When I started my journey to Argentina, I was pretty confidant that I can handle everything with Global language English and global currency USD. But I failed to say Spanish in Spanish (espanol) in my first attempt and also to get a taxi from airport! considering that many Indians are travelling to Argentina, thought to share some information.
This article is only for those who are willing to travel to Argentina and not for someone who want to know about Argentina. Also, not possible to cover everything in this blog, any more information feel free to contact.
You can see mix of cultures here. There are Italians, British, Russian, Chinese, French .. the list goes on. They speak Spanish and that also means that these is no English. If you are travelling to Argentina or most of the LATAM countries, you may continue reading this article. I stayed only in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina where 40% of the population resides. So, most of below details refers to BsAs only.
1. Language : Learn Spanish. Its very easy. It helps a lot. I found this website Shortcuttospanish.com more helpful that BBC language learner. Believe me, it is very very easy language to learn if you know English. Although in most of major hotels you may get warm welcome with English but its rare.
2. Currency : Like in most of LATAM countries, they have Pesos. Today conversion rate is about 12.17 INR. Refer oanda.com for more details.
Argentina, in the mood of reforming, doesn't entertain exchange of local currencies into dollars or other currencies. So if you are exchanging @ airport, ensure that you keep the bill or so called ticket with you, so that later you can convert back to Dollars or other currency. One advise is save dollars.
Coins have denominations like 5,10,25,50 cents and 1 and 2 Pesos.
Notes have denominations like 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pesos.
Withdrawing money from ATM is safe and it costs about 80+ pesos for each transaction.And remember that $ means Argentina Peso not USD.
3. Accomodation : House/Hotels.... anyhow expensive! Considering 21% inflation as stated by government, hotel prices could change on monthly basis also. Getting a hotel in downtown of Buenos Aires costs roughly about 300 Pesos a day per person. If you are staying for long term, advised to get rented house which could costs about 3000 Pesos monthly. Do note that accommodation is most expensive part of your stay in Argentina, so plan it properly.
4. Transportation : Buenos Aires have very good transportation facilities. You can choose among, Bus, Subte, Train or Taxi or most preferably to walk also.
It also costs very less like 1.25 pesos for bus anywhere in city or 2.5 for subte anywhere to anywhere. You will definitely like the lo(ve)w fares. Get the city map of Buenos Aires and you will find a way to your destiny.
Travelling by taxi is expensive among all the options. LIBRE title on taxi means that taxi is free to occupy. Subte is quick way to reach destiny but be careful about which side you should get into.
5. City Planning : Being commercial place, you may see many nice architectures, mixture of Italian, British culture. Few old buildings are very beautiful with high doors. Each block of a road is about 100 meters. Every building have a number associated. One side only odd numbers and other side even numbers. City is very well planned and well executed. It will never be a problem to reach anywhere just by having a number and road name. To travel around once go for city tour which costs about 80 Pesos. If you have city map (mapa de cuidad) there is no chance that you will miss the route
6. Traffic : Its left side driving traffic. People are very patient, not in hurry to break signals. Cross signal only on green. And 99% of people follow traffic rules. Buses will only stop where they were suppose to. You can cross road on every block. Most of the small roads are one way. Small roads are not as small as in India. When you are walking by street, a red signal indicates that vehicle is entering or leaving building.
7. Communication : Its easy to get mobile SIM cards - refers as CHIPS, you may get them in any kiosk but cannot guarantee that they work always. If you are working on behalf of a company, mostly you will get a SIM card by company. Otherwise advised to go to merchandise and buy SIM card. You have options like Personal, Movistar or Claro.
Most of the hotels have free Wi-Fi included. Internet centers are also available but you have to search. Advised to use them only if you are in downtown.
Food.
I kept this part at the end as there is lot to say about food :)
Asians, be ready to get your spices well packed. When I read in history that British Came to India for spices I really didn't understand what it actually meant by. When you stay in Argentina, you will get to know the value of spices.
Morning breakfast includes mostly Facturas and cafe (croissant and coffee). Lunch will include mostly Asado, Pasta, Pizza etc but still light meal. Dinner which will be only after 9 PM.
Argentina is heaven for beef. As they say, they eat as much as they can :) But pizza is very common food you will find. There are Chinese take away restaurants for every 2-3 blocks in downtown of Argentina. In these Chinese restaurants you will get everything, fruits, veg food, salad, pizza. Costs about 3.8 Pesos per 100 gms. If you love spices or even if you dint ( i didn't know that I like spices before!) pack up more than necessary amount of spices, specially chilly powder. Rice, Dal or any such things are available there and in better price. Just learn to eat butter and bread well. There are few Indian restaurants and vegetarian Argentina restaurants as well.
For Vegetarians:
Argentina is heaven of beef, but nothing to worry, veggies also have plenty of options and not just to survive but to enjoy!
Remember few most important
words.
Carne - Beef
Pollo ( pronounced as Pojo) - Chicken
Jamon ( pronounced as Khamon) - Pork
Atun - Fish.
Verdura - Vegetables.
Easy to say no carne, no pollo(pojo), no Jamon (Khamon), no Atun if you are ordering something or asking someone to suggest. You can eat pizza without carne/pollo/jamon; they are made of floor, tomato, yeast and cheese. A type of empanada called as 'Humata" is only made of sweetcorn. You can cook pasta easily. But pasta or empanada are with traces of egg. Among fastfood, Subway is preferred for Veggies.
Learn basic names of vegetables, it helps a lot. If you are buying biscuits or any such products look for Granix brand, which indicates that its pure vegetarian. You will find many vegetables in super markets like COTO, Carrefour or DISCO. You will get vegetarian oil in better price. I stayed for almost four months and I had good time in cooking or otherwise eating Pizzas.
One last note on what to carry
1. Spices ( must)
2. Depending on weather condition, you may need warm cloth like gloves, scarf, woolen dress etc.
3. Universal power supply plug. Every neighbour country in LATAM have different one!
4. USD ($) - Life line and Credit Card.
5. And finally smile on face. People in Argentina are very kind, nice and helpful. Treat them well.
What to shop for ( Added as per Suresh's Comment)
Well, inlike in America, most of electronic items are expensive here. If you are thinking of mobile, laptop, camera or anything as such . . . . not a good idea. All electronic items are expensive here. And it also extends to other items like cloth, footware etc. Once market is better plan to visit for shopping.
This information is incomplete! Comments are welcome for corrections or additions.
-PC
