Questions Regarding Buenos Aires
Nov 24th, 2015, 04:49 PM
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Questions Regarding Buenos Aires
Hello Fodorites -
I've seemingly looked all over for the answers to my questions and have finally decided to ask those that know. I will be in Buenos Aires from November 18-December 4 prior to a trip to Antarctica. I have the following questions:
1. Is there a shop at the airport where I can purchase a Sim card for my phone? I was advised by my telephone carrier here in the States that it would be more cost effective to purchase a Sim card than for me to add an international plan to my phone.
2. I am staying at the Tango de Mayo hotel on Av. de Mayo 1396. I chose this location as it is directly across the street from the subway station and also because it appears to be near several of the attractions that I am interested in visiting (Teatro Colon, Plaza De Mayo, Casa Rosada, and not too far from Cafe Tortoni, El Ateneo, etc...). I keep hearing, however, that Recoleta and Palermo are better areas to stay in. Can anyone provide any insight as to the area where the Tango de Mayo is located? I know there is no such thing as a "safe" place, however, I don't want to stay in an area that is known to be dangerous.
3. Does anyone know of a place near my hotel where I can exchange US dollars for Argentine Pesos? I understand that it is better to exchange $$$ rather than using a credit card.
4. Unfortunately, while mobile, the muscles surrounding one of my knees tend to cramp up and give out occasionally after walking fair distances. Does anyone know of and can recommend a tour company that uses public transport to get around? Or should I take a private tour? If a private tour, are they any that you would recommend?
5. I plan stay overnight in Colonia Del Sacramento while in BA. Are there taxi's readily available outside the Buquebus ferry station? Or should I arrange for a cab prior to my visit to Colonia? And if so, which taxi company is best?
6. Does anyone know if there is a list of BA attractions, their hours of operations, and entry fees?
I normally like to do my research and not have to bother folk for answers to questions like the ones above, but as I stated, I'm having trouble finding the answers. I would very much appreciate any help given and thank you in advance!
I've seemingly looked all over for the answers to my questions and have finally decided to ask those that know. I will be in Buenos Aires from November 18-December 4 prior to a trip to Antarctica. I have the following questions:
1. Is there a shop at the airport where I can purchase a Sim card for my phone? I was advised by my telephone carrier here in the States that it would be more cost effective to purchase a Sim card than for me to add an international plan to my phone.
2. I am staying at the Tango de Mayo hotel on Av. de Mayo 1396. I chose this location as it is directly across the street from the subway station and also because it appears to be near several of the attractions that I am interested in visiting (Teatro Colon, Plaza De Mayo, Casa Rosada, and not too far from Cafe Tortoni, El Ateneo, etc...). I keep hearing, however, that Recoleta and Palermo are better areas to stay in. Can anyone provide any insight as to the area where the Tango de Mayo is located? I know there is no such thing as a "safe" place, however, I don't want to stay in an area that is known to be dangerous.
3. Does anyone know of a place near my hotel where I can exchange US dollars for Argentine Pesos? I understand that it is better to exchange $$$ rather than using a credit card.
4. Unfortunately, while mobile, the muscles surrounding one of my knees tend to cramp up and give out occasionally after walking fair distances. Does anyone know of and can recommend a tour company that uses public transport to get around? Or should I take a private tour? If a private tour, are they any that you would recommend?
5. I plan stay overnight in Colonia Del Sacramento while in BA. Are there taxi's readily available outside the Buquebus ferry station? Or should I arrange for a cab prior to my visit to Colonia? And if so, which taxi company is best?
6. Does anyone know if there is a list of BA attractions, their hours of operations, and entry fees?
I normally like to do my research and not have to bother folk for answers to questions like the ones above, but as I stated, I'm having trouble finding the answers. I would very much appreciate any help given and thank you in advance!
Nov 26th, 2015, 05:04 AM
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I will try to help a little, I lived in BA for 7 years but there are still so many things I don't know : )
Yes, I admit there might be something I don't know !
1- Yes, as the hotel desk for the closest place to buy the card... they are everywhere .
2- Everyone recommends Palermo and Recoleta for a reason.
They are central to sightseeing, beautiful, safe (safer) , plenty of places to eat and sleep and visit within walking distance ..
3- When we visited, we used the ATM machine. a 2 week visit.
Others, I am sure, will think differently
4-There are some really great bus tours.
You can get names here, there is a Big Open Bus that is fab.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum..._District.html
5-Taxis are everywhere.
