| Author | Message | ||
     David Pace New member Username: Drubblic Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hey All, This is my first time posting to the forums. I was referred to this site by a friend and heard good things about it. I'm planning on going to Buenos Aires in the next few months. I have a ton of frequent flyer miles on American Airlines so the airfare will be free. I'm 24 years old and will be traveling with my brother and a friend. We will be flying out of NYC and plan to visit the city for 10-13 days. I checked out some apartment rental sites (ie. www.apartmentsba.com) and the prices look pretty decent. I've heard great things about the Recoleta area, and was wondering if this would be best for us? We love to eat at very nice restaurants and enjoy going to upscale lounges/clubs in the evening. I'm not too familiar with the city, so I was wondering if you could provide some advice on where to stay and visit during our travels. We'd prefer to stay in a trendy area that is safe at all times of the day/night, and one that would provide us with plenty of entertainment and good dining options. Thanks in advance for all your responses. -David | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 700 Registered: 12-2004 |
David, welcome! The short answer is yes, La Recoleta will suit you and your party well. Also, for trendy, upscale pubs and bars explore "Las canitas" and "Palermo Hollywood". I would still stay somewhere in Recoleta. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 164 Registered: 6-2006  |
Roberto as usual is right on target. You want to go to Recoleta. | ||
| marianna New member Username: Mari Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi Roberto, Im travelling to Argentina in November with a friend and i desperately need your advice with everything and anything you can give me. Im staying in Posadas through out most of the time and i need to know what the place is like in general..if its safe etc..shops..any banks? .. Can you tell me how much it is to travel from posadas to Buenos Aires? Also my friends are telling me something about the electrical plugs ?? that they are round?? : Do they not have electrical plugs like this =- ???.. Can you tell me what the weather will be like for November? Many thanks for your assistance i think your absolutely wonderful and that you always have an answer for every question... your like the next Dr Phil..well keep up the great work Cheers, Marianna | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 748 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thank you, Marianna. But credit should go to all but me. Many, like TW, are always contributing helpful information... Plugs are round but don't worry. There is a hardware store in every corner (called 'ferreterias') where you can purchase adapters and such. You can check the current weather in Posadas on this link. In November, lows are 65 and highs around 85. These are historical averages. There was a highest temperature recorded at 106 so you should expect days of 90+ throughout November. Here is the offical Posadas page published by the local government http://www.posadas.gov.ar/article.php?story=200409 13093806797. You can find more information and check pictures. You will definitely have all services you are looking for but not an abundance. Make sure you learn hours of operation as some of the smaller cities may close for the "siesta". | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 750 Registered: 12-2004 |
A ticket Bue-Posadas-Bue is usd $440 (aerolineas) | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 211 Registered: 6-2006 |
Marianna the plugs vary with different configurations from 2 to 3 prongs which as Roberto said you can get inexpensive adapters most anywhere. The current is different also, you will need a transformer for your 110 volt electric gadgets to work right and not get fried by the 220 outlets. there are 60 watt converters that are suitable for small things like cell phone charging, dvd players, and such that you can get for around 10 to 12 pesos, 3 or 4 dollars. For laptops and high wattage stuff you need a heavy duty transformer that plugs into the wall and then you plug your 110 into it, a box contraption that will cost anywhere from 20 to 30 dollars down there. These are harder to find. I got mine at a computer store. hair dryers are high wattage, for those If you need one I would just pick up one down there. | ||
| Geoff Pearson New member Username: Gpearson Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hello Folks, Can I take it that Argentina is 220V 60Hz? If affirmative, I'm a little surprised as just about everywhere else in North/South America appears to conform to the US standard of 110V. A plus for me though as we are 220V here in N Zealand... same as the UK/EU standard I think. Geoff Pearson | ||
| florencia Junior Member Username: Flopy26 Post Number: 44 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Geoff: in Argentina is 220V cheers! | ||
| Juan New member Username: Callmejuan Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2006 |
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay standard is 220V 50Hz | ||
| marianna New member Username: Mari Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 |
