Unless you are a confident, assertive driver and know where you are going, it's best to leave the driving to others in Argentina and take public transportation.
Holidays and summer vacations are popular travel times. Make your
reservations in advance.
These quick tips will make it easier:
In Buenos Aires:
Take the subway. Enter at a Subte and buy a map of the system at any station along with your token,
called a ficha, and use this excellent way of getting around the city.
Take a taxi. They are cheaper than renting a car, and you don't have a parking problem.
Black taxis with yellow roofs are available 24 hours a day.
NOTE: A reader mentioned that many Porteños advise against taxis, as robberies have occurred on them and they usually do not have seatbelts for passengers. The reader also noted that I'd forgotten to mention the remis, explaining they are a
"private driver service, which is obtainable simply by looking up a number in the phone book--or better yet, ask the hotel staff or the restaurant staff language school., or a friend to call on your behalf. They are safer--and you are not marked as a nonresident and
the cars almost always have seat belts. Also, remises are often cheaper than taxis." Thanks!
Take the bus. Routes are posted at the bus stops and the busses have their destination and route number on the front. Exact change is not needed, and pay as you go in. Keep your ticket stub until you get off the bus. Be prepared for crowding.
In the rest of Argentina:
Take the bus. See Getting to Buenos Aires
for details of long distance bus companies and routes. Many of these busses are very comfortable with reclining seats.
Take the train - with caution. Many trains are not well-maintained. The exception is the train from Buenos Aires to Mar de Plata which is luxurious and very comfortable.
If you do travel by train, note that some routes have up to four classes, with the best and most comfortable being the sleeper compartments called coche de cama.
Pullman class has reclining seats and air-conditioning. Primera, or first class, has air-conditioning and smaller reclining seats. Turista class is best avoided.
Getting to Buenos Aires also has train and airline information.
If you must drive:
Wear your seatbelt. It's the law.
Get a map and be prepared to ask for directions. Ask which is the best way, not just the way to your destination. Local conditions may change.
Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Even in marked crosswalks, they are at risk.
It's the custom to blow your horn on blind curves on mountain roads.
Some drivers do not use their lights at night, particularly on the pampa.
Buena suerte!
