Essentials

The official currency in Buenos Aires is Argentinian Peso (ARS).

It is easy to obtain local currency in Buenos Aires at casas de cambio (bureaux de change/currency exchanges) and at most banks – please note that you’ll need to provide ID when changing money.

Local currency is also available from cash machines (ATMs) throughout the city. Cash machines operate 24 hours a day and accept all major international cards.

We recommend changing only small amounts of money at a time. You should also keep the receipt from your transaction, as you may need to show this if you wish to change money back to your original currency at the end of the trip. (Please note that you may exchange no more than the equivalent of $100 in Argentine pesos).

Banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Currency exchange offices are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, except holidays.

Government offices are generally open between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, except on holidays.

Private businesses work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shops are usually open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The standard voltage in the area is 220V, with a frequency of 50Hz, and the commonly used plug types are C and I. Visitors are advised to bring suitable adapters or transformers to ensure compatibility, with plug types 1 and 2 being the most commonly used in Buenos Aires. This will help avoid any inconveniences during your stay.

Emergency Call Center  – 911
Fire Department – 100
Medical Emergency – SAME – 107
Tourism Center – 0800 999 2838
Civil Defense – 103

Local, national, and international calls

Telephone numbers in Buenos Aires City consist of eight digits. Local calls do not require dialing any prefix, except when calling mobile phones (you should add the prefix 15, followed by the eight digits). For calls to other regions within the country, dial 0, followed by the area code and the local number.

For international calls, you need to dial 00 before the international phone number. If you want to call Buenos Aires City from abroad, add the prefix (+54 11) for landline numbers or (+54 9 11) for mobile phones.

Prepaid phone cards: For those who wish to rent a mobile phone during their stay in the city, they can opt for prepaid phone card services, which can be purchased at kiosks and communication centers.

Internet and communication centers

There are centers in all city neighborhoods that offer telephone calls and Internet access.

Calls are charged based on the destination and duration, while Internet service is typically billed in fractions of 15 minutes in most places.

Cellular phone operators have 4G technology; in some places, the 5G network is available for data and browsing. Most hotels and restaurants in Buenos Aires provide complimentary WIFI networks.

The official language is Spanish. However, English is widely understood in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Portuguese is also frequently spoken.

Argentina has a time zone UTC -3. The time of Argentina does not have an associated summer time.

With average temperatures of around 18°C (64°F), Buenos Aires enjoys a temperate and sunny climate, making it an appealing destination year-round. July is the coldest month, and while frost or ice is rare, visitors are advised to layer up, especially for evening outings during this mid-year period. In the summer months of January and February, humidity can be somewhat high, and warm nights persist, making it advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Spring and autumn are the rainiest seasons, characterized by generally light rainfall that doesn’t significantly disrupt activities. However, having a raincoat or umbrella on hand might be wise.

Buenos Aires transitions from summer to autumn in April. The weather tends to be mild and pleasant – ideal conditions for exploring the city’s attractions.

Daytime temperatures remain warm, so individuals attending congress sessions and sightseeing should consider wearing light layers, including t-shirts, blouses, and short-sleeve tops for comfort.

While evenings may bring cooler weather, a mid-weight sweater or cardigan should suffice for staying warm during social gatherings and networking events.

A light jacket or coat is recommended, particularly for cooler evenings, to ensure warmth while enjoying the city’s nightlife and cultural offerings. Comfortable footwear is essential as Buenos Aires is renowned for its walking culture.

Foreign tourists are entitled to a VAT refund on domestically-manufactured goods valued over 70 ARS when shopping at participating outlets affiliated with Global Blue Argentina.

To claim this refund, you must retain your receipts and complete the necessary forms at customs when leaving the country. Please find more details on processing your refund here.

Additionally, it’s advisable to keep some small change on hand when making purchases in cash, as shops in Buenos Aires may occasionally run low on small change. Using the exact amount when paying in cash will be greatly appreciated by the retailers.

Buenos Aires provides a range of free walking tours, offering an excellent and budget-friendly way to delve deeper into the city’s rich history and culture.

These tours are conducted on foot and operate on a tip basis, allowing visitors to contribute what they feel is appropriate.

You can explore various options for free walking tours in several neighborhoods, including Barrio La Boca, San Telmo, Historical City Center, Recoleta, Palermo, and Puerto Madero.

Buenos Aires is renowned for its gastronomic delights, heavily influenced by European countries, especially Spain and Italy. Don’t miss milanesas, pizzas, and traditional Argentine barbecues with chimichurri, choripanes, pastas, and

alfajores. And be sure to enjoy empanadas, ice cream, matambre, and medialunas!

In addition to its food, Buenos Aires is also famous for its cafes in the city center, where you can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere while savoring delicious treats.

There is no regulation for tipping in Buenos Aires. The expected collaboration for the staff is 10-15% of the total amount.

Using mosquito repellent is recommended throughout the day and night due to the rising Dengue cases in the country.

In Buenos Aires, public restrooms are scarce, so it’s advisable to use facilities whenever available at museums, theaters, or restaurants.

Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini – Ezeiza is Argentina’s primary airport, serving as the main point of entry for international flights and a few domestic ones. Situated in Ezeiza, approximately 32km from Buenos Aires City Centre, travelers have several recommended options for transportation between the airport and the city, including shuttles, taxis, and pre-booked transfer services. Another available but less convenient option is Bus N°. 8 (Colectivo 8), which costs USD 1 per person and takes about 1.30 hours to reach the city.

Find more information here.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, also known as Aeroparque, offers the advantage of being situated within the city, just a 15-minute drive from the main hotels. It mainly handles domestic flights and some regional ones, serving Argentine provinces and neighboring countries.

Aeroparque provides a range of public transportation options for convenient access to various parts of the city, with buses 45, 37, 33, and 160 connecting to many destinations in Buenos Aires.

Find out more here.

In Buenos Aires, there are several convenient options for public transportation: buses, the “subte” (underground metro/subway), and trains.

You’ll need to obtain a rechargeable SUBE travel card and load it with credit to use these services. SUBE cards can be acquired at subte stations, one of the eight Tourist Assistance Centers, or at many “kioskos” (corner shops that sell confectionery and tobacco) scattered throughout the city. You can recharge your card with credit at all subte stations, national lottery outlets, and some kioskos equipped with automated terminals.

Additionally, Buenos Aires offers an online map and a downloadable app called BA Cómo llego? (How do I get there?) to help you find the best routes from A to B within the city. You can download this helpful application here.

To find out more information about public transportation in Buenos Aires, please visit: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/getting-around https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sube