Many Thanx Roberto and Tom, I have jumped on the local gov web page which im sure has useful info...its just too bad that i cant read spanish..ill figure it out some how though!  Thankyou all again cheers, Marianna | ||
| Marjorie Tenchavez New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi there, it's my first time on this page and I've heard some great things about it. I was wondering, will it be cheaper to travel by bus to Buenos Aires from Posadas? If so, how long it will take? Also, I'm planning on taking a trip to Ushuaia (i don't know if i spelt that right), how much will a return plane ticket cost from Posadas to Ushuaia? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 753 Registered: 12-2004 |
Welcome Marjorie, Posadas / Buenos Aires by executive bus is usd $45 (each way) Posadas - Ushuaia flight on Argentine Airlines is usd $495 (each way) with a night in Buenos Aires (must be added). | ||
| Marjorie Tenchavez New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks Roberto.. do you think it's wise to pre-book a flight to Ushuaia now since I'm going to Argentina in November, which I understand is semi-peak season (spring)? | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 214 Registered: 6-2006 |
Marianna, Most government sites in Ar are in Spanish unlike the US which by law has to be in English and Spanish. It would certainly help tourism and business in the land of the Gaucho if the Ar government adopted the same communication theroies. In the meantime, here you will be able to have most any of your questions answered so ask away por favor. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 755 Registered: 12-2004 |
Marjorie, things are in state of flux right now. Given that November is around the corner I would suggest wrapping up all your travel plans as soon as possible. You can book this with any travel agency or online, as well as with Erna at erna@travelsur.net. Check with other services, shop around and make sure a 1 night in Buenos Aires is required for this flight, unfortunately. Tom, thank you for all your contribution. I am sure you have all your bases covered but if you are even in BA please stop by the old lady's office to say hi... or if you ever need anything. | ||
| Marjorie Tenchavez New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi Roberto, thanks for your help.. my friend and I have, sadly, decided to opt out of Ushuaia as the airfare from Posadas is too much, as we are on a *tight* budget and very time-restricted (we can only spare a weekend!).. we are now trying to decide on whether to go to Bariloche or Perito Moreno (is this near Parque Nacional Monte Leon) in Patagonia, out of these 2, which one's more cost effective? Should we choose Bariloche, how long will a flight take from Posadas (im aware that we have to get a connecting flight from B.A.)? Which local airline would you recommend? Also, how far is San Antonio De Areco from Buenos Aires? Your feedback will be much appreciated. Thank you. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 223 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hey Marjorie Welcome to the forum. Bariloche is Argentina's Vale Colorado. A very expensive beautiful place in the summer and a ski paradise in the winter. I can't even afford to drive through Vale. From what I understand the cheap hotels in Bariloche cost more than every other hotel in Argentina with the possible exception being the 5 star ones in Buenos Aires. I can't afford to drive through Bariloche either but I will sell you a home site and build you a brand new home there. You will love Argentina. | ||
| Beverly Adams New member Username: Beverly Post Number: 9 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hi Marjorie, November is one of the off season months in Bariloche and hotels are much cheaper than during the high seasons. There is always the hostel option also. It's a great time to go...no crowds, cheaper rates...and it's springtime, so the flowers are beautiful around the city. Tom, Bariloche is alot cheaper than Vale! Check it out during the off seasons. We stayed at the Tres Reyes Hotel, 4 stars, I think, in a triple room for 90 bucks with a wonderful breakfast buffet, that was for 3 adults. It was the cleanest hotel we have ever stayed in, here or in the states. Beverly | ||
| Marjorie Tenchavez New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks Tom and Beverly! I'm also reading the Lonely Planet guide to Argentina, very useful so far as it has an extensive list of *cheap and midrange* accommodation throughout the country. Now all I need to know is how much it will cost me to get to Bariloche by air, from Posadas ... can anyone recommend an airline? Has anyone here ever used the Aerolineas Argentina's "Visit Argentina" options.. they claim to be the 'cheapest'.. from Buenos Aires to Bariloche it's USD $209 (one way) Your feedback will be much appreciated! | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 224 Registered: 6-2006 |
thanks Beverly that is good to know. But it still is more expensive than most other hotels in Argentina  I was just kidding about Vale, I drove through there once and bought a post card. I mailed it from the post office so I could prove I had been there with the post mark. It was really nice of them to charge me the same for postage as anywhere else in the states. Go figure. Welcome to the forum. | ||
