Planning your trip to Buenos Aires will be much easier after reading to travel guide. Is it your first time visiting Buenos Aires or even several times? Then this travel checklist will help you. In this post, I’ll help you on your way to making the most of your stay in the city. A step-by-step guide and hopefully soon “welcome to Argentina”!

Read also: 10 Foods to Eat in Buenos Aires and Where to get them

Trip to Buenos Aires Travel Checklist

Step 1: What is the best time to visit Buenos Aires and Argentina

My favorite time to visit Buenos Aires are October – November and February till April. Especially during Spring, the city has that kind of vibrant atmosphere with the beautiful Jacaranda trees and nice temperature to discover all the things in Buenos Aires.

>> Check this article if you want to know more about the temperatures and climate all year round in Buenos Aires and Argentina. Perfect to plan your trip to Patagonia too. 

Step 2: Do you need a VISA to enter

Argentina asks some tourists for a VISA document to enter the country. This is not necessary for most countries in the European Union and North America. But be sure to check this list. (Link to the official migration website of Argentina).

If you travel VISA-free, you can stay in the country for 90 days. You can extend this by submitting an application to the migration service in Buenos Aires. You are not allowed to do paid work.

>> I wrote an article on how to get a visa to work in Argentina

Step 3: Stay connected in Argentina with a mobile network

Have a trip to Argentina and you may want to be connected to a mobile network? You can now install an e-SIM with the latest smartphones. You are immediately online as soon as you land in the country. Connectivity is good in the cities, especially in Buenos Aires. Of course, in deserted areas of Argentina, it is sometimes difficult, but that has its charms

>> I wrote an article about all the sim card options as soon you arrive in Buenos Aires.

Step 4: Power plugs and sockets

Alright, so if you’re heading to Argentina, keep in mind they roll with a voltage of 220 volts and 50 hertz. That’s the juice that powers up your gadgets. Now, when it comes to plugging in, they mostly use Type C and Type I sockets. Type C is your typical European two-prong deal, while Type I is like a three-pin triangle setup. Note that the Type I is the most used socket in Argentina.

Before you jet off, make sure you’ve got the right adapters or converters to keep your gadgets happy and charged.

Step 5: Where to stay in Buenos Aires?

Staying in a neighborhood that appeals to you the most is important during your trip to Buenos Aires. My favorite neighborhoods are San Telmo and Palermo. While San Telmo is a bit quieter and more authentic, you’ll find the opposite in Palermo. A trendy area with many bars and discotheques.

There are also neighborhoods where it is best not to stay for practical reasons such as accessibility and proximity to tourist attractions.

Are you curious about which neighborhood appeals to you the most?  >> Then be sure to read this article where I explain it in detail.

Step 6: Which are the best hotels in town?

You have a hotel available in Buenos Aires for every budget. And there are quite a few. That’s why I made a list of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. Based on my personal experiences, from friends and family, but also from my work experience in the tourism sector. I will keep the list up to date with changes.

Most of the hotels are located in Palermo and Recoleta but sure check out also the boutique hotels in San Telmo.

>> Check here the “best hotels in Buenos Aires” list

Step 7: Do you need to bring cash and where to exchange it?

Argentina is a bit strange when it comes to exchanging foreign money for the local currency (Argentine Peso – ARS). There is an official way, credit card payments for tourists, and an unofficial way (Dollar Blue). With the last two options, you can even make your trip cheaper by half. Although you have to watch how and where you pay for something. In the article “Where to exchange money in Buenos Aires” I explain all the possibilities.

Step 8: Transportation from/to the airports

Buenos Aires has two airports. You have Aeropuerto Jorge Newberry (AEP) and Ministro Pistarini International Airport Ezeiza (EZE). Most international flights from North America and Europe arrive at EZE. This airport is about 50 – 60 minutes from Buenos Aires city with smooth traffic. It is, therefore, useful to see how best to travel from EZE airport to Buenos Aires city for you.

There are several options such as a taxi, private airport transfer, public bus, Uber, … There is no train or metro connection at both airports.

Be sure to read the article “How get from Ezeiza (EZE) airport to Buenos Aires city”.

Step 9: Things to do in Buenos Aires (also on Sundays)

Planning a trip to Buenos Aires also means planning fun activities as well as making sure you don’t miss the main attractions in the city.

After living in the capital for more than 5 years, I still discover new things here and there. I always do many of the major attractions with friends and family. I have listed for you the top 20 best things to do in Buenos Aires. You can read this or watch my Youtube video below.

My favorite things to do in Buenos Aires is still discovering the secrets of the Recolata cemetery but also Chacarita. Also, visit Palacio Barolo, the Sunday market in San Telmo, and see a tango show. Just to name a few of the many things in town.

Step 10: What to eat and drink?

Buenos Aires has its typical cuisine and variations on world-famous dishes, including the pizza that really has something special (link to the best pizzarias). Of course when you say Argentina, many think of meat. But where can you find the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires, for example?

And then I have only named two dishes. There are also the empanades, locro on national holidays, the alfajor with tea or for breakfast. Read the article “10 Foods to Eat in Buenos Aires and where to get them“.

I think you can stay in the city for up to a week and discover something delicious to eat every day 😀

Step 11: Day trips from Buenos Aires

If you are staying a little longer in the city and you want to go on a day trip, you have some options. For example, a day trip to Tigre or even crossing the border with Uruguay and visiting Colonia del Sacramento. Also where I have eaten the most delicious Paella ever. My two favorite day trips if you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires.

In the article “Day trips from Buenos Aires” I list some nice trips.

Step 12: How early should you get to the airport in Buenos Aires?

I hope you enjoyed your trip to Buenos Aires and most likely you will return home or continue your journey to another city in Argentina. I was regularly asked “How early should I be at the airport” so as not to miss my flight. As mentioned earlier, there are two airports in Buenos Aires, AEP and EZE.  For Ezeiza Airport (EZE) I recommend being at the airport 3 hours in advance for an international flight. And so it is best to leave from Buenos Aires city 4 hours in advance.

Check here how early you need to be at the airport. I have taken into account the heavy traffic in the capital and its highways, border and security control.

I hope I could help planning your trip to Buenos Aires with this checklist guide. Enjoy!