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Buenos Aires:
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Practical Info & Spanish

Essential information and useful phrases for your Buenos Aires adventure

Practical Information

Essential information to help you navigate Buenos Aires like a local.

Dining Times & Culture

Argentine Meal Schedule: Dining times are much later in Argentina. Argentines typically have four meals a day:

  • Breakfast: 8-10 AM
  • Lunch: 12-2 PM
  • Merienda (afternoon second breakfast): 4-6 PM
  • Dinner: 9 PM-midnight

Restaurants often don't open for dinner until 8 PM, with peak dining between 9-11 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (3-8 PM).

Language & Communication

Spanish with Italian Influence: Spanish is the official language, as Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816. However, Argentine Spanish (called "Rioplatense") is very different from Mexican Spanish due to massive Italian immigration (1880-1930).

  • The accent, intonation, and many words have Italian influence
  • Argentines use "vos" instead of "tú" to say "you"

Fun fact: Buenos Aires has more Italian descendants than Rome!

Currency & Exchange

Argentine Peso (ARS): The official currency is the Argentine Peso. Use your Mastercard or Visa for the best exchange rates.

Current rates: Mastercard and Visa typically deviate about 5% from market rate. We'll post updated rates every few days to keep you informed. Use cards preferably with no foreign transaction fees for the best value.

Transportation

Getting Around Buenos Aires:

  • Uber: Cheaper than in the US - short rides cost $2-5 USD, longer rides (30-40 minutes) around $13 USD. Very reliable and widely available.
  • Subway (Subte): Clean, efficient metro system. You can pay directly with any credit or debit card - no special transit card needed. See the subway map below for route planning.
  • Buses (Colectivos): For buses, you need a SUBE card - a rechargeable transit card. SUBE cards can be purchased and recharged at subway stations, kiosks marked "SUBE", and some stores. Buses are extensive and affordable but can be confusing for tourists.

Contact Tutti for assistance getting your SUBE card!

🚇 Buenos Aires Subway Map

Buenos Aires Subte Network: The subway system has 6 lines (A, B, C, D, E, H) connecting major neighborhoods and attractions. Lines operate from 5 AM to 10:30 PM (11:30 PM on Fridays, 12:30 AM on Saturdays). All stations accept contactless payment with international credit/debit cards.

Modern payment: Tap your card directly at turnstiles - no special transit card needed!

Buenos Aires subway map

Useful Spanish Phrases

Essential Argentine Spanish phrases to help you communicate during your stay.

Basic Greetings

Hola Hello
Buenos días / Buen día Good morning
Buenas tardes / Buenas Good afternoon
Buenas noches / Buenas Good evening/night
Chau Bye (Argentine style)

Polite Expressions

Por favor Please
Gracias Thank you
De nada You're welcome
Permiso Excuse me
Perdón Sorry

Getting Around

¿Dónde está...? Where is...?
¿Cómo llego a...? How do I get to...?
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much does it cost?
La cuenta, por favor The check, please
No hablo español I don't speak Spanish

At Restaurants

¿Tienen mesa para dos? Do you have a table for two?
El menú, por favor The menu, please
¿Qué recomiendan? What do you recommend?
Está muy rico It's very delicious
Un cortado, por favor A cortado, please

Argentine Slang

Che Hey (very Argentine!)
Bárbaro Great/Awesome
Boludo/a Dude (friendly)
¿Todo bien? Everything good?
Dale Come on/Let's go/OK

Emergency & Help

¡Ayuda! Help!
¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English?
Necesito un médico I need a doctor
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom?
Estoy perdido/a I'm lost

Typical Argentine Greeting Conversation

Person A: Hola, ¿cómo va?
Hello, how's it going?
Person B: Todo bien, ¿y vos?
All good, and you?
Person A: Todo bien, gracias.
All good, thanks.

Food & Drinks

Vino Wine
Cerveza Beer
Carne Beef/Meat
Pollo Chicken
Pescado Fish
Pan Bread
Agua Water

Wedding Vocabulary

Iglesia Church
Boda / Casamiento Wedding
El novio / Marido Groom / Husband
La novia / Mujer Bride / Wife
Invitado/a Guest
Celebración Celebration

Travel Essentials

Hotel Hotel
Aeropuerto Airport
Taxi Taxi
Subte Subway
Calle Street
Plaza Square
Museo Museum

Numbers & Time

Uno / Dos / Tres One / Two / Three
Cuatro / Cinco / Seis Four / Five / Six
¿Qué hora es? What time is it?
Mañana Tomorrow/Morning
Hoy Today
Ayer Yesterday

Useful Descriptors

Grande / Pequeño Big / Small
Bueno / Malo Good / Bad
Caliente / Frío Hot / Cold
Rápido / Lento Fast / Slow
Caro / Barato Expensive / Cheap
Cerca / Lejos Near / Far

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