Money
The
local currency is called 'peso'. Bills come in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and
100 pesos. One peso equals 100 cents. Coins come in 1 peso, 50 cents, 25
cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. Copper 5 cents are rarely used. The symbol of
pesos is $. Even though it is the same as the American dollar, do not get
confused!
At this
moment, change is very favourable for foreign tourists. Foreign currency is
exchanged at any bank and at exchange offices. Every shop accepts major credit
cards, US dollars, Argentine pesos and travellers' cheques.
Current
exchange rate is shown here. This is updated in real time.
How
to read this sign
You
will see this kind of sign at banks and exchange offices. They are simple to
understand: If you are changing US dollars into pesos, look at the lowest number
in the dollar line (or 'Compra' in some signs). Therefore, 1 US
dollar is equivalent to the value of the first column in pesos. This is
very convenient! As an example, with less than one dollar you could buy a
BigMac ($2,50).
If you are changing pesos back into US dollars
(like when you are leaving), then look at the highest number in the dollar line
(or 'Venta' in some signs).
The same goes for euros or any other currency.
In
conclusion, this
means that you will have to divide prices in Argentine pesos by the
number in the first column to convert it to your currency.
Telephoning
How
to call
from Buenos Aires
Public phones may be operated using coins (5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1) or with
phone cards. All phones may be used for local, long distance or international
calls. Phone cards are usually cheaper and they may offer international rates
with special discounts.
For international direct access dial
00 + country code + area code + local
number
How
to call
to Buenos Aires
The country code for Argentina is 54. The area code for Buenos Aires is 11.
Internet Access
There are many
'cybercafés' (called just like that
or in some cases 'cyber'). They are everywhere in the city so you will
certainly find one near you. Prices are very affordable: just $1 for one hour or $0,25
for 15 min.
Price
Guide (for reference purposes only)
Food:
Empanadas $0,80 - $ 1,10 each
Large Pizza $5 - $15
Pasta $4 - $7
Big Mac Sandwich $2,75
Big Mac Meal (with drink and fries) $6,75
Barbecue $8
Tenedor libre (eat all you can) $8
Fixed menus for lunch (Menú ejecutivo) $7 - $10
Lunch $7 - $13
Dinner from $10
Lunch in Puerto Madero $9 - $14
Lunch or dinner in Palermo Viejo $12 - $25
Ice-cream from $2
Complete breakfast at a café $2 - $4
Coffee in Recoleta $2 - $3
Transport:
Bus: $0,75 - $0,80
Subway: $ 0,70
Train: $0,45
Taxi: $1,12 + $0,14 for each 200m
Remise (Ezeiza Airport to city centre): $20
Minibus (Ezeiza Airport to city centre): $8 - $10
Rent-a-car $75 - $130 per day
Gasoline Super $ 1,75 per litre
Going
out
Museums Free/$1 - $3
Opera House (Teatro Colón) $10 - $140
Cinema $4 - $8
Theatre $10 - $25
Disco $6 - $10 (Women enter for free)
Football match Boca-River $15 - $30
Concerts $6 - $15
Others
Internet Access $1 per hour
Local phone call (public phone) $0.25 per 2 min.
Newspaper $1 (Monday to Saturday), $2,50 (Sunday)
Magazines $2 - $7
Lodging:
5 Stars double room $500 - $1000
4 Stars double room $140 - $220
3 Stars double room $50 - $150
2 Stars double room $30 - $70
1 Star double room $25 - $50
Hostels $15 - $25
E-mail
