Introduction
Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, often referred to as South America’s Paris oozes with a mixture of European and Latina American culture. The city is made up of different neighbourhoods, each of which holds its own charismatic characteristic. Renowned for its charming cafÈ shops, bistros, steak houses, tango shows, galleries and museums this city really is as cosmopolitan as its reputation makes it out to be. However Buenos Aires has still been able to maintain its old fashioned, traditional customs, allowing it to attract thousands of tourists every year. Every Saturday and Sunday, porteÒos, the name appointed to people from the port, as well as travellers, gather at flea markets with Recoleta, San Telmo and Plaza Serrano being the most popular of them all. Other activities to do at the weekend include watching a soccer game, which will not leave you disappointed as every match has a tendency to be intense and passionate. You should also not leave Buenos Aires without visiting its world famous zoo and Botanical Gardens or its nightlife. Clubs are accustomed to get busy at 2am and can go on into the early hours of the mornings. With such a wide variety of pastimes, this city without doubt will keep you entertained.
Getting to Argentina
Air
Buenos Aires’s main International Airport is Ezeiza (‘’Ministro Pistarini’’), located 37KM away from the City Centre.
Car
You can reach the city by Teniente General Ricchieri freeway (Information: Tel. 5480-6111). Please note that when leaving the country, tax must be paid (aprox US$18- 29).
Bus
Company Manuel Tienda LeÛn (Av. Madero and San MartÌn, Tel. 4315-5115) offers a bus service from 5.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. This service costs between AR$ 40 and $ 45), and takes approximately 40 minutes. Taxis and chauffeur-driven rented cars are also available (from $ 90 to $ 130). Buses can also be taken from the airport, although this usually takes 2 hours it is the cheapest.
Taxi
Taxis are the easiest mode of transport if you have a lot of luggage with you. You will find that there are a large number available however avoid the taxis positioned exactly outside the airport as they are generally overpriced. Instead go to the booth inside the airport, labelled ‘’Taxi Ezeiza’’ where you can pay a fixed price for your desired destination. Alternatively if you organise it before hand, ring BAIS’ taxi contact Luis (1158104493) who offers discounts to those who quote BAIS.
Customs
As customs go, porteÒos seem to be very relaxed which even extends to social functions such as dinner invitations where you can find guests arriving up to one and half hours late. However in comparison/ contrast with this norm, theatres, concerts, movies, business meetings and diplomatic affairs start on time. You may also find it strange to discover that most restaurants do not open until at least 9pm and by which time at around 11pm, you will find the place will be heaving, even with customers still arriving at midnight.
In terms of food, Buenos Aires prides itself on its famous parrilla, grilled meats which will surely leave your mouth watering. †Mate is argentines equivalent to tea, and is considered to be a privilege to be offered this by a local. †Empanada, a pastry filled with cheese and meat is the perfect, most delicious snack to help satisfy hunger while ice cream is extremely popular due to Argentinescrafting a creamy recipe influenced by their Italian roots.
Dress in BA is relatively formal. The styles are European and classic, and tend to be much more body-conscious than many expatriates are used to. In contrast though, dress in the suburbs is a little more relaxed than downtown especially amongst younger people, who wear more informal clothes such as jeans and t-shirts.
Security
Like any big city anywhere in the world, you should be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Although BA is a relatively safe city compared to other big cities in the world, there has been an increase in petty crime. The rules to be followed are the same ones as for any other city: keep jewellery out of the public’s sight, guard your wallet and handbags, especially whilst travelling on public transportation or in a crowded street and change locks when you move into a new home, etc.
Particular care should be taken whilst in tourist areas as foreigners are often targets for scams or pick-pocketing. Be alert and ignore people who try to approach you as they will strike when you are distracted. Make sure to make your relatives and friends who are visiting, aware of this as well. If you have to rely on taxis for transportation, order one by phone or when you have to catch one whilst on the street, only use Radio Taxis. It is also advisable to walk a few blocks before taking a taxi after you have just taken money from an ATM. Most buildings have 24-hour security, and in residential areas in the suburbs there are security services with remote monitoring and neighbourhood street watchmen
Useful Contacts
Security Prevention and Tourist Assistance
ComisarÌa del Turista: Av. Corrientes 436, (C1043AAR) Buenos Aires. Tel. 4346-5748, 4328-2135 Û 0800-999-5000, e-mail: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar.
