Buenos Aires Argentina ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท
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Important notice
Due to strict currency controls, Argentina has two exchange rates for USD. The official, lower rate is what you get at ATMs, banks and registered currency exchange booths. The unofficial, higher rate (Blue Rate) can be obtained from black market exchange offices known as 'cuevas'. All costs below would be 30% cheaper with the Blue Rate.

Key information about Buenos Aires

Population

2,900,000

Country
Argentina
Money
Currency
ARS - Argentine Peso ($)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 125.96 ARS
ATM fees

600 - 900 ARS (plus your own bank's fees)

Credit cards

Accepted everywhere. (ID required!)

Tipping

10% at restaurants and cafรฉs is common, not common at bars

Airport
Main airport

Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)

Airport to city center

Official airport taxi (~900 ARS -1500 ARS), Cabify ~1000 ARS

Other options

Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) - this is the secondary airport, located in the city center, and serves many airlines and international flights

Transportation
Taxi apps

Uber (not official), Cabify, BA Taxi (Spanish only)

Public transportation

Subte (Metro): 19 ARS per ride and can be combined with a bus journey
Bus: 20 ARS per ride

Getting around

Buy a SUBE Card for use on all public transport options at any Punto SUBE - each card has a cost of 90 ARS. Charge your SUBE card in Subte stations and kiosks around the city and stations.

SIM card
Best options

Movistar, Claro, Personal

Expected cost

1400 ARS for 5GB of data valid for 1 month

How to buy

Buy SIM cards at Kiosks around the city for 20-40 ARS cash or for free with a top-up at official network shops. Takes 20 minutes and ID required.

Language
Official language(s)

Spanish

Level of English

High

Food
Tap water

Not drinkable

Overall cuisine

Argentinian style with an emphasis on red meats, pastries, and Italian-inspired options

Local food specialities

Asado, empanadas (Argentinian style), locro, milanesa napolitana, facturas and alfajores

Eat like a local

Local restaurants serving asados grill-to-dish (Parrillas), markets (San Telmo, Recoleta) and local cafรฉs for matรฉ and facturas

Vegetarian / vegan options

79 options on Happy Cow

Food delivery apps

Glovo, Pedidos Ya!, Rappi

Supermarkets

Supermercados Dรญa: Inexpensive, local foods with limited imported options. Found across the city.
Coto: Inexpensive but larger convenience markets, may offer bakery options. Limited imported options.
Carrefour: French chain market. Express markets tend to be more expensive and offer wider range of local and imported options. Hipermercados offer vast range of frozen, baked and fresh goods, at higher prices.
Disco: Fewer branches across the city; offers mid-range local and imported options.
Jumbo: High-end Chilean chain, offers wider range of imported and local luxury goods at higher prices. Usually larger stores with much viariety.
Chinos: Go-to option for locals and found most frequently around the city. Most offer a select variety of fresh and frozen goods, as well as alcohol and confectionery.
Markets and Specialty stores: Local markets (Ferias) offer fresh produce on select weekends across the city and Dieteticas have a veriety of organic options. Flamberias are your one-stop shop for luxury cheeses and cold cuts. For spices, Barro Chino is the place to go!