What if my SUBE card stops working?

Go to any subway station customer service window (look for 'Atención al Cliente'). Point at your card and say 'no funciona.' They'll usually fix it or give you a new one. Keep your receipt if you just loaded money.

Are taxis safe if I don't speak Spanish?

Official taxis are generally safe, but use apps when possible to avoid fare disputes. Black and yellow radio taxis are most reliable. Have your destination written down and show the driver. Uber eliminates language barriers completely.

What if I get lost and can't communicate?

Find a pharmacy (farmacia) - pharmacists often speak some English. Show them your hotel address. Tourist police (Policía Turística) in Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo specifically help tourists. Their phone number is 101.

How to Get Around Buenos Aires Without Speaking Spanish

Buenos Aires has excellent public transport with the SUBE card system, plus Uber works perfectly. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish, learn 5 key phrases, and carry your hotel address written down. The subway map is your best friend.

Get a SUBE card immediately. Buy this rechargeable card at any subway station or kiosk (look for 'SUBE' signs). Costs 90 pesos, load it with 1000-2000 pesos. Works on buses, subway, and trains. Point at the card and say 'SUBE' - they'll understand.
Master the subway first. The subway (Subte) is easiest for non-Spanish speakers. Color-coded lines, clear maps, announcements. Download the BA Subway map app. Rides cost 57 pesos. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).
Set up ride apps before you need them. Download Uber, Cabify, and BA Taxi apps while on hotel WiFi. Uber is most reliable and shows exact fare upfront. BA Taxi is cheaper but Spanish-only interface. Always check license plates match the app.
Learn the bus gesture system. Buses (colectivos) are cheap (57 pesos) but tricky. Wave your arm when you see your bus number. Tap SUBE card when boarding. Press the red button or say 'permiso' to get off. Use the 'Cómo Llego' app to plan routes.
Prepare your communication toolkit. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish pack. Save your hotel address as a photo and in Spanish text. Learn these phrases: 'Disculpe' (excuse me), 'No hablo español' (I don't speak Spanish), 'Ayuda, por favor' (help, please).
Navigate like a local. Buenos Aires uses a grid system. Streets run north-south, avenues (avenidas) run east-west. Major avenues: 9 de Julio, Corrientes, Santa Fe. Neighborhoods have clear boundaries. Always know which barrio you're in.

What if my SUBE card stops working?: Go to any subway station customer service window (look for 'Atención al Cliente'). Point at your card and say 'no funciona.' They'll usually fix it or give you a new one. Keep your receipt if you just loaded money.
Are taxis safe if I don't speak Spanish?: Official taxis are generally safe, but use apps when possible to avoid fare disputes. Black and yellow radio taxis are most reliable. Have your destination written down and show the driver. Uber eliminates language barriers completely.
What if I get lost and can't communicate?: Find a pharmacy (farmacia) - pharmacists often speak some English. Show them your hotel address. Tourist police (Policía Turística) in Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo specifically help tourists. Their phone number is 101.