Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Bienvenido & Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina (Part 2)

Travel tips to Buenos Aires!


Always prepare a lot of coins because you will need it for public transport which is the colectivo (bus) and subte (train). The bus only cost me AR$1.25 pesos for a long distance and train is AR$1.10 pesos for any distance. Bear in mind that in BsAs, there are 141 buses with 90 different companies operated. If you are confused with the buses around, ask the local, I will suggest you to use subte as it is convenient.

Go for a free tour organized by Jonathan Evans, he knows everything about BsAs as he live there for years. He will give you the insight of what to expect during your trip in Buenos Aires which will assist you to explore the city yourself. He will explain how to use the public transport and tour you around the famous place in Argentina. (http://www.buenosaireslocaltours.com/)

Make sure you change your money which is the USD to Argentina Pesos at Banco de La Nacion in the Ezeiza Airport and the remaining money you can always change in your own hostel.

Use money belt to keep your money and belongings, I would recommend your passport and other documents/money to keep in the hostel locker. Bring only what is necessary. I’ve almost get rip off by a pick pocket in the train.

The way Argentine greet people is different, be expect to get a kiss from a lady on your cheek with a hug and seeing a man kiss on the other man cheek and a hug.

Living expenses might be expensive, for example, the MCD for the medium size cost around RM40 compared to Malaysia which only cost around RM10. My advice, try the local cuisine instead of the fast food. For instance, empanadas, milanesa, parrilla, dulce de leche, steak & wine and pizza.

Mineral water (agua) cost varies in different places. It does not vary from few cents (centavos) but few pesos instead. Roughly, the cheapest you can get is $4 pesos which is located at the kiosk or supermarket at the neighborhood.

Lunch and dinner is so different in Argentina, people will have lunch around 2pm onwards and dinner on 9pm onwards. The nightlife is great as the club will starts around 1am onwards till the next morning.

Tango in La Boca
If you want to watch tango performance, it is worth to go to La Catedral which is a cheaper option compared to watching at Tango Porteno which cost almost $400 pesos which include the dinner. You can always see a tango street dance performance at La Boca (Take Bus 152) and Puerto Madero or San Telmo.

For souvenir hunt such as antiques, mate cup, T-shirts and etc, go to San Telmo or Florida Street, be aware of pickpocket, check for the best bargain and make sure you can speak little Spanish for travel. (greetings, number, direction)

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This blog intend to inspire the youth out there to explore the world, motivates people who want to travel solo and meet new people!


Keep a look out for MYC!'s upcoming issue of MYC! News themed 'Around the World'!

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