any advice for safety in Argentina? has anyone had any concerns/difficulties? best ways to carry/get money? <BR>also -- any recommendations of places/areas to visit?

I have been to Argentina 5 times in the past year, with a 6th trip planned in October. Here are some of my thoughts.<BR><BR>Saftey: three things...1. In Buenos Aires stay in Recoleta or the Plaza San Martin area of el centro, not near Plaza 5 de Mayo which is where protests have been held. 2. Exercize caution, especially at night. Take radio taxis from a company you trust (Baseport is reliable, ph.4639-5444). Don't carry a lot of cash on you. Use the safety box in your hotel.3. Do not under any circumstances take a cab from in front of the international airport (EZE). Purchase a ticket from one of the services inside the terminal for a Remis (private car) or bus. Here is the number of a company I have used previously. You can email or phone in advance and he will wait for you at the terminal, posting your name on a sign board. He does not speak English, so if you don't speak spanish it would probably be best to wait until you arrive and purchase a ticket from one of the booths in the terminal..Oscar Carrizo. from US: 011-54-11-4960-3770 or email: [email protected]. Cost should be about $10-15USD.<BR><BR>Money: I use my credit card for major purchases. This is the best way to get a fair exchange rate. I also use casas de cambio to exchange money rather than banks..better exchange rates. Caution...don't use street vendors for money exchange. Too many fake bills. Also, make certain the change you receive is in Argentine Pesos nott the local currencies of the various provinces.... Exchange a small amount in the airport to cover taxi, tips, etc..but the rate of exchange is better in town.<BR><BR>Places to Visit: Iguazu Falls, and Patagonia...If you don't have the time...a day trip to an estancia and/or Colonia, Uruguay. In Buenos Aires....Teatro Colon, San Telmo (especially on Sunday when there is a market set up in one of the squares), the cemetarty in Recoleta...several museums of note...check the theaters.....<BR><BR>Enjoy Argentina...beautiful country...and things are very inexpensive right now...

Lauren,<BR><BR>I am topping for you a post on safety in Buenos Aires, posted a few days ago. You can find good information there.

How did you get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls? (Rental car, bus, flight, tour?) I'll be in Argentina next month, and would like to go to the falls.

Unless you want to spend 20 hours on a bus, you will have to fly. The flight takes less than two hours. Aerol&iacute;neas Argentinas, Austral en Airg go to Iguaz&uacute;, and the cost of the round trip is inexpensive. For further info check www.apartmentsbuenosaires.com.<BR><BR>Welcome to Argentina!<BR>