Buenos Aires Travel Tips

This is one fascinating city and the portenos (literally, ‘those from the port’) have a lifestyle all their own. First travel tip is to forget about early nights. Sure, you may be tired from walking all day but if you go to bed early, you’re going to miss Buenos Aires at its finest. Sleep in late, stay out late. It’s the only way. Another travel tip is to think ahead and check out the events planned at the Teatro Colon while you’re in town. Book tickets if something catches your eye – you won’t regret it. Check out some of our other Buenos Aires travel tips, below.

Visas for Argentina

Australians don't need a visa to visit Argentina when travelling as a tourist. Visas are only required for work permits, study or Australian diplomatic and official passport holders. If you do need one of the visas mentioned above, you'll need to obtain it before you travel.

Buenos Aires currency

The currency in Buenos Aires is the Argentine peso (AR$). One Australian dollar is roughly the equivalent of 40 AR$ although of course this fluctuates. Carrying cash and an ATM card is the most advisable option, especially if you plan on shopping at markets which will most likely only accept cash. US dollars are accepted at many places but it's wise to also carry some pesos on you.

Tipping in Buenos Aires

Tipping is not as much a part of the culture in Buenos Aires as it is in the United States, for example. If you're staying in a fancy hotel, it would be acceptable to give porters and hotel cleaning staff a few pesos. When dining out, a 10% tip is customary and if you're treating yourself to a spa treatment, we'd suggest tipping around 15% at a spa. Taxi drivers won't expect a tip but rounding up is common practise.

Buenos Aires electrical plugs and voltage

The standard electrical voltage in Buenos Aires is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets that are used in Argentina are types C and I. In Australia, we use type I, so best to pick up an adaptor before you travel.

Language in Buenos Aires

Spanish is the official language of Argentina although the portenos have their own pronunciation and inherited Italian inflections. While many of the people working in the hospitality and retail industries will speak some English, as with any foreign destination, it's a courteous thing to do if you at least try to meet them halfway. If you don't speak any Spanish at all, brush up on a few key phrases before you leave and know which apps will help you translate quickly and easily.

Buenos Aires Airport

International travellers flying into Buenos Aires will most likely arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, better known as Ezeiza International Airport for the suburb in which it is located. The airport is 22kms south-southwest of the city and a taxi ride will take around 40 minutes. There are several bus lines which connect the airport to the city as well. Just ask your Flight Centre travel expert for some tips on transfers to and from Buenos Aires Airport.