Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is one of the best digital nomad cities in all of South America. With stunning European architecture and 19th-century buildings, this beautiful city offers complete old-world charm.
Buenos Aires has gained popularity as a digital nomad destination because of its low cost of living, easy visa, and other benefits. If this place has captured your attention and convinced you to move here, keep reading this guide. Let’s discuss the digital nomad lifestyle in Buenos Aires and all the aspects that concern it.
Where is Buenos Aires located?
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, located in South America. It lies on the western shore of Rio de la Plata right on the southeastern coast. Additionally, this city is situated on the northeastern edge of Pampas (a flat plain in Argentina).
Fact: Did you know Buenos Aires is Spanish for “fair winds”?
Why Choose Buenos Aires as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Buenos Aires is a beautiful and vibrant city that has a lot to offer. However, every city has its fair share of flaws. Let’s see some of Buenos Aires’ pros and cons to decide whether this place is a good option for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost of living | Cold winters |
| High-speed internet | Language barriers |
| Safe | Tobacco use is common |
| Vibrant culture | |
| Good healthcare system | |
| Friendly locals | |
| Spacious |
As evident, Buenos Aires’ pros outweigh its cons. It is also a great place due to its democratic government, friendliness towards lgbtq+ members, and strong freedom of speech. Please note that Buenos Aires is also a great option for nomads traveling with family members. The affordable cost of living, good education system, family friendliness, and healthcare make it easy for a family to settle here.
How to Get to Buenos Aires?
There are plenty of ways to get to Buenos Aires, here are some of the best ones.
By air
The best way of getting to Buenos Aires is by air, especially if you are traveling from abroad. Not only is it the most comfortable form of travel but efficient as well. There are two airports in the city; Ezeiza Airport and Jorge Newbery Airway in Argentina. You can take direct or connecting flights to land at either of them. However, the former is a better choice, given its proximity to the city center.
By car
If you are in one of the nearby cities, you can always rent a car and drive yourself to Buenos Aires. This is a good option as it gives you the freedom to decide your route and stops. Car travel also gives you a lot of privacy.
By train
Train travel is a viable option for those of you who are in nearby cities. Several trains run from other major cities to Buenos Aires and you can easily get a ticket. Train travel is guaranteed to be fun and comfortable.
By bus
Bus travel is also a good option, especially for people who are traveling on a budget. It is an affordable and convenient way of getting to Buenos Aires while feeling comfortable. Omnibuses are reliable and well-connected. In fact, you can even travel long distances through them.
Transportation and How to Get Around Buenos Aires?
Once you have arrived in Buenos Aires, here’s how you can get around.
On foot
Believe it or not, walking is a completely feasible option for getting around Buenos Aires. The city is safe and walkable, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore during the day. However, you are recommended to avoid walking alone at night (mainly in shady and isolated areas)
Biking
Buenos Aires has plenty of bike paths and bike stations located all over the city. You can access a bike by downloading the “EcoBiki” app and registering yourself. This free bike share scheme is an efficient way of getting around town.
Buses
Public transportation is also well-developed in the city which makes bus travel a reliable option. Though the locals refer to buses as “bondis” or “colectivos”, they function just the same. The bus network is comfortable, convenient, and easily accessible.
Ubers
Uber also functions in Buenos Aires but it can be difficult to connect with a willing driver sometimes.
Metro
Lastly, Buenos Aires also has a good metro network that is commonly referred to as “Subte”. This underground service is reliable and affordable but it doesn’t function after midnight. You’ll need a SUBE smart card to travel on Subte but they are easily rechargable at stations.
3 Best Accommodation Options in Buenos Aires
There are several neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, each catering to specific interests. Once you know what you are looking for, finding a residence would be an easy task. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in the city.
Palermo
Palermo is undoubtedly one of the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. On top of being safe, this place is also trendy and entertaining. Palermo is divided into three parts; Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, and Palermo las canitas. Each is unique in its own way but together it creates a perfect mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods. Palermo is also home to various bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to keep you entertained. This New York-inspired neighborhood is a good place for digital nomads.
San Telmo
Another good accommodation option is the San Telmo neighborhood. It is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and has a dreamy combination of cobbled streets and old-style houses. San Telmo is also home to the famous Merca de San Telmo indoor market.
Recoleta
Recoleta is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. From grand mansions and leafy parks to French architecture and the Recoleta Cultural Center, this neighborhood has it all. There is plenty to do in this area but it’s also the most expensive place in the city.
Internet Connectivity in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has an average internet speed of 30.5 Mbps which is a pretty decent amount. Remote workers can balance their work-life efficiently and meet those last-minute deadlines. You can also opt for fiber optic networks or local SIM cards for faster internet.
