tabers

So I'm gong to be staying in a condo in Buenos Aires for a week in October but am traveling solo for the first time. I little uncomfortable at the thought of this. Any advise for a first time solo traveler in Argentina??

SusanInToronto

I'm sure that others have lots of good advice, but I'll start things off. I was there with my husband a couple of years ago, and we did a couple of the Buenos Aires free walking tours. I'd really recommend them - the guides were great and we got to see more of the city. (You don't pay for the tour, but you tip the guide what you think it was worth.) We also had dinner at a couple of puertas cerradas - there are several of them, but one where single people would definitely feel welcome was Casa Saltshaker.

Enjoy!

thursdaysd

I was recently in BsAs on my own. For my TR start here: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...omment-7920777 or here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...-buenos-aires/

I recommend arranging for a volunteer greeter: http://www.globalgreeternetwork.info/index.php?id=151

I strongly recommend taking security seriously. Be aware of the black water scam, and either wear a money belt or leave valuables in your apartment.

Consider taking the ferry across to Uruguay for a day. Or two.

SandyBlandy

Hi Tabers,

I often travel solo and always do my research; mostly it is a case of using common sense - try to behave (sensibly) as you would if you were at home. Is there anything specifically you feel uncomfortable about?


Invest in a good guide book and map so that you know where your hotel and attractions are.

Research how you're going to get from the airport to your condo - a volunteer greeter is a great way to do this. Alternatively, consider a taxi (do you need to agree on a price beforehand? If so, research what a reasonable fare should be. Does an airport shuttle drop you off close to your accommodation? These are often cheaper but slower than taxis but you can strike up some great conversations with other travellers.)

Walk confidently (even though you may not feel it!) and go into a shop to ask directions if you feel uneasy about asking a random stranger in the street. Try not to flash your map as this screams 'tourist'.

Have a card with your apartment address on it so you can show it to your taxi driver if you cannot converse with him.

Do not walk around with all your valuables - keep cash/credit cards not is use in a safety box back at the condo. Do not put your wallet in your backpocket. As thursdayd mentioned, beware of scams and use a money belt. However, not everyone you talk to is out to fleece you, so use your instincts. Don't be afraid to walk away if you feel uncomfortable.

Keep your camera in a bag, not hanging around your neck, when not in use.

Try to learn a few local phrases - even just say hi, bye and thanks is better than nothing.

Remember to smile - you're on holiday.

I'll be going to BA this summer and I can't wait!
Hope you have a great time.

SusanInToronto

We had arranged for a pick up at the airport but due to a long string of events (if you click on my name, you can find my trip report of the Chilean earthquake), we were about 6 days late arriving in BA. We ended up using the driver to get us back to the airport at the end of the trip. However, where he was especially useful was when my husband broke a crown one day. We emailed Fred (who's an American), who was able to put us in touch with someone who helped us find a dentist to do a quick repair. I'll see if I still have his contact info. It was really useful to have someone we felt that we could contact in an emergency.

I honestly didn't find security an issue. I try to be safety conscious wherever I am (learned my lesson after having had my wallet stolen twice on Toronto's streetcars).

Not sure if you like music, but we found a couple of great jazz bars in Palermo. The music was excellent, crowd was much younger than what you see hear in Toronto (and much younger than we are).

MarnieWDC

SusaninToronto: Were you recommending Fred of SilverStar Car ?

http://silverstarcar.com/

I agree with that recommendation for an English speaking, excellent driver and service. The charge is a bit more than the good Remis services (Tienda Leon, World Car or VIP are very good ones - you can pay by CC or cash) or Taxi Ezeiza (payment by cash, pesos or dollars) - which is airport transport as well, but Fred offers more than just the transportation.

SusanInToronto

Yes, Marnie, that's who I was recommending! Like I said, Fred was a big help to us when John broke a crown. We also got him to book a tango show for us - he recommended that we just go to the show rather than book the dinner, and we were glad we followed his advice.

Scarlett

http://www.batravelguide.com/
this is the website we read daily before we visited BA, before we moved there, while we lived there :- )
Sandra is a delight and just so very helpful.
Fred is a good recommendation if price is not a big deal, I agree with Marnie, World Car or VIP are good .. we arrived to live in Argentina with a lot of heavy luggage and a standard poodle and they were all delighted to help us ..
Going to Casa Saltshaker is a good idea. You will love him .. ( Dan, the owner)
Take an Open Bus tour the day you arrive .. it will be a relaxing way to see the city from a double decker bus without having to walk and you can sort of get your bearings that way. Jet lag will get you later in the day .. order pizza delivered
For a great walking tour, Buenos Aires Walking Tours
http://www.ba-walking-tours.com/
OK .. thanks for letting me barge in on the forums I am slightly homesick for BA.

MarnieWDC

Slightly, Scarlett ? BA (especially the Forum) misses you, too. So pleased to see that you've come back to posting.

I agree that BA Sandy has a wonderful and exceptionally useful BLOG. I have also recommend her as a Tour Guide or Planner for a number of visitors - all of whom have been very pleased.