Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotels and City Guide

Buenos Aires - Travel Tips

When to Visit

Arts and Events
Romance and passion are synonymous with Argentina and both are represented through the music and dance of the tango. Tango classes are held throughout Buenos Aires and have become a favourite holiday pastime for visitors. Religious passion is also to the fore of everyday life, coupled with a veneration of the dead that is manifested in pilgrimages and spiritual rituals.

Seasons
Spring, September to November, is the best time to visit Buenos Aires. Summer, from December to February, is hot and can be unpleasantly humid; autumn months from March to May have pleasant days but with more rainfall than during other seasons; winter months from June to August are cold while spring has lovely sunny days.

Buenos Aires Local Holidays

1 January: New Year’s Day
24 March: Truth & Justice Day
2 April: Good Friday and Veterans’ Day (Malvinas)
1 May: Labour Day
25 May: National Day
15 June: National Flag Day
9 July: National Independence Day
17 August: San Martin Day
12 October : Race Recognition Day
8 December: Immaculate Conception Day
25 December: Christmas Day

Buenos Aires Local Customs and Language

Local Customs
As most Argentines are of European descent, culturally they seem more European than Latin American.

The family is central to Argentine life. Personal and family honour is very important and affects life at home, in business, and in the community. Great respect is given to heads of powerful families who have a responsibility to the rest of society.

Argentines are generally an unreserved people who demonstrate their warmth and passion by patting each other on the back while standing close to the person they are speaking to.

Eating in the street or on public transport is rude.

Language
Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Rioplatense Spanish spoken in Buenos Aires was heavily influenced by Italian (thanks to the early immigrants) and is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain and the rest of South America. Other languages spoken in Argentina include Italian, German, English, French, Korean and Chinese. Indigenous languages that are still spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani and Quechua.

Buenos Aires Tipping Advice

Tipping is theoretically outlawed; nevertheless, it is still practised. In most cases a 10% tip is adequate, but some restaurants and hotels add on a 25% service charge to your bill.

Health and Security AdviceLocal Customs and Language

Take prescription drugs with you and make sure you have travel insurance, covering medical expenses as well as lost property. Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires, but not in the rural north.

Crime is rife in Buenos Aires where muggers, pickpockets, bag and backpack snatchers ply their trade on busy streets, in hotel lobbies, bus and train stations and crowded subways. It is advisable not to use the subte at night. Criminals usually work in groups and tourists should presume they are armed so, if confronted by thieves, do not resist but hand over all valuables and money. Visitors wearing expensive jewellery and watches will be targeted. A modus operandi used by criminals is to spray visitors from a distance with something nasty and then relieve them of their wallets in the ensuing commotion. Never leave laptops, cameras, luggage, unattended.

Another scam is to entice tourists into a ‘wiskeria’, a bar offering shopping discounts or free shows. Once inside, the victim is charged an exorbitant amount for a drink before being allowed to leave.

Visitors should be alert when withdrawing money from ATMs.

‘Express kidnappings’ involve victims being grabbed off the streets and made to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs. A ransom is then demanded from family or colleagues to be paid within an hour or two. Once the ransom has been received, the victim is released.

The safest way to get around Buenos Aires is by remis, especially if you have luggage with you. If other taxis are used, try to pay the exact price so that you are not ripped off in the giving of change. Hotels and restaurants will call remises for you.

Traffic accidents are common as drivers often ignore traffic laws and travel at excessive speeds. The purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods is illegal.

Emergency numbers: Ambulance 107; Fire 100; Police 911; Citimed Clinic (0) 11 4322 2595

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina