Getting There
Most international flights come into Buenos Aires. There are two airports in Buenos Aires. Ezeiza is the international airport and is about 35km from the city center and in good traffic will take between 35 - 40 minutes. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery handles most of the domestic flights and is quite close to the city near the Palermo district. In good traffic this drive will take 15 minutes from the city center.
The Oneworld alliance offers a
Visit South America pass which allows you access to 34 cities in 10 countries within South America including Buenos Aires. This is a good option if you are planning a more extended trip throughout South America with several stopovers.
LAN (a Oneworld alliance airline) recently announced a direct flight (9 hours) from Miami to Buenos Aires departing 3 times a week.
Be sure to keep your baggage claim ticket as they will want to see it when you leave the airport to varify that your baggage belongs to you.
From the airport it is best to prepay a taxi (remise) from one of the services inside the airport. This is usually a few pesos more than a metered cab, but ensures that you get into a safe taxi and go straight to your destination. Especially if you do not speak Spanish. Pick one of the agencies that has a stand just outside of the luggage claim exit.
Getting Around
Taxis are generally the best way to go since they are cheap and easy to come by (except on rainy days). Make sure you have small change on hand and never plan to pay with anything higher than a A$20 bill, unless you are headed to the international airport or on a longer distance. That being said, taxis can be dangerous.
To avoid getting robbed or driven around the city, make sure to take a taxi labeled 'radio taxi' and make sure that the driver's identity badge is displayed in the car. You will want to check the meter when you get in to ensure that you are not paying for the continuation of another fare. The best thing to do is call a taxi or have the restaurant or hotel call one for you. Premium taxi is a good bet and has English-speaking operators on request (5238-0000 / 4374-6666). If you do hail a cab from the street, make sure it says radio-taxi before you get in. Available taxis will have a red light lit up that says 'libre' in the corner of the front window.
Be very, very cautious if you rent a car. Driving can be a scary experience in the city. Seatbelts must be warn by law. Gasoline is called 'nafta'.
For those who want to experience the adventure of the local public buses, here is a great
guide to taking the bus in Buenos Aires. The video below provides a hands-on guide to public transportatin in Buenos Aires.
Argentina is 3 hours behind GMT and does not observe daylight savings time. Therefore during the Argentine summer, when the country is on standard time, it is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time whereas the rest of the year it is two.
English News
The
Buenos Aires Herald is the countries english-language newspaper providing news and editorials on local and international issues.
Copies of USA Today can be purchased at Zivals bookstore (Corner of Callao and Corrientes).
For movie listings and times (both Latin American and International Films)
click here.
Safety Tips
- Don’t carry around more money than you need and don't keep it all in one place. For example, keep some in a deep pocket and some in your wallet.
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't go down a dark and deserted street at night. If you are in a crowded market or bus, be very aware of your valuables.
- Keep photocopies of important documents, passports and credit cards-- and leave copies at home with a friend in case you lose yours.