| Beverly Adams New member Username: Beverly Post Number: 10 Registered: 9-2006 |
Hi Marjorie, I just checked LAN airlines,www.LAN.com. Great airline and great service, from our experience. Anyways, they have a special from Buenos Aires to Bariloche for 114US one way, that's without taxes, but still a good price. Beverly | ||
| Marjorie Tenchavez New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks for that Beverly, LAN is cheaper than Aerolineas. The good thing is they have available flights that fits my very tight schedule! Unforunately I can only stay in Bariloche for one night! As i have to bus it from Posadas to Buenos Aires the night before (so I can save more money)! Can anyone recommend a good tour operator in Bariloche? One that offers half-day tours.. im interested in doing some horseback riding and just some sightseeing.. Thanks for your help! | ||
| kerry bourke New member Username: Rumncoke Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi, I am thinking of travelling to Baires in December for at least a month and if I like (and can afford) it I may stay longer. I live in Rome, Italy and even though I'm from the UK I have "adapted" to the Italian/Latin philosofy/way of life in the last 30 years. Do you think that this attitude will help me adapt to the BA lifestyle and are there any similarities in the Italian and Argentinian mentalities? I figue on renting a room or a small apartment somewhere central as I am used to living in the centre of cities and where I live in Rome (behind the colosseum) still maintains the "quartiere" lifestyle where people sit in the streets in the summer evenings, people know each other and the market is every morning under my balcony. I like to dance salsa and I am a sociable and amiamble man. I'd like to study Spanish and get to know the BA lifestyle I don't really want to be an "expat" as I prefer to merge in to the local scenery. My questions are: How can I expect to live on €2000 a month (including rent)? Where is a lively place to look for an apartment/room? Do you know if BA university does spanish courses as I think this would be a way to meet locals? Flights look awfully expensive €1750 for a return, any cheaper alternatives like flying through NYC, Miami, London, Madrid,? Thanks in advance for any replies. I'll probably have loads more questions. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 225 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hello Kerry Welcome to the blog. I like your username, "rumncoke" and based on some of your questions I think it is quite appropriate. You should be able to live comfortably in some very nice and safe areas of the city including Capital Federal on 2k Euros. Apartmentsba and others should be able to give you some good advice on an affordable apartment. People do not sit in the streets in BA unless they are in the back seat of a taxi. Other than a few blocks on either side of the intersection of Florida and Lavalle which are pedestrian only there are very few streets that do not have autos on them most of the time. Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with some of the friendliest people. You are in for a great adventure. | ||
| Marjorie T. New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi.. is tap water safe to drink in Argentina? | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 792 Registered: 12-2004 |
Question is where in Argentina? If in Mendoza or Bariloche where water may come from the mountains possibly yes. I remember drinking crystal clear water from small falls in Mendoza mountains with no side effects. And I mean just stopping the car and drinking straight from the walls. If you think 'la quiaca or la puna' northwest, that is another story. In Buenos Aires you won't get sick by brushing your teeth using tap water (like you might in Bolivia) but bottled water is cheap, why would you need tap water? | ||
| Marjorie T. New member Username: Marjorie Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks Roberto.. ill be mainly staying in Posadas.. which is north east of Buenos Aires.. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 794 Registered: 12-2004 |
Why not pm Carlos Sebastian Cabrera? He may know better than anyone here... But if he is noshow I would go with bottled water. | ||
| Isaac Ho New member Username: Lonewolf Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Majorie, I've been drinking water straight from the tap since I arrived 2 months ago... todo bien. No problems at all. Take care, Isaac | ||
| Mike Johnakin New member Username: Quito0819 Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2009 |
My wife, myself and my three children are flying into BA on 22 June and will leave 29 June 2009. We all speak Spanish. A few questions. 1. Can you recommend a good hostal and what areas should we look at? (The "children" are young adults. We, alas, not so much. But I know they will want to go out at night...a lot) 2. Is taking a bus to the falls for three days a good idea and where do you suggest we stay? 3. Money is a concern, but so is taking advantage of some once in a lifetime trips... Thanks for any ideas, Mike |
