Currency
Argentine peso (AR$)
Language
Spanish
Money
ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted at most midrange to top-end hotels, restaurants and shops, and some budget places. Travelers checks not widely used.
Visas
Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days. Americans, Australians and Canadians must pay a reciprocity fee when arriving by air.
Cell Phones
Local SIM cards (and top-up credits) are cheap and widely available, and can be used on unlocked GSM 850/1900 compatible phones.
Driving
Drive on the right; steering wheel is on the left side of the car.
When to Go
High Season (NovFeb)
Patagonia is best (and most expensive) December to February.
Crowds throng to the beaches from late December through January.
For ski resorts, busiest times are June to August.
Shoulder (SepNov & MarMay)
Temperature-wise the best times to visit Buenos Aires.
The Lake District is pleasant; leaves are spectacular in March.
The Mendoza region has its grape harvests and wine festival.
Low Season (JunAug)
Good time to visit the North.
Many services close at beach resorts, and mountain passes can be blocked by snow.
July is a winter vacation month, so things get busy.
Your Daily Budget
Budget up to AR$250
Double room in budget hotel: AR$100250, dorm bed: AR$5070
Budget restaurant dinner main: AR$3045
Get set lunches or supermarket takeout; some sights have free admission days
Midrange AR$250400
Double room in midrange hotel: AR$250500
Midrange restaurant dinner main: AR$4565
Top End over AR$400
Double room in top-end hotel: AR$500+
Fine restaurant dinner main: AR$65+
Websites
Argentina Independent ( www.theargentinaindependent.com ) Wide-ranging topics.
Argentine Post ( www.argentinepost.com ) Covering Buenos Aires and Argentina.
Buenos Aires Herald ( www.buenosairesherald.com ) An international view of the country.
Bloggers in Argentina ( www.bloggersinargentina.blogspot.com ) Argentine bloggers.
Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina ) Destination info, hotel bookings, forums and more.
Exchange Rates
Australia | A$1 | AR$4.65 |
---|
Brazil | R$1 | AR$2.51 |
Canada | C$1 | AR$4.35 |
Chile | CH$100 | AR$0.90 |
Euro | | AR$5.68 |
Japan | | AR$5.54 |
New Zealand | NZ$1 | AR$3.62 |
UK | UK1 | AR$6.82 |
Uruguay | UR$1 | AR$0.22 |
USA | US$1 | AR$4.35 |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com .
Important Numbers
Argentina Country Code | 54 |
Directory Assistance | 110 |
International Access Code | 00 |
National Tourist Information (in Buenos Aires) | 11-4312-2232 |
Police | 101; 911 in some large cities |
Arriving in Argentina
Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza; )
Shuttle Bus frequent to downtown BA in 40 to 60 minutes; AR$6070
Local Bus two hours to downtown; AR$2
Taxi use official city taxi services only (avoid touts); AR$180
Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (Aeroparque, airport with domestic flights; )
Shuttle Bus frequent, 10 to 15 minutes to downtown; AR$24
Local Bus take 33 or 45, AR$2.50
Taxis around AR$35 to downtown or Palermo
Rates on the Rise
Lonely Planet aims to give its readers as precise an idea as possible of what things cost. Rather than slapping hotels or restaurants into vague budget categories, we publish the actual rates and prices that businesses quote to us during research. The problem is that prices change, especially in Argentina, where inflation runs rampant. But weve found that readers prefer to have real numbers in their hands so they can make the calculations once theyre on the road, then apply them across the board. This is still more precise than price ranges.
Argentina remains a decent-value destination. Although we anticipate prices will continue to rise, weve still opted to provide the prices given to us at the time of research. Our advice: call or check a few hotel or tour-operator websites before budgeting your trip, just to make sure youre savvy about going rates.
Buenos Aires
Includes
Why Go?
Whip together a beautiful metropolis with gourmet cuisine, awesome shopping and frenzied nightlife and you get Buenos Aires. Its a rough-hewn mix of Paris architecture, Romes traffic and Madrids late-night hours, all spiked with Latin American flavor. Buenos Aires is cosmopolitan, seductive, emotional, frustrating and chock full of attitude, and theres no other place like it in the world. Seek out classic BA: the old-world cafes, colonial architecture, curious markets and diverse communities. Rub shoulders with Evita at Recoletas famous cemetery, fill your belly with luscious steaks, dance the sultry tango and take in a crazy ftbol (soccer) match. Unforgettable adventures? Youd better believe it.
Everyone knows someone who has been here and raved about it. Youve put it off long enough. Come to Buenos Aires and youll understand why so many people have fallen in love with this amazing city. Theres a good chance youll be one of them.
When to Go
OctDec Spring means warm days to drink cocktails outdoors and admire blooming jacarandas.
Aug Winters peak brings BAs tango festival; or visit museums, art galleries and cultural centers.
MarMay Explore Buenos Aires in fall and catch the citys Independent Film Festival in April.