Most cafes, restaurants, and cafes offer fast wifi to aid you further. Internet in public spaces is also reliable and free, allowing you to work easily.
You can get a local sim card from the airport or convenience store but mobile speed isn’t guaranteed to be any better.
E sim
E-sims are also gaining popularity as they are much more convenient and efficient. Several providers operate in Argentina so make sure to compare data packages and costs before choosing a sim.
Holafly
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited | 5 days | 29$ (26.86€) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | 37$ (34.27€) |
| Unlimited | 10 days | 40$ (37.05€) |
| Unlimited | 15 days | 51$ (47.24€) |
| Unlimited | 30 days | 90$ (83.36€) |
Airalo
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 6.00$ (5.56€) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 11.50$ (10.65€) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 15.50$ (14.36€) |
| 5GB | 30 days | 23.50$ (21.77€) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 42.00 (38.90€) |
5 Best Places to Work in Buenos Aires
Remote workers would be glad to know that there is an abundance of cafes and co-working spaces in Buenos Aires.
Cafe registrado
Cafe Registrado is one of the best cafes in the city. Not only do they offer a good working environment but they also serve delicious food. They have two branches in Palermo and Calle Costa Rica respectively, each spacious and comfortable. Make sure to try their vegan option and amazing desserts.
La Panera rosa
If you want to spend a workday surrounded by positive energy and a vibrant interior then La Panera Rosa is the perfect place for you. The pink bread breakfast holds true to its name as the entire place is packed with pink color. They also serve delicious food!
Cafe. Te
Another good option is the Cafe. Te. If you are looking for a quiet environment where you can work peacefully then this cafe is a great place for you. Cafe. te has a spacious and open layout that gives you the right amount of privacy and encourages productivity.
WeWork
WeWork is a globally known coworking space that is also found in Buenos Aires. Located in Microcentro, this coworking space is close to tourist attractions such as the Presidential Palace and Casa Rosada. Most importantly, WeWork offers a comfortable and productive working environment.
HIT cowork
HIT cowork is another great option for coworking in Buenos Aires. There are plenty of branches located all over the city and each is well maintained. HIT cowork offers several facilities including but not limited to meeting rooms. You can have a trial period of one day before signing up or purchasing any memberships.
Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a popular destination because of its affordable cost of living and high quality of life. Digital nomads can experience a new york level lifestyle and a big city life in Buenos Aires. This cosmopolitan city is surprisingly budget-friendly for digital nomads. Here is a rough breakdown of its average prices.
| Nomad’s cost of living | $1546/month (€1432) |
| Cost of living for a family | $1725/month (€1598) |
| hotel | $1068/month (€990) |
| Studio in the city center (1br rent) | $330/month (€306) |
| Airbnb | $828/month (€767) |
| Dinner | $7.00 (€6.48) |
| Beer | $2.00 (€1.85) |
| Taxi | $2.00/trip (€1.85) |
| Coca-cola | $1.50 (€1.39) |
| Coffee | $1.00 (€0.93) |
| Coworking desk | $66/month (€61.13) |
As you can see, Buenos Aires is an affordable place overall. However, please remember that cost of living varies from person to person based on their lifestyle and spending patterns. Currency fluctuations may also change the estimations.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has a very rich cultural scene and a lively environment. Local people celebrate their history and heritage via several traditions and ceremonies. The local culture is depicted in Buenos Aires’ art, literature, and music. Additionally, there is a high cultural participation which is highly influenced by European architecture and southern European descent. Buenos Aires is the type of place where you’ll find old buildings and trendy cafes side by side. In short, the city is a beautiful mix of old-meets-modern.
Buenos Aires is also home to a variety of mountains, sierras, and dreamy gardens. The city’s good weather allows you to take a walk along the neighborhoods and enjoy tree-lined streets. You can also spend time in protected green spaces and use this opportunity to reconnect with nature.
As for the food, cafes, and restaurants are abundant in the city that offer delicious and mouthwatering food. Apart from that, the street food is pretty amazing and affordable too. You can also shop for local produce at local markets and cook for yourself.
Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires
One thing to note is that the seasons are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere in Buenos Aires. For instance, their summer months lasts from December to March, and winter from June to September. January is the hottest month and most people (locals and tourists alike) leave town during this time.
Other than that, the rainy season begins in March and lasts all the way to June. The second shift lasts from September to November and this is generally a good time to visit.
October and November bring forward the bloom of famous purple jacaranda trees while digital nomads come here after the Brazil carnival. You can choose the best time based on all these factors and determine when you want to come.
12 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires
There is a wide scope of outdoor activities in Buenos Aires. Take a look at these 12 best things to do!
