First off, so long as you're where most of the accommodation is, you can usually get to most places on foot, although sometimes not half as much fun as buses and the Metro (SUBTE).
From the Monserrat area (A) to the main touristy shops and mall area (D) is a 30-40 min walk, the Boca (B) area for all those soccer fanatics a bit further, Congress (F) for all the politico lot isn't far, Obelisk (E) for those who want to see an obelisk, and Puerto Madeira (C) for all those who want to think they're still in London Docklands
However, it's a really good idea to get a SUBE card for all the metro and bus lines. 25 cents (Aus) for a bus trip, 50 for a Metro trip and you can pretty much get anywhere you want. You have to provide your passport number for the form, and pay (say) 50 Pesos up front for tickets, and you're home and hosed for hopping on and off any transport around the place. Just swipe your card when you get on - mumble where you're going and the driver will charge you the fare. If he doesn't understand you, mumble again - the worst you're off is being charged 5 or 10 cents (Aus) too much. Anton spoke Spanish to the drivers, I mumbled, and our SUBE cards had the same balance at the end ! Just goes to show you don't have to speak Spanish to get around after all.
If you miss the bus, there's usually another one a few minutes later.
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| A few buses - there's a lot more. (no air-con - bad luck, but the windows open) |
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| One of the newer SUBTE lines |
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| ....and the oldest. It's only 99 years old - opened 1913 - same carriages. Fantastic timberwork inside, and they're getting rid of them! All in the name of progress I assume. |
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| Dogs need a concession tag (apologies for the picture quality, but couldn't resist). |
I hear SUBE cards were going to change a bit, so maybe this might be updated soon.
There's plenty of web sites for SUBTE and buses, and some indecipherable bus maps and (I think) attempts at bus times available. Takes practice working out what goes where, but a great way to get around and also get a feel for the place and the people.
Money machines abound - although all with the limited cash withdrawals - so you get hit for the transaction cost each time. The ones in the city centre (middle of the map above) often have guards and/or secure rooms for your withdrawals - so no problems.
Currently there's 2 exchange rates - the official rate and the Blue rate. Given that Argentina is still a good value destination anyway, we didn't bother with the Blue rate and trying to exchange currency that way (didn't have much $US to exchange anyway), but it can be done - I guess with care. Given it's an advertised rate, I guess it's sort of illegally legal. I'll skip on the intricacies of the different currency markets and accept the good value Argentina is anyway.
The only money problem is dud notes. There's a few around and the locals can pick them a mile (kilometre?) off. Get a good 50 Peso one from the ATM and keep it in your pocket for checking against change you get from anywhere potentially sus. Check the shading, the exact size and the glittery bit.....Yes - I got done at a restaurant.
If you have any problems, you can always go running to the intimidatory looking local police for help. ¡ socorro socorro !
db
