic Terminal. It is 50% from the second trip onwards and 75% from the third trip onwards.

Taxis and ride-sharing: Widely available

Walking: Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly

Getting Around Buenos Aires By Boat!

Ferries

There are regular ferry services between Buenos Aires and Montevideo and Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay.

Where do ferries leave from Buenos Aires? The ferry terminals in Buenos Aires are located in Puerto Madero and La Boca. The following companies run services:

• Buquebus
• Colonia Express

Cruises

Numerous cruise lines visit Buenos Aires, making the city’s cruise terminal one of the most important in the region. The Quinquela Martín cruise terminal is located in the neighborhood of Retiro, close to the city centre and the main tourist attractions. Taxis and the city sightseeing tour bus serve the terminal.

Local Cuisine and Dining

Traditional dishes to try

1. Asado (Argentine barbecue)
2. Empanadas
3. Dulce de leche
4. Mate (traditional Argentine tea) – It is drunk thru a small metal straw that serves as a tea strainer. It is served in a cup & straw is passed around & everyone sips from the same straw.

Popular restaurants

We’ll add more info in this section soon!

• Budget:
• Mid-range:
• High-end:

Shopping Guide

• Florida Street: Pedestrian shopping street in the city center
• Palermo Soho: Trendy boutiques and designer stores
• San Telmo: Antique shops and the famous Sunday fair

Shopping Guide Quick Fact

Claiming back VAT on shopping: In addition to the VAT Refund mentioned earlier, visitors can also claim back the VAT they pay on Argentina-manufactured products with a value of more than AR$70 pesos bought from participating retailers signed up to the Global Blue Argentina scheme. To take advantage: :

1. Shop at retailers that display the Tax Free logo and remember to ask for the tax refund form along with your sales receipt.
2. When leaving Argentina, present your receipts, passport and tax refund forms to customs. They will stamp the forms.
3. You can receive your refund in cash, by credit card, or by bank cheque.

Useful free apps for smartphones and tablets

Taking one for the team here: So far our search for downloadable apps specific to Buenos Aires has lead us either to broken links, outdated apps or apps that locals can use but not visitors. The government website is dated 2019(!) So for now, and to save you the frustration we faced, here’s what we found so far:

BA EcoBici
This mobile application is supposedly for all bicycle users in the city. It maps out bicycles lanes, and shows the locations and availability of city bikes for hire on the city’s free Eco-bici system. However after a tedious registration process in Spanish, although it accepts registration as a tourist, it doesn’t accept the addition of the credit card. Reviews mention Support is non-existent and the chatbot requires a DNI number to proceed.

BA Sube
Samesies as the BA EcoBici. The link provided on the government website for this app doesn’t even work! Found a website to purchase the card and potentially reload it BUT you have to have a BA phone number to register….

BA Cómo llego
The easiest way to find out how to get from A to B in the city, whether on public transport, by car or on foot. Put in the address of where you want to go, and the app will tell you how to get there. BUT the Link to the app is another “Page Not Found”

Money Matters: Budget and Money-Saving Tips

Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates. For information about using cash, debit/credit cards, and ATMs overseas, read the country information page for Argentina.

• Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
• Use ATMs in secure locations to withdraw cash
• Many museums offer free entry on certain days – only for residents

Pro Tip: Keep all receipts related to buying pesos! You may need the receipts in order to exchange the pesos to US Dollars when you leave Argentina

More Insider Tips For Visiting Buenos Aires

• Need tickets to sold-out performances at Teatro Colon? Go to the box office around 11:00 am the day before the performance and check with them about released unclaimed seats.
• We’ll add to these as we come across them!

Ready to Dive into Buenos Aires?

As full-time travelers, we’ve learned that a well-planned trip can make all the difference—and Buenos Aires is no exception.

Remember, we’ll be updating this article with real-time insights and experiences as we live through them, so bookmark this page and check back for fresh tips! If you have any questions or need specific advice before your trip, feel free to drop us a line—we’re happy to help fellow travelers make the most of their Buenos Aires adventure.

Safe travels, and happy exploring!