1. Browse the San Telmo market
Feria de San Telmo is a famous Sunday market in Buenos Aires that attracts locals and tourists from all over the city. Vendors can only sell items that predated the 1970s. In short, this antique fair is a golden opportunity for people to buy vintage and ancient things. You can go here to buy antiques or simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere and vibrant energy. The market is complete with food stalls, tango performances, and live performers.
2. Visit the bookstores
Argentina is every book lover’s dream come true. The country is home to hundreds of bookstores and libraries. Buenos Aires alone has over 700 bookstores within the city! When in the city, make sure to visit these literary masterpieces and delve into the knowledge they offer.
3. Visit the palacio barolo
Palacio Barolo is a historical landmark and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Located in Monserrat, this office building remained the city’s largest building for over 10 years. Barolo designed this building based on his inspiration from Dante’s poem “The Divine Comedy”. You can go here to admire the architecture or eat at their amazing rooftop restaurant.
4. Take a stroll through the Calle Lanin
Calle Lanin is a charming cobblestoned lane that is enchanting, to say the least. One of the best things to do is simply walk through it and take in the beauty. This is a colorful and vibrant street where houses are decorated with mosaic tiles and bright colors. If nothing else, this street is certainly very picturesque.
5. Visit the parque 3 de febrero
For all fitness lovers, Parque 3 de Febrero is the perfect place to spend a productive day. This is the biggest park in the city that allows you to delve into exercise and have a great time simultaneously. You can run, walk, cycle, or do some proper workouts at this park. Make sure to visit the El Rosedal (the rose garden that contains around 18000 roses).
6. Visit Microcentro
Microcentro is the bustling part of Buenos Aires that perfectly represents the city’s chaotic and lively side. This area houses various attractions including the presidential palace, Cafe Tortoni, Casa Rosada, and the obelisk. Microcentro is a vital place and your city exploration will be incomplete without a visit here.
7. Visit Caminito
Caminito is another must-visit landmark in Buenos Aires. Located in La Boca, this street museum was previously considered an eyesore. Artist Quinquela Martin worked his magic and his art turned the landfill into an iconic and colorful attraction.
8. Visit MALBA
MALBA, The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires is a famous destination and tourist attraction because of its cultural value. This art museum is a cultural center that hosts diverse art exhibitions throughout the year. Malba is also a vital part of the contemporary art scene in Argentina and Latin America,
9. Comic strip trail
The Paseo de la Historieta features numerous sculptures of Argentinian characters and comic strip cartoons. This entertaining trail is located on a waterfront walkway and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
10. Centro cultural borges
Named after Buenos Aires’ memorable writer Jorge Luis Borges, this cultural center is a great place to visit in the city. This hub offers art exhibitions, dance performances, and live music. You can enjoy a reading or attend a concert.
11. Visit the Teatro colon
Your time in Buenos Aires is incomplete without a visit to Teatro Colon. While there are a variety of theatres in the city, this is considered one of the top 5 theatres in the world. Make sure to catch a show and have an unforgettable experience
12. Walk through plaza de mayo
Plaza de Mayo is the city’s oldest public square and a sight that you simply can’t miss. When in Buenos Aires, make sure to walk through this foundational site and take in the surroundings. You can even witness the famous mothers of Plaza de Mayo march on Thursdays.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Yes, Buenos Aires is a pretty safe city overall but it is important to note that no place is perfect. This city has a low crime rate but petty crimes are not unheard of. Some areas such as Constituyentes have a bad reputation so they must be avoided, even in the daytime. Other than that, walking alone at night and carrying huge amounts of cash is highly discouraged. Foreigners in new countries are advised to stay on their guard at all times.
If you encounter any criminal activity or feel the danger of one, make sure to contact the local authorities as soon as possible. You can ensure a safe time by taking some simple and necessary precautions.
Visa Requirements in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires’ easy visa is one of the main factors that makes the city so popular among digital nomads. Citizens from the EU, the United States, the UK, Australia, and Canada are eligible for visa-free entry to Argentina. They can stay for a period of 3 months without any additional formalities.
In addition to that, the Argentine government has also introduced the Argentina digital nomad visa. This establishment has made things easy for remote workers who wish to stay for a longer period. Digital nomads can stay for a period of 180 days initially and renew it for another 180 days. However, foreigners are not allowed to get involved with any Argentina-based business activity.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires is a mesmerizing concoction of rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, a lively environment, and modern energy. This vibrant cosmopolitan city attracts digital nomads and remote workers from all over the world to come and settle here.
This place offers you a chance to experience a “big city” life without having to spend as much money as you would in major cities like New York and London.
We hope this article helped you understand what it is like to live in Buenos Aires, the logistical details, and other factors. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Buenos Aires Guide For Digital Nomads?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!