| Buenos Aires has always been a mysterious and | | | | 6. Where should I stay? Choices for |
| dynamic destination and like any big city, you can | | | | accommodations are staggering and each |
| have a variety of experiences. | | | | neighborhood will offer a different experience. You |
| Generally, those who visit Buenos Aires are glad | | | | should rent an apartment if you are planning on |
| they did. It is one of the most unique cities in the | | | | staying a week or more. You should try to find |
| world and truly offers something for everyone. | | | | lodging in a central part of the city keeping |
| However before you travel to another country, it | | | | transportation costs low. Recoleta is surely the |
| is wise to glean information from those who have | | | | best neighborhood and very central. The |
| recently visited or even better, from people living | | | | Microcenter is the center of the city and most |
| there. | | | | hotels and hostels are located here. Wherever |
| Here are 10 things to know before visiting Buenos | | | | you stay, make sure you are a few floors up |
| Aires Argentina. | | | | from the street noise. It can be a serious |
| 1. The Culture. They speak Spanish in Buenos | | | | annoyance for tourists and locals alike. |
| Aires and the accent takes some getting used to. | | | | 7. What should I pack? All you really need is your |
| If you don't speak Spanish, you can still get by | | | | passport, something to help you sleep on the |
| but you may encounter some difficulties with | | | | plane, and a camera with extra batteries. |
| taxis, shopping, and menus. Most people related to | | | | Everything else is available here at bargain prices. |
| tourism speak English. The people are mostly | | | | Laptops are accepted but cyber cafes are |
| friendly and very conservative keeping old | | | | everywhere. Anything that can't fit in 2 suitcases |
| traditions alive. Argentines are hard working | | | | may be taxed heavily at the airport. Make sure to |
| people and work a 9-hour day without a nap. | | | | leave plenty of room in your luggage for |
| Families are the core of the culture and every | | | | souvenirs. And don't forget to bring a pair of |
| Sunday is dedicated to spending time with loved | | | | comfortable shoes. |
| ones. Everyone is good looking, even the dogs. | | | | 8. What about money? Bring cash and exchange |
| 2. Is it safe? Buenos Aires is safe compared to | | | | it at the airport. ATM's are plentiful but have a |
| most cities of 13 million people. The most | | | | $300 USD limit. To exchange money in the city, |
| common crime is petty theft including purse | | | | go to the financial district and look for signs that |
| snatching and pick pocketing. You will always want | | | | say "cambio" and bring your passport and an |
| to be cautious of this. But the murder rate is | | | | address of where you are staying. Currently $1 |
| incredibly low, the kidnappings of the past have | | | | USD is worth about 3 pesos, which is good news |
| subsided, and there are plenty of police on the | | | | for the tourist. Very few places accept credit |
| main streets to keep an eye on things. | | | | cards. Only restaurants, grocery stores, and |
| 3. What is the environment like in the city? | | | | banks will break a 100peso bill. So always carry |
| Buenos Aires is an extremely urban environment | | | | change with you. Always! |
| and the noise and activity is constant. The | | | | 9. Transportation. Getting around Buenos Aires for |
| weather is mild all year round with a few weeks | | | | a tourist will consist of 3 methods. Subways are |
| in February that swelter, and a few weeks in | | | | cheap, safe, and only crowded at rush hour. (9am |
| August that get chilly. Pollution does exist on | | | | and 7pm). Taxis are also inexpensive but you |
| weekdays and can cause breathing troubles and | | | | may be taken on the scenic route if you speak |
| the throat to itch. The streets are narrow and | | | | English. Always have the necessary address |
| walking can sometimes be precarious. The | | | | written down so you can hand it to the driver. |
| architecture is a treasure trove spanning the last | | | | And finally, walking is the best way to see the |
| century. | | | | city so make sure you carry a map. For locals, |
| 4. What is the political situation? At the moment, | | | | the bus system is the best transportation |
| politics in Argentina are stable with President | | | | because there are so many. If you are brave, |
| Kirchner at the helm for the last 3 years and | | | | remember when you get on a bus, always tell the |
| leaning toward the left. Argentines are very vocal | | | | driver "ochenta". |
| about how they feel and there are peaceful | | | | 10. What happens after I get off the plane? When |
| protests around the government buildings several | | | | you arrive at the Buenos Aires International |
| times a week. Throughout the last 70 years, | | | | Airport (Ezeiza), you will first go through |
| there have been dictators and democracy and a | | | | immigration. Before you get in line, make sure you |
| strong rally for socialism. Despite a strong distaste | | | | have filled out the visa they give you on the |
| for President Bush, in general the people of | | | | airplane. Hand the visa and passport to the official |
| Buenos Aires are open minded to foreigners and | | | | for stamping. After that, go to baggage claim and |
| enjoy meeting them. | | | | collect your things. When you enter the terminal, |
| 5. How is the economy doing? The economy in | | | | go around to the right, all the way to the back to |
| Buenos Aires is thriving with small businesses, | | | | where a blue sign says "Banco". Stand in this line |
| global companies, huge fashion districts, endless | | | | to exchange your money for the best rate in the |
| restaurants, and a growth in tourism. The | | | | airport. Next, go to the center of the terminal |
| University Of Buenos Aires is excellent and keeps | | | | where an indoor white taxi stand is. Tell them |
| the work place progressive. After the devaluation | | | | "Capital Federal" and have an address where you |
| in 2001, the country had some difficult years, but | | | | are staying. The cost is about 54 pesos and you |
| now unemployment and homeless statistics are | | | | will be escorted to a white taxi that will safely |
| low and dropping. Foreign investment is booming | | | | take you to your lodgings. |
| and creating jobs in almost every sector. | | | | |