Travellers Survival Guide to Buenos Aires 2016

I prepared this guide in 2007 following my 6 month stay in Buenos Aires; but readers request that I update and re-post. So, here is the 2016 edition - prepared specifically for tango dancers.

WHEN TO GO,  HOW LONG FOR,  WHAT FLIGHT,  WHERE STAY?
When to go and how long for?
Buenos Aires (BsAs) has an area of 80 square miles and a population of 3 million. Flights from London take approximately 14-17 hours, covering a distance of 7,000 miles. So this is definitely long haul to southern hemisphere. This is why we recommend at least 3 weeks in BsAs, and if you plan to travel further afield, take 4-6 weeks for your first trip.

As a southern hemisphere city, the best time to visit is either spring (late September to mid November), or autumn (mid February to late April). Spring in BsAs offers fresher weather with the Jacaranda in full bloom. Autumn is more mellow and relaxed.

Both seasons have their attractions. Bear in mind that June, July and August can be quite cold; and December and January quite hot, hence the better 'out of season' flight offers.

What flight and where to stay?
Only one rule in booking an airline - not via the USA unless you have an entry visa and propose to break your journey there. Even with close connecting flights you are required to exit flight-side in the States and return through intensive immigration control, including baggage/importation checks. Our experience of this is traumatic, especially if your connecting flight is within a 3 hour slot, which you probably won't make. So, whilst flights via USA may be competitive in price, they will be hard work, and substantially longer.

We suggest either direct flights from Heathrow to BsAs with British Airways (13.5 hrs), or regular connecting flights via Madrid/Paris if on a tighter budget.

Pre-booking accommodation in BsAs is not essential, but is advisable. Serious tango dancers tend to avoid regular hotels, taking tango hotels,  tango houses, or tango hostels. They have the added advantage of providing contact with other tangueros who can show you the ropes and introduce you to the milongas. Those wanting independence will find a wide selection of apartments for rent via Airbnb - follow this link if you are not currently signed up (we get a reward if you do!)

Popular places to stay are Recoleta (smart and central), Palermo (lively and leafy), Monserrat (central with traditional milongas), and San Telmo (Bohemian and artistic). My personal preference is San Telmo, hence my San Telmo Facebook group.

BEFORE YOU GO
Currency
Currency in Argentina is the Peso (AR$). Notes come in 500/200/100/ 50/ 20/ 5/ 2 denominations and coins in 2, 1 peso. Be aware that some prices are shown in US$ so it is advisable to check currency conversion rates before you buy. Euros have some, and £sterling little value. We suggest that you pre-buy 5,000 pesos in the UK to cover your immediate expenditure on arrival. Whilst in BsAs you may use cash points (with premium charges) or Azimo money transfers - which is our choice.

For credit cards, we recommend Halifax Clarity - giving the best, charge free rates for travel outside Europe. Apply for the card at least 2 months before your travel date. Follow Martin's link above and scroll down to his 'Best Buys'.

Smart packing 
We often carry excessive luggage and pack too much. BsAs is a thriving, exciting, international city where you can buy almost anything you would ever want at competitive prices. The exceptions are - electronic items and English tea. So why take items you can buy there?

Lost or mislaid baggage on arrival is a habitual problem with South America flights, and there have been occasions when passengers and baggage are not reunited for several days. If you co-travel, split your packing between suitcases. If solo, ensure that you have the basics for two days in your hand baggage allowance.
Here are a few suggested items to add to your usual luggage:



Electric points in BsAs have unique two point diagonal connectors. With a UK power lead and a single adaptor (available throughout BsAs) you can connect your mobile phone, computer and other items for simultaneous charging, and add your UK hair dryer and other equipment. Consider too, a portable power charger for your phone, tablet and camera if you are out for a long day and evening milonga.

Stephanie and I recommend that you take your mp3 player and portable speaker system for any trip - useful in hostels, apartments and rented dance studios, giving you tango music when and where you need it. Keep them in your hand baggage during transit.

For security peace of mind, you may also wish to take a good quality travel wallet,  theft-deterrent light rucksack, property protection alarm, Keybak with belt clip, a cheap water resistant watch which need not be removed at customs, and a mini torch for the times you arrive late night back at your apartment.

We recommend that you take several photocopies of your passport - such are frequently needed for i/d - and store a digital copy securely on the cloud for easy access in the case of loss. I also photograph and store details of each credit/debit card, together with a record for cancellation phone numbers.

Before leaving Europe, ensure that your phone roaming is either covered by contract or switched off to avoid roaming charges on data.

THE FLIGHT
With a long flight in mind we recommend that you consider an upgrade if affordable, or preferential seating if not. With a minimum of 14 hours flight time, some preparation is wise. Consider support socks, neck support, eyeshades, phone and ear phones (Bose noise cancellation if you can afford them). Keep your passport (or photocopy), a pen and details of your destination address to hand - you will need these to fill in the entry forms that are distributed in the lead up to landing. Exercise frequently and drink plenty of water during the flight, for dehydration is an issue. Take a pashmina for warmth on the plane, and later when returning from milongas - it will double as a sarong during your stay.

