Buenos Aires

[Fellowship]

Good morning to all of you

I just registered so I am not too familiar with this forum but I would like to know how things use to work out in Buenos Aires after arrival. I learned from several people that it is rather dangerous even in a cab to go to whatever hotel and that those are situated in rather noisy areas. As we will arrive quite late on the 29 March next with Iberia I would appreciate first hand knowledge very much

thanks in advance

[BelArgUSA]

Are you sure you are not confusing cities of South America...?
xxx
As an example, certain areas of Rio de Janeiro, or Sao Paulo...
Buenos Aires has crime... like Detroit or Hong Kong... or Amsterdam...
But is not really known as "high crime" city.
Buenos Aires is generally pick-pockets, getting you wallet is a sport...
I often go alone walking at night - 15 years I live there, nothing has been happening.
I have a special wallet for thieves, with expired credit card and a $10 bill for their effort.
And... I know where to go and not to go...
And I dont look like a tourist.
xxx
:)
Happy contrails

[malagajohn]

BA is fine - take normal precautions as you would do in any city

You have three transport options at the airport

Bus - cheap but not a good diea at night if you have bags

Regular taxi service - fine but it can be pot luck with the state of the vehicle

Limousine service - "remise" in Arg Spanish - not as posh as US limos but good enough - expect to pay about 25-30 dollares per car to adowntown hotel

These are available just after you clear customs and before you reach the madding vrowds waiting to met their relatives

As Belarg says - watch pickpockets during the day , avoid flashy jewellery and belnd in

And have a great stay , you'll enjoy it:)

[skyryder]

You need not be overly concerned about the safety at the airport in EZE. There are a couple of ways to get to your hotel in the Cap Fed or any other barrio in the BsAs area.
The easiest is to go the EZE taxi counter just outside of the customs exit area. They will take your destination, give you a price and then you pay them and someone will escort you and you luggage to the correct car and give the driver the address. I have used them a lot and they are a very good service at competitive prices.
You can also get a taxi from one of the yellow and blck companies just outside of baggage claim. They are good, just make sure they start the meter or you get a flat rate. There is supposed to be flat rate charge to downtown, but you have to pay the tolls.
I wouldn't recommend getting a cab that just discharged a pax as it might cause a problem.
One other thing, only change money in the airport at the Banco Nacion, just outside of customs. It is open every day and it is the best rate you can get, the other cambios are total rip-offs. Enjoy a great trip in a beautiful city!

[CR2]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7185615.stm

[BelArgUSA]

From EZE to Capital...
Take bus service "Manuel Tienda de Leon"...
Goes to city area known as "San Martin". Nice area.
Exchange rate US dollar to peso is 3.25 Pesos.
xxx
Then to your hotel, hail any taxi (black cars with yellow top).
Just see that they start meter.
Pay the fare, NO TIP please (all inclusive)... just round-off to next Peso unit.
Taxis are inexpensive.
xxx
When you need transport from hotel, ask desk to get you a "Remis"...
Pronounces "reh-miss" - is an unmarked car, fare is agreed by you, or hotel.
Do not use buses... favorite place for pick-pockets.
Do not use subway at night (the "Subte"). Same reason.
xxx
City center streets are safe at night. No problem.
You will love Bs.As... the people, the food, the night life.
And will understand why I moved to live there...
Iets te vragen, schrijft mij een PM, ik kan nederlands spreken.
xxx
:)
Happy contrails

[Fellowship]

All of you many thanks for the useful information.

[malagajohn]

After a 12 hour flight from Europe take a taxi or a remise

The bus takes too long

On Wenesday I catch the same flight as you - I will take the remise to my hotel - - the same company that does the bus service also does the remise service - you can pay be credit card

Change money the fllowing day at a bank near your hotel - yo dont want to do it at night after a long flight

[Panama Jack]

I have a special wallet for thieves, with expired credit card and a $10 bill for their effort.

I like that suggestion. Thanks!

[BelArgUSA]

Hola P.J. -
xxx
Many moons ago, I got taken with a "phoney" $100 bill...
Looked real to me. but not to the bank...
Wish I had kept it to make my potential thieves happier even.
If they steal my wallet, it is a genuine $10 bill...
xxx
Just to keep them happy as I said, I dont want a knife in my tummy.
The $10 bill, the expired Visa card, and a "Rolex made-in-China" will do.
With inflation and exchange rates, maybe I should switch to 10 €uros...
Maybe these kids can read today's exchange rates in newspapers.
xxx
One thing happened to me, my "Nike's" shoes stolen in Rio de Janeiro.
Had to walk on my cute white socks, back to the Méridien Copacabana.
Nikes and Adidas items very high on shopping lists priorities of Cariocas.
Hope the bastards died, after they smelled the inside of my shoes...
xxx
:(
Happy contrails