DefensorÌa del Turista: Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1835 (Museo de Bellas Artes de La Boca "Don Benito Quinquela MartÌn"), (C1169AAC) Buenos Aires. Tel. 4302-7816, Fax: 4302-7816, e-mail: turista@defensoria.org.ar.
Adaptation
Local attitudes towards expatriates are very good and the local people are inclined to be quite friendly and helpful towards foreigners, whether referring to the work area or socially.
Without doubt, expatriates will face a few challenges on a daily basis with regards to moving to Argentina, just as they would when moving to another foreign country which might include a language barrier and communication problems such as with maids, sales advisors and making new friends.
More specific challenges might include getting used to driving patterns, especially in BA; coming to terms with the average Argentine not being punctual for social affairs; and realizing that simple things like opening up a bank account or waiting for service people takes more time than normal.
Language
The main spoken language in Argentina is Spanish, and although a large number of people do speak English, it is advisable to make an effort to learn the local language.
It is also recommended to try and have some knowledge of Spanish before your arrival in Argentina. If you have learnt your Spanish in another country, you will notice some differences upon arrival, e.g. the use of vos instead of tu, the way they pronounce the Y or LL and some words might have different meanings. However try not to worry too much though, as your local Spanish teacher here will explain all about this to you.
House-hunting: Buenos Aires and its Neighbourhoods
The neighbourhood you choose to live in will most probably be of more importance to you than the actual house itself. Buenos Aires City consists of 48 neighbourhoods, of which the most significant includes Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta, Retiro, Belgrano and Microcentro. When house hunting start by getting familiar with neighbourhoods and suburbs so you can decide which one appeals more to you. Areas that are preferred by expatriates are the City (Down Town) or the Northern Suburbs (Olivos, La Lucila, Martinez, Acassuso, San Isidro Lomas de San Isidro and gated communities). However having said this, generally there is not a concentration of foreigners in one specific neighbourhood or suburb, so take a look around: it may just prove to be beneficial.
Downtown
Recoleta
Your stay would be incomplete without taking a stroll down along Recoleta, with a walking distance of around 1.5km in an exclusive and elegant residential area, passing along the most expensive shops. Rented accommodation consists mainly of apartments/condominiums with garages; however, free-standing houses are also available.
The area also contains several hotels and serviced apartments. It is bordered in the north by parks and has a pedestrian area with several mainly up-market restaurants. There are a number of small convenience shops in Recoleta selling groceries and one main supermarket, and the 'Patio Bullrich' shopping mall is only half a kilometre away.
Palermo
Not only is this area considered to be the most exclusive neighborhood to live because of their proximity to the Downtown Buenos Aires, but also because of their cultural life and many parks. Many elite restaurants, cafes and bars and the Alto Palermo Shopping Mall can be found here. Palermo is a popular area to visit if it’s a large concentration of bars or ‘boliches’ that you are looking for as well as elite restaurants, cafes and Alto Palermo Shopping Mall.
Belgrano
Belgrano is a residential area, relatively close to downtown Buenos Aires, which offers housing mainly in large apartment buildings. Many shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and cinemas are located here as well.
You will also find that there are several foreign schools located in Belgrano.
There are two train stations (Belgrano R and Belgrano C) and the
"D" subway line, which provide an easy commute to the city.
Northern Suburbs
Vicente Lopez, Olivos, Martinez, Acassuso, San Isidro, Los Lomas de San Isidro and gated communities.
These are all residential suburbs on the outskirts of Buenos Aires (30-minute drive) and housing here is mixed. There are apartment buildings as well as entire blocks of private houses with gardens. This is one of the preferred areas of international families with children, as most international schools are found here. If you should choose to live in one of these suburbs, a car for general use is recommended; but for commuting to the City, train or Remis is a good option as well. There are several shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. Many private clubs are located within these suburbs and you can also find an abundance of public tennis and squash courts as well as work-out clubs.
The River (River Plate / Rio Plata) is accessible at many points and offers many recreational possibilities. The riverside also offers a variety of places to eat out or have a drink. San Isidro's restaurants and bars are often located in old renovated houses, and offer the possibility to sit outside and enjoy the special atmosphere. San Isidro, like Acassuso, Martinez, La Lucila, Olivos and Vicente Lopez, is on the electrified train line that runs from Retiro Station (in the City centre) to Tigre (at the start of the Rio de la Plata Delta).
