Taxis

They are some of the greatest hustlers in the city, so watch out for that running meter. I’ll never forget the first time I visited Buenos Aires, and our taxi driver was ever so slyly jumping up the meter every time we looked out of the window at the view. Once you touch down at the airport, book a prepaid taxi, so you know exactly how much you’ll be paying and won’t be ripped off.

Check out this company at the airport: Taxi Ezeiza

Everything moves slow!

If you meet new friends, or maybe you’re off on a date (lucky you), then do not expect the Argentinian who will have the pleasure of your company to make it on time. However, don’t take this offensively (initially it might be hard not to), it’s only natural in the ‘Paris’ of Latin America for everyone to take their time. So if you’re coming in from a fast paced city like London or New York, just remember, slow down your pace of walk, take your time, and do not let it worry you if you’re late as you won’t be the only one.

Late Late Late… Muy Tarde

I won’t delve into this point too much, as the above point slightly covers it, and this probably won’t be news to anyone who knows anything about Latin America customs, but everything happens extremely late here. Don’t expect dinner until earliest, 9:30pm during the weekdays and maybe 11pm on the weekends. Also, if you enjoy a night out or two, dont expect anyone to be at any clubs until at least 2am. So why not, just before your trip have a few extra late nights and dinners, so you’re fully prepared for your BA experience, you don’t want to miss out on anything, after all

Argentina is expensive. Very expensive.

Having lived in London for the past year, I didn’t really expect that any other country could top the British capital in terms of pricing, but oh my. Groceries and clothing will really set you back - it’s even been suggested to me that eating out is a cheaper alternative. I’ll never forget the first grocery shop I did, with one bag of food coming to around £50...Also another note; you need to weigh your own fruit and vegetables in most larger chain stores ( I was unaware of this and thereby ensued a long line of angry Argentinians as I tried to weigh all of them, with tomatoes and avocados flying everywhere).

All Argentinians are affectionate, friendly humans, (Well.. mostly)

I would say that 99% of the people I’ve met whilst volunteering in this city are especially charming. Don’t be freaked out if most of the people in the street will greet you with a cheery hola as you pass. Most of the locals I’ve met, want to help me with my (terrible) Spanish, recommend me a good restaurant, or simply want to know where I’m from and what I’m doing here.