Buenos Aires 101

Argentina is not one of those countries where you can just fly by the seat of your pants.

It is in your best interest to do a little leg work before you arrive.

Taking the time to educate yourself in advance on how to get around, safety concerns, and most importantly, how to navigate the unique currency situation will ensure a hassle-free trip once you arrive.

Here are the fundamentals, the things you should know before you come to Buenos Aires.

When to go to Buenos Aires

The most beautiful time of year in Buenos Aires is the spring and the fall. These shoulder seasons offer the best temperature, foliage or blooms, and fewer crowds.

These months would be late-March through early-May for that beautiful fall light and mid-October through late-November for the pink lapacho and purple jacaranda blooms of Spring.

Summer is also great in Buenos Aires in that there are so few people. The locals hightail it out of town for the coast, leaving the city virtually empty from the Christmas through February. On the other hand, summer is hot and humid with mosquitos and it is peak season for travel. So while traffic will be gone, tours will be busier (and sweatier).

Winter, from June through August, is ok. It is not horrible but also not the best. Expect some rain and dreary weather. It never gets too cold but the humidity does make the cold feel worse. So, bundle up, just in case.

How long to spend in Buenos Aires?

I know people try to spend the bare minimum in the city before they jet off to hike in Patagonia or drink wine in Mendoza but I beg of you, spend at least 3 days in Buenos Aires.

In 3 days you can see the main highlights.

But I really recommend 5 days, if you can spare it. And if you can really spare it, 7 days will give you enough time to go at a relaxed pace and squeeze in a day trip or two.

How to get into Buenos Aires from Ezeiza?

You've arrived! Now what?

Here is how to get into Buenos Aires from the Ezeiza International Airport:

• The Best Option: Private Transfer - You've likely flown overnight. You're tired, and you've never been here before. Take it easy on yourself and have a driver waiting for you with your name on a sign.

• The Cheapest Option: Uber - The most affordable option is to call an Uber and find them outside. There is no designated pick up location so track them on the app and check the license plate.

• The In Between Option: Airport Remis Booths - After you exit customs into arrivals you'll see booths of taxis and remis (drivers). They're safe and reliable, prices are set due to location and agreed upon clearly before meeting your driver. You can pay with credit card. The only downside is if there are a lot of flights landing at the same time you may have to wait. If you go this route I recommend Taxi Ezeiza or Manuel Tienda Leon.

What Adaptor do you need for Argentina?

Argentina uses two kinds of outlets - Type C and Type I. Since you don't know which your hotel will have I recommend bringing a universal adaptor like this.

If you need another one once you're here, you can easily pick up a cheap adaptor or two on the ground. Literally. You'll see street vendors selling adaptors on main tourist streets like Calle Florida downtown.

Voltage is 220v, so avoid using 110v hair stylers or risk saying goodbye to your curling iron.

Read more: Appliances, Voltage, and Adaptors in Argentina

How to get a SIM card for Argentina?

• The easiest: Get an eSIM - This is the easiest option. You can set it up before you leave home then activate it on arrival at the airport and you're good to go. You can also buy regional packs that will also work in Chile or Uruguay if you're traveling to other countries on the same itinerary, avoiding needing to get a SIM for each country. If you'll be here for a short trip, opt for an eSIM to avoid wasting precious time here setting up a SIM card.

• The cheapest: Claro Tourist SIM - If you're going to be in Argentina for a long trip, take the time and effort to go a Claro store for this tourist package. Bring your passport and credit card to purchase.

Read more: All about SIM cards in Argentina

Money Matters: How to Get Pesos

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. It’s often denoted with the same sign as the dollar, $, which is differentiated as U$100 vs $100 [Pesos].

Government currency controls and policies have resulted in multiple exchange rates - the official dollar, the blue dollar, the MEP rate, Contado Con Liqui... It's all a bit dizzying and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Don't get overwhelmed.

Getting pesos may not be as straightforward as popping by the ATM, but I promise it isn't complicated once you're here.

Follow this simple strategy for the easiest experience: Use your credit card as much as possible, the rate is good (MEP rate). Exchange $200 dollars into pesos at the start of your trip for tips and small purchases. Bring more cash in case you need to exchange more later.

Other important tips: Avoid ATM's unless you have a bank that refunds fees. And if you really don't want to carry dollars to Argentina with you then you can wire yourself money via Western Union instead.

Cash discounts: All that said, many restaurants and shops do offer 10-15% off if you pay with cash. Ask them - "el precio en efectivo es el mismo?". So if you're on a tight budget, then plan on bringing more cash to exchange and relying less on your card. (This comes down to prioritizing the savings over the ease - it is a personal decision).

I could go on, and on, and on. If you want to read more then read: A Complete Guide to Currency Exchange & Money in Argentina

Tipping in Argentina

How much to tip in Argentina? Tip servers in restaurants, bars, and cafes 10% and in cash.

You don't need to tip your taxi drivers unless they took you to the airport and helped with luggage. For rideshares I typically add on a tip within the app when suggested.

Tip your tour guides according to their effort. Tip around $10 short "free" tours, and between $20-50 for full day tours. Tip more for private, customized tours, etc versus big group, packaged tours.

Tip your servers and small tips in pesos, not dollars. They need the cash today. Don't add the hassle of exchanging money in small dominations. You can tip in dollars (twenties, fifties, and the like) for tour guides, drivers and in hotels.

READ MORE: All about tipping in Argentina

Taxis, Buses, & Subte: How to get around Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is huge, so how should you navigate it?

Uber is your first and easiest option. It's cheap and you can keep track of your location as you go, avoiding taxi drivers taking you "on the scenic route."

If you, like me, enjoy traveling on public transportation when you're in a new place, then you need to know a few things before trying it in Buenos Aires.

Buses and the trains require a SUBE card. You can't pay for your tickets with cash or credit card, yet. You can get a SUBE in most Subte stations and load cash on them there as well.

The Subte (underground system) is the easiest way to try public transport. The D and B lines hit up the most tourist spots. And conveniently you no longer need a SUBE card for the Subte, you can pay by tapping your credit card or digital wallet on the new turnstiles. The plan is to implement this system on the buses and trains as well, but it will take time to complete (TBD).

Read more: How to conquer Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

Is Buenos Aires safe?

Yes, I would describe Buenos Aires a safe travel destination. You will need to take the same precautions that you would in any other large city. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don't get distracted - better said, don't look distracted. Keep your belongings close to you.

Leave your passport and most of your cash/credit cards in your hotel unless you need them. Leave your valuables -diamonds, heirlooms, etc. - at home, don't travel with them (this is a good rule for all travel, everywhere).

Read more: Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?