San Telmo holds some of the most unique architectural buildings of Buenos Aires.
La Boca lies outside on the cityprovidential of Buenos Aires’ City Centre, but never the less is one of the most touristy zones who swarm here to see its luminous buildings.
Banking and Currency Exchange
Currency exchanges (Casas de Cambio) are prevalent throughout the city. Many hotels also offer currency exchange.
You can find ATMs throughout the city. Upon arrival you can get cash from ATM's in the airport and get a decent exchange rate. ATM's that are part of the Banelco network are the most prevalent. They're identified by a burgundy sign, and you'll find them in banks, service stations, and malls.
Many high end store will accept payment in US dollars. American companies like McDonald's also accept US Dollar. Some stores will not accept bills over US $20.
American Express traveler's checks are not widely accepted but you can take AmEx travelers checks to the American Express Headquarters in Buenos Aires and exchange the checks without commission charges. Contact: American Express (Arenales 707, El Centro. 11/4310-3000)
Coins
Coin denominations are as follows: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and 1 peso. The coins of 5,10, 25, and 50 cents have both gold and silver versions in circulation. Change is essential in Buenos Aires so make sure you keep some with you at all times.
Bills/Paper Currency
Bill denominations are $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 pesos. There are two versions of the $2, $5, $10 and $20 notes because there are still notes that circulate with the old design even though the design has now changed.
¿How to detect false $100 bills? Click aquí
¿How to detect false $50 bills? Click aquí
Currency Exchange
The best option to exchange money is in the bank (banking hours are 10am - 3pm). If not use official currency exchanges or exchanges in hotels and you may even find that some hotels and commercial establishments accept dollars. In some parts of the city you'll encounter people in the street offering to exchange money. Do not use this method.
Credit Cards
The majority of stores, restaurants and bars accept credit cards but due to the current economic situation and high inflation rates it is a possibility that some establishments might add on a 15 - 20 % fee for use of credit cards. Therefore it is best to confirm before paying with a credit card that there isn’t an add on charge ‘recargos’. The most widely accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners.
USEFUL TIPS
* Avoid carrying around large amounts of cash.
* Keep cash out of public view.
* If you have to carry a large sum of money, do not store it all in one place. Distribute your money among your belongings.
* If you have to make a large payment, try to avoid using cash. If possible, use credit cards or travelers checks.
* Don't accept bills that look different than the ones pictured.
Universities
UCA - Universidad Catolica Argentina
Alicia Moreau de Justo 1300
(+54-11) 4349-0200
www.uca.edu.ar
U. de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales
Paraguay 1338
(011) 4815-3287 4815-3290 4802-5255
www.uces.edu.ar
Universidad de Belgrano
Zabala 1837
11-4788-5400
www.ub.edu.ar / MBA
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Ayacucho 1245 1º / 54-11-4815-8309
infosrrii@rec.uba.ar
www.uba.edu.ar
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
Lima 717 . C1073AAO
Tel: 0800-122-UADE (8233)
www.uade.edu.ar
Universidad Católica Argentina
Avda. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1500 |
(54 11) 4349-0200 / info@uca.edu.ar
www.uca.edu.ar
Universidad de Palermo
Avda. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1500 |
(54 11) 4349-0200 / info@uca.edu.ar
www.palermo.edu
Universidad del Salvador
Gral. Juan Jose Viamonte 1856
(011) 4815-3287 4815-3290 4802-5255
www.salvador.edu.ar
Instituto Di Tella
Miñones 2159
(011) 4784-0080 47840089
www.ditella.edu.ar
Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires
Av. Eduardo Madero 399
(5411) 6393-ITBA (4822) | 0800-888-ITBA (4822)
www.itba.edu.ar
Fundación H. A. Barcelo
Av. Las Heras 2191
(54-11) 4800-0200 | 4961-2741
www.barcelo.edu.ar
Instituto Universitario CEMIC
Av. E. Galván 4102
(5411) 4546-8290
www.cemic.edu.ar
Universidad Favaloro
Solís 453
(54-11) 4378-1100
www.favaloro.edu.ar
