How do we get from the airport without getting ripped off?

Use the official taxi stand inside arrivals (fixed rate ~$25) or pre-book a transfer through your hotel. Uber works but pickup is complicated at EZE airport. Avoid anyone approaching you offering rides.

What if we have a medical emergency?

Call 107 for ambulance. Hospital Alemán and Hospital Británico have English-speaking staff. Travel insurance is essential - Argentine healthcare is good but expensive for foreigners.

How do we deal with protests or strikes?

Download Cortes de Tránsito app to see street closures. Strikes usually last 24-48 hours and are announced in advance. Stay in your neighborhood during major protests - they're generally peaceful but disrupt transport.

Can we drink the tap water?

Yes, Buenos Aires tap water is safe but tastes heavily chlorinated. Most couples prefer bottled water. Ice in restaurants is fine.

How to Navigate Buenos Aires as a Couple Without Speaking Spanish

Buenos Aires is surprisingly manageable for English-only couples with offline maps, translation apps, and strategic neighborhood planning. Stick to Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo where English is more common, use Uber over taxis, and download Google Translate with camera function before you arrive.

Download essential apps before landing. Get Google Translate (enable camera and offline Spanish), Maps.me for offline navigation, and Uber. Download offline maps for Buenos Aires while on airport WiFi.
Master the subway basics in 10 minutes. The Subte uses letters and colors - memorize your hotel's closest station. Buy a SUBE card at any kiosk (point and say 'SUBE card'). Rides cost 57 pesos. Rush hours are 7-9am and 5-8pm.
Choose English-friendly neighborhoods. Stay in Palermo Soho/Hollywood (young, international), Recoleta (upscale, tourist-friendly), or San Telmo (historic, walkable). Avoid Once, Constitución, and La Boca beyond the tourist strip.
Navigate restaurants without Spanish. Point to menu items or other diners' plates. Learn 'sin carne' (no meat), 'sin gluten' (no gluten). Most parrillas have picture menus. Tip 10% cash only.
Handle money and shopping. Use 'blue dollar' rate at Western Union or cuevas (exchange houses) - rate is 40-50% better than official. Bring USD cash. Many places don't accept cards. Negotiate at markets by typing numbers on your phone.
Book activities through English channels. Use GetYourGuide, Viator, or hotel concierge for tours. For tango shows, book online in advance. Airbnb Experiences hosts usually speak English.

How do we get from the airport without getting ripped off?: Use the official taxi stand inside arrivals (fixed rate ~$25) or pre-book a transfer through your hotel. Uber works but pickup is complicated at EZE airport. Avoid anyone approaching you offering rides.
What if we have a medical emergency?: Call 107 for ambulance. Hospital Alemán and Hospital Británico have English-speaking staff. Travel insurance is essential - Argentine healthcare is good but expensive for foreigners.
How do we deal with protests or strikes?: Download Cortes de Tránsito app to see street closures. Strikes usually last 24-48 hours and are announced in advance. Stay in your neighborhood during major protests - they're generally peaceful but disrupt transport.
Can we drink the tap water?: Yes, Buenos Aires tap water is safe but tastes heavily chlorinated. Most couples prefer bottled water. Ice in restaurants is fine.