Direct answer
Buenos Aires is a vibrant, walkable city with rich culture, great food, and lively neighborhoods. Plan for varied weather, be mindful of petty crime, and enjoy local customs like late dining and mate.
Visa / entry requirements
- Many nationalities (US, Canada, EU, Australia) enter Argentina visa-free for tourism for 90 days; others need a tourist visa—check Argentina’s foreign ministry or your embassy for current rules.
- Passport should be valid for the duration of stay (6 months recommended). Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested.
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers; check CDC/WHO if coming from areas with yellow fever.
Best time to visit
- Spring (Sept–Nov) and fall (Mar–May): mild temperatures, fewer crowds—ideal.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): hot and humid, lots of cultural events, higher prices; expect late-night life.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): cool, comfortable for sightseeing; fewer tourists and lower rates.
Safety tips
- Petty theft/pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, on public transport, and at crowded events. Keep valuables hidden, use a money belt or neck pouch, and avoid showing large amounts of cash.
- Use ATMs in bank branches; cover PIN entry. Prefer withdrawing from reputable banks to avoid skimmers.
- Avoid empty or poorly lit streets at night; use registered taxis/apps (BA Taxi, Cabify, or Uber where available) rather than hailing on the street late at night.
- Keep photocopies/photos of passport and documents; register with your embassy if available.
Local customs & culture
- Social life is late: dinners commonly start 9–11 PM; nightlife often goes until dawn.
- Greeting: a single cheek kiss (right to right) among acquaintances; shake hands in formal settings.
- Mate (herbal tea) is a cultural staple—if offered, it's polite to accept; share respectfully.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is common if service isn’t included; round up taxi fares and tip porters and hotel staff modestly.
Currency & money
- Argentine peso (ARS) is the local currency. Cash is widely used; some places prefer card.
- Argentina often has an official and a parallel (blue) exchange rate. Tourist-oriented services/ATMs use official rates. Use reputable exchange houses (casas de cambio) and avoid street exchangers.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but always carry some cash for markets, small eateries, and buses.
Transportation
- Subte (subway) and colectivos (buses) cover much of the city; buy a rechargeable SUBE card for public transit.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient; insist on meter use or use apps for fixed pricing.
- Walking is one of the best ways to experience neighborhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta—streets are generally walkable but watch for uneven sidewalks.
- Long-distance buses and domestic flights connect Buenos Aires with other Argentine destinations; trains have limited routes.
Must-know practical tips & local insights
- Neighborhood highlights: Palermo (restaurants, nightlife), Recoleta (elegant architecture, cemetery), San Telmo (antiques, tango), La Boca (colorful Caminito), Puerto Madero (waterfront dining).
- Tango: attend a live milonga or a professional show; for authentic experience, local milongas are better than touristy shows.
- Food: try asado (BBQ), empanadas, choripán, dulce de leche, and local Malbec wine. Dinner hours are late—make reservations for popular spots.
- Language: Spanish is the official language; English is common in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases helps.
- Connectivity: SIM cards from local carriers (Claro, Movistar, Personal) are inexpensive—bring passport for purchase.
- Electrical: 220V, 50Hz; plugs types C and I are common—bring an adapter if needed.
Final quick checklist
- Check visa rules for your nationality and passport validity.
- Bring a SUBE card or plan how to get one on arrival.
- Keep small bills and concealed valuables; use bank ATMs.
- Embrace the late-night culture and try local food and tango.
Enjoy Buenos Aires—stay aware, respect local customs, and savor the city’s food, music, and vibrant neighborhoods.