thursdaysd

Why would you mot buy an Argentinian SIM when you got there?

ClementineLdn

OK, thanks for the taxi info!

I didn't really think buying an Argentinian SIM was necessary as I'm not staying for long. Has anyone been with a UK mobile phone which worked there?

Regarding money...would it be better for me to get US dollars and take those? Or would British Pounds be equally OK?

thursdaysd

1. Ask the company that issued the SIM whether it will work.

2. If the answer is yes, ask the company what the roaming charges will be.

avrooster

Dollars are better, but it depends on how much it costs you back home to convert British Pounds into American dollars.

The place where I suggested exchanging should take pounds, but the rate could be poor.

Have a great time in my country, ClementineLdn.

gertie3751

I can't remember if I used my UK mobile in Argentina... probably only to text if I did.
Yes, take dollars. In the UK the Post Office and Marks n Spencers used to be the best place to get foregn currency. Don't know if they still are.... And exchange them where AVRooster tells you. You will get a much better rate. Just carry enough to pay the taxiezeza from the airport. Then find AV's secret hideaway money exchange. I walked there the first day and got all my cash to spend in Argentina. Paid hotel bills in cash too.

ClementineLdn

So excited! It's getting close now.

Just a few more questions...

Is there a certain bus company recommended for Iguazu Falls? I'd like to be comfortable, but not to pay too much if possible.

Also trying to work out how much spending money I need to bring. I know this is different for each person but I asked on Fodors before my trip to Japan last year and found the advice really helpful! Once my accommodation costs are taken care of, how much might I need for a 2/12 week stay? I'll need to cover:

Transportation to/from Ezeiza
Bus to/from Iguazu
Food/drink
Entry costs? (I haven't even started to look at what I'll be doing over there yet)

Also if anyone could recommend places where I could find reasonably priced but tasty food (especially empanadas! I love them!) that would be great!

Theadora

Hi Clementine,

I'm English and I came out to South America two years ago and brought a cheap pay-as-you-go phone with me. Unfortunately it did not work, so was pretty useless.

Second time around, I have been in Buenos Aires for 6 months now and have survived on just my iPhone. Realistically I have not really needed a phone as I rely on Facebook and emails when I am in wifi areas, but obviously I don't take my iPhone out with me that much. I would say that it is safe to bring your smartphone with you as long as you don't flash it about it public places. Having a working phone is not really a necessity when traveling as far as I'm concerned, and I just use my iPhone to use the internet.
I actually didn't buy a cheap Argentine phone until 4 months into my trip! And I managed pretty well without a phone for those first 4 months.

Also I read that someone said two weeks in Buenos Aires is too long. I disagree as there is still lots to do here in two weeks! When I first arrived I actually had a few Spanish lessons to brush up on my Spanish. The people I met were so nice and it gave me some friends to start off with, and it's also a great way to meet other travellers heading off in the same direction as you!

I don't know how good your Spanish is but if you want to stay safe as a lone traveller having a knowledge of Spanish definitely helps. The place I had lessons at is called Elebaires - right in the centre and not too expensive either.

Buenos Aires is amazing I hope you enjoy your trip!

ClementineLdn

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll take my old Blackberry, which should work for texts and calls.

Good to hear that two weeks is fine...I was a little hesitant at first, as I'd originally planned to go over to Mendoza, cross the Andes and everything, but I decided to scale back and just make the trip as relaxing as possible. Looks like there is plenty to do near BA!

My Spanish is good already and I'm looking forward to getting some practice when I'm there. Getting excited now!

I've actually started packing and was wondering if you had any advice for that...it looks like the weather is still fairly hot. I was planning to bring mostly jeans and T-shirts, my Nikes, one sweater, one cardigan, a light denim jacket, a couple of long skirts and a pair of sandals. Does that sound right?

Theadora

The weather has been really nice recently but the temperature is definitely starting to drop. It has fluxuated throughout this week - and I'm not a local - but I'd suggest bringing more than just one jumper. You will probably still get a few hot days but it will definitely be cool during the evenings! I wear my Nikes all the time, they work well with the climate. But I'd bring some sandals or flip flops with you just in case as they're light and may come in useful!
I'm an optimist that the summer is going to last so bring a pair of shorts with you too!

ClementineLdn

Hello from Buenos Aires! I'm glad I brought my sandals as it's been really hot since I arrived several days ago. I've seen quite a bit of the city so far, but not really a city person. It was interesting to see the sights of BA, but it was wonderful to get out to Puerto Madero today for a breath of fresh air!

I am rethinking my plans a bit as I'd like to get out of the city more if possible. I may take a day trip to Colonia after all, planning Tigre in a few days and of course Iguazu Falls. Does anyone have any other suggestions of things to do close to BA? I'm looking into a day trip to an estancia, or even an overnight. Any recommendations very welcome!

avrooster

Check out http://tinyurl.com/pcgkafc

It may or may not be what you are looking for. You can read the reviews and decide.

If you decide to go, ask Ana (the owner) to arrange for you to share the transportation with other people, as it obviously is cheaper that way.

Have a great time in my country.