6-? what do you mean by attractions ? Have you been reading about BA ?
Why are you going there ? don't you have your own list of things you want to see ?
7-you won't have any trouble at all if you get a Guide book .
Enjoy your trip ..
Yes, I admit there might be something I don't know !
1- Yes, as the hotel desk for the closest place to buy the card... they are everywhere .
2- Everyone recommends Palermo and Recoleta for a reason.
They are central to sightseeing, beautiful, safe (safer) , plenty of places to eat and sleep and visit within walking distance ..
3- When we visited, we used the ATM machine. a 2 week visit.
Others, I am sure, will think differently
4-There are some really great bus tours.
You can get names here, there is a Big Open Bus that is fab.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum..._District.html
5-Taxis are everywhere.
6-? what do you mean by attractions ? Have you been reading about BA ?
Why are you going there ? don't you have your own list of things you want to see ?
7-you won't have any trouble at all if you get a Guide book .
Enjoy your trip ..
Nov 26th, 2015, 07:34 AM
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As always, great info from Scarlett. As suggested, for ideas on what to see and do, get a good guidebook or, alternatively, you don't have to look too far on this sight to get the basics:
http://www.fodors.com/world/south-am...a/buenos-aires
http://www.fodors.com/world/south-am...a/buenos-aires
Nov 26th, 2015, 08:47 AM
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Thank you for your reply, Scarlett and Crellston. I realized I should have clarified what I meant by list of attractions. I previously developed a long list of places I want to see. I just wanted to know if there was one place that listed the attractions with their hours of operation and admission prices.
I appreciate all the additional information and it's right on time, as I leave tomorrow - yeah! Thanks again!
I appreciate all the additional information and it's right on time, as I leave tomorrow - yeah! Thanks again!
Nov 29th, 2015, 05:25 AM
#7
Hola Ms. Cleo,
Just a few points: the money situation is different today than it was just a few years ago, so yes - you will want to change crisp $$ US for Pesos; your hotel should be able to guide you to a reliable Cambio near there.
A Sim Card is a very good idea and yes, you can obtain that in the Airport or likely very close to your hotel, as well.
That Big Yellow Bus Tour is a very good starting point and overview. Two private guides (should you feel that you need them) are Isabel and BASandy (check TA for links to their websites) both good, reliable and responsive. And helpful.
As you mentioned a knee issue, let me just remind you to pay close attention to walking in BsAs - those sidewalks can be a challenge, though most are fine. So, important to look down...as well as up into the lovely architecture, etc.
I don't know 'your' hotel, but I can tell you that you will either not be needing/taking the Metro very much (unlike Paris, NYC, etc.) but the inexpensive Taxis. Should you take a Metro, be sure to be observant and careful with your belongings. I,too,lean to suggesting Palermo Soho or La Recoleta for solo, first time visitors. Lots of sites in Recoleta, too
You might want to consider a tour in Colonia (given the walking, though it is not so very much) or renting a Segway ?
Hours and openings/days do change in BsAs, so it is always prudent to check near the time you want to visit. There are, however, some good general sites: I'll check my files.
Otherwise, enjoy your visit.
Just a few points: the money situation is different today than it was just a few years ago, so yes - you will want to change crisp $$ US for Pesos; your hotel should be able to guide you to a reliable Cambio near there.
A Sim Card is a very good idea and yes, you can obtain that in the Airport or likely very close to your hotel, as well.
That Big Yellow Bus Tour is a very good starting point and overview. Two private guides (should you feel that you need them) are Isabel and BASandy (check TA for links to their websites) both good, reliable and responsive. And helpful.
As you mentioned a knee issue, let me just remind you to pay close attention to walking in BsAs - those sidewalks can be a challenge, though most are fine. So, important to look down...as well as up into the lovely architecture, etc.
I don't know 'your' hotel, but I can tell you that you will either not be needing/taking the Metro very much (unlike Paris, NYC, etc.) but the inexpensive Taxis. Should you take a Metro, be sure to be observant and careful with your belongings. I,too,lean to suggesting Palermo Soho or La Recoleta for solo, first time visitors. Lots of sites in Recoleta, too
You might want to consider a tour in Colonia (given the walking, though it is not so very much) or renting a Segway ?
Hours and openings/days do change in BsAs, so it is always prudent to check near the time you want to visit. There are, however, some good general sites: I'll check my files.
Otherwise, enjoy your visit.
