What are Three Travel Tips for Buenos Aires?

I’m very late with this entry which is a sort of chain blog and collaborative effort begun by Katie at TripBase. I was invited by Lola Akinmade, editor of MatadorGoods. The idea is to create a giant Wiki of travel tips that are destination specific. Cool, right?

Always remember to carry your own tissue. Image by stevendepolo.

I know this post is supposed to be about places to go and things to see, but there are a few things you need to know when you’re in Buenos Aires that will just help you fare better in the city and make the most of your time. In the interest of improving your overall experience, I offer the following tips.

1) Papel Hygienico/Toilet Paper

There won’t be any in most of the places you are going and fear of dirty toilet seats causes much hovering and splattering. I recommend carrying tissue with you at all times to be sure you won’t have to drip dry and that you follow the example of those who went before you and hover.

Also, watch the length of your skirts. If they hang at toilet seat height, see to it that you steer your hem clear or you’ll be adding a little character to your apparel.

2) Monedas/Change

If you plan on taking the bus you will need this and it’s in high demand and short supply. I hear some businesses pay more than the change is actually worth to have it on hand.

Two out of Four Dogs Pooping. Image by the author.

You can get it in the bank in the morning 10 pesos at a time. Go in the afternoon and you’ll wait all day. You will be asked by store clerks to pay the small change on purchases. If you can understand them, lie about having it if you’re planning on taking the bus.

Pay for your subway trips with two and five peso bills. You can almost always get change in the subway and when trips cost $1.10, that means 90 centavos per trip in your pocket.

3) Caca de Perro/Dog Poop

Watch where you step. Looking at the sidewalk more than you normally might will serve the dual purpose of saving you from cleaning yucky dog poop from your shoes and keeping you from looking like a starry eyed tourist gorging your eyes on the beautiful city. There is dog shit everywhere. Remember, you were warned.