Money, Jobs and Technology, Buenos Aires Shopping, Tips and Tricks

Budget Buenos Aires Travel and Living Tips

Madi Lang

By | July 17, 2020

budget deal sign outside buenos aires store

Things have changed in Buenos Aires – predominantly the prices. We reveal a few money saving tips for the budget Buenos Aires traveler.

Budget living in Buenos Aires has become more difficult since the golden era of cheap. The dollar might still be on the rise (it is every year), but that’s no reason to overspend while on vacation, studying abroad, or even living here. Money-saving tips that work in the U.S. or Europe are not necessarily going to fly in Buenos Aires, so here are some suggestions to help you make your reserves last just a little bit longer.

Cultural activities

1. The city of Buenos Aires organizes a lot of free cultural events. From music to art, the city knows how to make fun outings accessible. Some of the best cultural events are the bi-monthly “BA Celebra____” fairs in which the city celebrates other countries on Plaza de Mayo. Complete with concerts or dance shows, traditional cuisine and souvenir vendors, these events aim to celebrate the various cultures of the many immigrants in Buenos Aires. The cultural centers which can be found around the city are also known for putting on unique low cost/free events.


2. The museums in the city aren’t really that expensive to begin with, but on certain days you might not even have to pay anything at all. The day and the conditions depend on the museums and it’s worth it to check their website beforehand. If you happen to be in Buenos Aires in November, the city organizes an annual museum night, where every museum in the city offers free entrance. The event only lasts one night, so make sure to head out early to hit as many of the museums as you can.

Traveling

1. Another great way to save some money is to take long-haul busses. Low-budget airlines have yet to find their way to South America and flying to every destination will put a dent in your budget. It might not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s definitely not the worst. These busses are actually quite comfortable, and all you need is a good book or a podcast and you are ready to go.

Grocery shopping on a budget

1. Buy groceries at the big chains such as Disco, Carrefour and Jumbo? Shoppers will be spending almost double the amount they could spend at the little local markets aka “Chinos”. The most economical supermarket is Dia. It is open when everything else is closed on holidays and during the siesta hours. The stores might not be the prettiest, but the food is very well-priced. They don’t have a meat counter, but they do have fresh fruit and veggies. You can ask for a “tarjeta Dia” which will offer you extra savings and special coupons.

2. Canned food is very expensive and can be twice the price of the real deal. A can of corn sells for about the same amount that you can usually buy 3 or 4 ears of fresh corn. GO fresh or go home.

3. Corner fruit and veggie markets generally offer lower prices than the big supermarkets and can be found every few blocks. Check sidewalk chalkboards for special promotions or sale items.

4. Research the promos and bulk discounts at your local butcher shops, fish market, and poultry provider. Grabbing that 3 kilo pata-muslo (chicken leg and thigh) deal and freezing what you don’t eat can save big bucks.

5. If you are out to buy beer, don’t forget to bring the bottles you already drank. You will get a discount once you return them.

Tips for eating out:

1. Hot dog huts are hot in Buenos Aires and offer a cheap snack. They are little hole-in-the-wall restaurants or kiosks that usually have a high counter to sit and eat. Panchos, as they are commonly known, are offered with a variety of salsas, such as four cheese and mayo with various chunks of veggies or ham. These panchos and super panchos are not exactly Hebrew National, but they are safe and quick to eat on the run. This does not go for the sidewalk pancho stands. There was recently a police raid where many strolling vendors were detained for not having changed the cooking water in weeks or months. Not many of those guys around anymore!

2. Pizza joints are a dime a dozen. Getting cheap deals for pizza in Buenos Aires, some for less than $5 USD is indeed possible. Check out Fabrica de Pizza, Zapi’s and Ugi’s for some inexpensive pizza deals.

Argentine pizzas

3. Knowing your local happy hours or just pre-gaming at your or your friends’ place is the budget way of life!

Tips for buying furniture and appliances:

1. I would like to thank Facebook for basically setting up my life in Buenos Aires. Aside from helping me find my first few shared houses, it has also been helpful in terms of finding well-priced furniture and appliances. Check out the Buenos Aires Classified group, and the Facebook marketplace and you’ll find lots of foreigners selling everything they’ve accumulated during their stint in the big Buenos Aires. Many posts are online moving sales and the sellers want to get rid of their stuff and quick. They are occasionally open to negotiations and will certainly let you go take a look at the item before buying.

Tip: These days, Argentines don’t use Craigslist as they used to, but you can sometimes find some good second-hand gems.

2. You may notice furniture and appliances on the sidewalk of your neighborhood. If it’s on the sidewalk, it’s yours for the taking. Make sure there are no cucarachas (cockroaches) in any wood items.

Transportation:

buenos aires buses

1. Taking advantage of Buenos Aires’s public transportation is the best way to see more of the city and spend less money. Taxis get caught in traffic and if you are on a budget they add up. Riding on the Buenos Aires’ buses will, no doubt, lead you to explore new neighborhoods and learn more about your surroundings. Even Uber is a cheaper alternative for those days where you want to splurge.

2. To properly take advantage of the bus system you will need to get your mitts on a SUBE card. It is hard plastic, long term card that can be charged up with pesos at a lot of kiosks and all the subway stations.

3. Take taxis and Ubers at night – waiting for a bus after 12 pm is not worth the $150 pesos you could save if someone is going to take your entire purse. Buenos Aires is not an especially dangerous place, but the best money I’ve spent has been on late night taxis or Ubers.

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