Buenos Aires, Argentina » City Info » Travel Tips

Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is also known as the 'Paris of South America'. Travel and leisure is the main highlight of this port city of Argentina. It offers a wide range of historical attractions for art lovers, cultural events, modern skyscrapers, natural landscapes, and vibrant nightlife.

Like other South American cities, tipping is not compulsory or added to the bill. Typically, around 10-15% tipping is expected if someone is giving good service. If payment is made by credit card, then tipping is expected by cash. There are no other provisions or service charges added to restaurant/bar bills. Normally, taxi drivers do not expect any tip unless they offer extra services like helping to carry bags to hotels or airports.

Buenos Aires is considered a safe city as the crime rate is relatively low. But it is good to take extra care, precautions while travelling. Petty thieves, bag snatchers, and pick-pocketers usually roam around tourist places, and therefore it is good to be alert while exploring this city. It is considered safe to use radio taxis which are affordable too.

1. Avoid travelling alone and take the guidance of local friends while roaming the streets, especially at night.
2. Avoid unnecessary exposure to valuable and expensive items at crowded places, subways.
3. Be alert from gangs of people who operate together to distract attention to grab wallets or mobile phones.
4. Keep credit cards, extra cash, and passports in the hotel locker.
5. Avoid eye contact or helping beggars on the streets.
6. Try to withdraw money from the ATMs that are placed inside buildings, banks or shopping centres.
7. Before leaving hotels, do ask which areas should be avoided, especially at night.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public transportations like taxis, trains, and buses. There is also a restriction on smoking in public areas like theatres, grounds, and food processing places. Additionally, smoking is banned in bars, restaurants. Bars that are covered in more than 100m² are allowed to keep a separate smoking zone.

This city is located in the southern hemisphere and falls under the humid subtropical climate zone. The summer season starts in December, whereas winter starts in June. Snowfall is sporadic, but rainfall is expected at any time of the year. Usually, tourists prefer the winter season. The best time to travel to this city is from July to September.

Different means of transportation available in the city are buses, taxis, trains, and car rentals. All major attractions in the city are connected via a bus network, and locally it is known as 'Colectivos'. The bus is the cheapest and safest option as it has a low fare compared to others. The express bus network called 'Diferencial' is a little more expensive.

Taxis are readily available almost everywhere, but one more desirable transport option is called 'Remises'. These are similar to taxis, but the price of the trip is pre-arranged. Another reliable option is the subway system, which covers the centre and outskirts of the city.

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