Exchange
The Argentine currency is the peso. The rate of exchange varies from 110.71 to 110.79 pesos per U.S dollar. This high rate has turned Buenos Aires into an excellent destination to purchase premium products at incredible prices.
Visitors Information
- Information Center of the National Tourism Secretariat:
- 0-800-555-0016 ( toll free nationwide 12 hours a day from 8 to 20 hs.)
- Information Office of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires:
- 4311-0528 / 4313-0187 ( monday to saturday from 7.30 to 13 hs.)
Language
Spanish is the official language. However, if you speak English or Portuguese, you won’t have any problems in getting around.
Bankings
Regular banking hours are from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 15 hs.
Automatic Tellers (ATS)
Automatic tellers are numerous around the city. Most of them are in the principal comercial banks of Buenos Aires and are availables 24 hs.
You can withdraw money in cash from the cashiers just in argentinian pesos.
Shopping hours
Stores are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 13 hs. However you will find open stores on main avenues on Saturday afternoon and even on Sundays.
Shopping centres are open every day from 10 am to 22 hs.
Security
Buenos Aires is, generally speaking, a safe city, however, it still is a big city.
If you you bear in mind the following recommendations, you will enjoy your stay without major problems:
- Keep your passport, air tickets and cash in your apartment.
- Do not walk on lonely streets or parks at night.
- Do not stop taxis after 22 hs. Call radio taxis.
Emergency
- Police: 101
- Tourist Police Station: 0800-999-5000 o 4346-5748
Transportation
Buses
The bus (colectivo) is a fast and inexpensive means of transport to travel over the Capital. There are more than 180 lines going through the city and providing connection with all districts in the Greater Buenos Aires.
The service is available at regular intervals. Sometimes, streets may be blocked in the downtown area due to traffic jams.
Hours: Bus service is available all day long but its frequency decreases after 12 am.
Fare: AR$ 5.50
Bus Station of Retiro: 4310-0700/0707
Subways
This is the fastest and easiest way to reach your destination. The five subway lines (commonly known as "subtes") are connected with the main avenues and railway and bus stations, and converge upon downtown, the main tourist and hotel area.
Maps showing the subway lines in different colors may be obtained at the ticket offices located in every station. Information boards showing each line routes and transfer stations between lines are available in all stations. These connections that allow passengers to use more than one line are called "combinación".
The service runs Mondays through Saturdays, from 5 am to 10 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 8 am to 10 pm. Fare: AR$ 4.50
Taxis
They can be requested by phone or you may call them on the street. Radiotaxis (provided with radio systems) are considered safer. There is a great number of taxis in the city - getting a taxi near the tourist areas is easy at any time of day or night. Usually, you will wait for no longer than a few minutes.
Taxis can be easily recognized by their colors - black and yellow. In addition, a red light on the taximeter indicates that they are available.
Airports
Ezeiza Airport and Aeroparque Airport: 5480-6111/ 5480-2500
Buenos Aires Climate
The weather in Buenos Aires -oceanic temperate- is benign all year long. The anual average temperature of 18°C (64°F) makes the intense hot and cold days very scarce, allowing you to take a walk through the city on all seasons.On winter, July is the coldest month, with average temperatures between 3°C and 8°C (37°F and 46°F), but there are no frosts. It is necessary to go out with a wool sweater, a coat and a scarf.
During the summer, the heat is humid and the average temperature is of 28°C (82°F). At night, the temperature slightly drops, so there is no need for coats, just light clothes.
Seasons
- Summer: December 21st - March 21st
- Fall: March 21st - June 21st
- Winter: June 21st - September 21st
- Spring: September 21st - December 21st
