Is it safe to walk around Palermo at night?

Palermo is generally safe, but keep your phone tucked away and stay aware of your surroundings in less-trafficked areas late at night.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can survive with English, but learning basic phrases will significantly improve your interactions with shopkeepers and waitstaff.

Living and Navigating Palermo, Buenos Aires

Navigating Palermo is best done by walking between the distinct 'Palermo Soho' and 'Palermo Hollywood' zones, using the SUBE card for the D-line subway or buses when moving further afield. To live here like a local, adopt the late-night dining schedule and prioritize house-sitting or monthly apartment rentals in the residential streets north of Santa Fe Avenue.

Master the 'Subte' and Buses. Purchase a physical SUBE card at any 'kiosco' (small shop) and load it with cash. Use the D-line (green) subway to reach the city center, but rely on the Colectivo (city buses) for neighborhood travel; they run 24/7 and are much faster for short crosstown trips.
Use digital navigation wisely. Download the 'BA Cómo Llego' app or use Google Maps. Buses in Buenos Aires have specific stops marked by poles; ensure you flag the bus down by waving your hand, or it will not stop for you.
Choose your zone. Stay in Palermo Soho if you want boutique shopping and cafe culture. Stay in Palermo Hollywood if you prefer high-end restaurants and nightlife. For a quieter, residential experience, look for rentals in Palermo Nuevo near the parks.
Navigate the currency effectively. Bring crisp, high-denomination USD bills to exchange at 'cuevas' (unofficial exchange houses) for the 'Blue Dollar' rate, or use a foreign credit card which now gives a rate closer to the parallel market via the MEP exchange mechanism.

Is it safe to walk around Palermo at night?: Palermo is generally safe, but keep your phone tucked away and stay aware of your surroundings in less-trafficked areas late at night.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: You can survive with English, but learning basic phrases will significantly improve your interactions with shopkeepers and waitstaff.