ARRIVAL AT EZEIZA AIRPORT, BUENOS AIRES

As you land at Ezeiza, don't be fazed. Take a few moments to savour arrival, rather than be intimidated by what lays ahead.

BsAs International Airport
EZEIZA (also occasionally called Ministro Pistirini) is 22 miles (35kms) from the city centre. There are two terminals A and B which are adjacent and connected by a 5 minute semi-covered walkway. Your flight will generally arrive at terminal A but may be diverted to terminal B, smaller and more intimate.

Immigration control

Take the non-resident queue and be prepared for a wait at busy times. Have your passport and completed immigration card (distributed before landing) ready. Keep details of your destination address and return flight to hand. If asked about the purpose of your visit, inform them that you are a tango dancer. You will be waved through with a smile.

Luggage reclaim
This is standard as at any international airport. Be prepared for missing luggage and do not panic.  Inform the airline (here again, written record of your destination is essential) and proceed to your hotel/apartment to shower, relax and have a drink. Your luggage should be delivered within 24 hours.

Exit hall
One you leave flight-side you will enter the exit hall (still a protected area to which the public are not readily admitted). See the kiosks on both sides for transfer tickets for taxi or bus, and buy your airport taxi or Tienda Leon coach ticket here using the record of your destination address. Before you leave get directions to the taxi or bus stand (located at terminal B). Otherwise, ignore the kiosks and proceed straight ahead into the arrival hall where throngs await arriving passengers.

GETTING TO YOUR HOTEL OR APARTMENT
Travel to the city takes 30-40 minutes by coach or taxi.

We have mentioned Tienda Leon which I habitually use on arrival, not least because it is safe, stress free and good value for up to two passengers. By coach, purchase a ticket that gives connection to your hotel or apartment. Hand your cases to the driver who will give you a ticket receipt. The coach will head for the city coach terminal, a safe area where you will transfer (in time) to a usually shared, included price taxi that will drop you outside your destination. Yes, this adds up to 20 minutes to your journey, but is part of the exciting arrival experience, and gives a good view of the city.

If you are to take a taxi from the airport pre-book a remis in the exit hall, or take a black and yellow cab from the airport concourse. Agree the taxi fare in advance for this journey as it falls outside the metered fare and will involve toll charges enroute.

STEPS WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES
So you have arrived! What a relief.
As with any South American country, security is taken seriously, so familiarise yourself with the house rules and keep your keys securely. You are exhausted, but resist the temptation to collapse straight away. Have a brief stroll around your bario (neighbourhood). Take a bag, find a local supermarket and buy some water, bottle of wine, cheese, fruit, coffee (without added sugar - 'sin azúcar), tea and fruit for your room or apartment. Buy a cheap folding umbrella. Locate your nearest cash machine and friendly bar. Return to unpack and rest. Tomorrow, the city!


DOs AND DON'Ts IN THE CITY
Our top ten hints - for simple safety whilst travelling
BsAs is essentially a safe city, although as with any South American city, poverty raises an incidence of crime. For this reason alone, we suggest:

1. Carry only what you need, and nothing more. Keep your house keys accessible on your key-back.

2. Avoid wearing watches, jewellery (including costume jewellery) or expensive cameras that will draw attention. Wear your cheap water resistant watch.

3. When drawing cash, ensure that it is safely placed before you leave the ATM; and secure your wallet or purse before leaving shops.

4. Never keep cash in a back pocket, and split larger amounts between bags or wallets. Consider carrying a 'false wallet' - with expired credit card and small notes.

5. Choose your handbag with care. A rucksack style bag is more difficult to dip or snatch, and the clear plastic variety has advantages. In busy areas, consider carrying a bag to your front rather than your back.

6. Take only radio taxis (black and yellow), write down your destination before you leave, and hand it to the driver. For your return journey, carry a piece of paper with your address. Keep smaller notes to one side for your taxi fare to avoid being short changed or given false notes.

7. Keep your sube pass handy before entering the subte (underground) or boarding the colectivo (bus). Take extra care on the subte, planning your journey in advance. 

8. In cafes or restaurants, avoid putting your bag or sack on the floor or pavement. Keep it secure on your lap, attach to your leg, or use the high shelves provided in some cafes.

9. When out and about, if stranger/s approach you do not engage - stranger contact is not part of the culture here. Move into the road/open space and draw attention. ’'Spray and help' - the old trick of spraying green or grey paste and then offering to help clean your clothes - this means danger. Disengage and move away immediately.

10. Walk with purpose and don't worry. Those who appear diffident are the visible targets for street crime.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRIP

Locate your local subte and check 'Getting Around'. 

Use Hoy Milonga to locate your choice of milongas.

Use Omnia Lineas to work out which colectivo (bus) is best for your journey.

Tipping: 10% in restaurants and cafes, small notes for theatre or cinema kiosks, a porter or ticket staff at the milonga, and if you have a favourite milonga, treat the waitress with a good tip to get a decent table! Not expected to tip taxi drivers.

Contact me if you would like further help on any topic, or would like to suggest changes to this posting. Don't forget to follow this blog.

And here, a glimpse into what awaits, courtesy of professional photographer, Miles Twist.

https://youtu.be/5Yt2wCFn4-U