Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Buenos Aires
There is so much to love about Buenos Aires and so much more to love still. After living in Buenos Aires for six months, and making a few visits back after that, I’m still drawn back by all this city has to offer.
After traveling extensively throughout Latin America, I think that Buenos Aires is easily one of the best cities for digital nomads in Latin America – especially for those that are new to long-term travel or the digital nomad lifestyle.
This city has every convenience you could ever want, plus a generally low cost of living and so much to explore both in the city and nearby. It really does have it all.
Keep reading for our definitive Buenos Aires digital nomad guide, with everything you’ll need to know about the digital nomad lifestyle in Buenos Aires and how to make the best of life in this dynamic and growing digital nomad hotspot.
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Digital Nomad Buenos Aires Guide
Why Buenos Aires?
There is so much to love about Buenos Aires, especially as a digital nomad living in this city. Here are just a few of the reasons why I think Buenos Aires is well worth considering as a place to settle in as a digital nomad, for just a few months or even longer.
Big City Living and Amenities
Buenos Aires is a major cosmopolitan city in South America, one of the continent’s largest, and you’ll find everything you could want and need here. Buenos Aires is a cultural and financial capital, and there is so much to see and do here that you’ll never get bored.
If you’ve never traveled to South America this is a great start to exploring this continent. It feels both very European and uniquely Latin American in a way that no place else in Latin America is.
Great Travel Potential
Being based in Buenos Aires, the travel potential is excellent, with Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay nearby and the rest of Argentina to explore. The most popular trip, easily for a long weekend or even just a day, is Uruguay – home to some of South America’s best beaches – and just a quick ferry from Buenos Aires.
Low Cost of Living
Buenos Aires has a surprisingly low cost of living, and digital nomads can live here on a budget from as low as $500 a month to around $1000 a month, with a lot of this variability being based on where you choose to live.
Given the city’s incredible amenities, there are few large cities in Latin America where you can make a budget stretch so far.
Great Digital Nomad Community
Buenos Aires has a strong digital nomad community, with digital nomads and expats living here that work in all sectors. If you’re looking for a great place to get involved with other digital nomads and integrated into the community, Buenos Aires is a great place for this.
Digital Nomad Friendly Visa Policies
Argentina offers people from most countries 90 days for tourism purposes upon arrival in the country, and this initial tourist visa can be extended for an additional 90 days. Visa runs are common to Uruguay, just a short ferry ride across the river from Buenos Aires.
Awesome Café Culture
If you love coffee and hanging out or working from cafes, this city will sweep you off your feet. There are few cities I’ve visited with such a strong cafe culture, and so many lovely places to explore. I shudder to think how much I spent on coffee in Buenos Aires over 6 months enjoying the cafes here!
The Cons of Living in Buenos Aires
For the sake of transparency, these are some of the things I think you should be aware of about living in Buenos Aires and Argentina generally – they’re not all bad, but important to keep in mind.
Big City Living
Buenos Aires is a large metro city and feels like it – if you don’t thrive in cities, this may not be the place for you – check out Córdoba, Argentina, or Rosario, Argentina instead!
Despite being such a large city, Buenos Aires does do a good job of having dedicated green spaces throughout the city. Check out the Jardin Botánico, Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, and Bosques de Palermo for a bit of green amidst the city.
Far From Other Cities
Most maps tend to distort distances and make South America look small… in reality, it is massive.
This means that Argentina is actually quite far from the United States – it’s a 9.5-hour flight to Miami and nearly 12 hours to New York – and even farther from Europe. Depending on where home is for you, this might be important to keep in mind.
- Buenos Aires is quite far from even many South American capitals as well – flights are 2.5 hours to Santiago, Chile, and 3 hours to Rio.
- If you’re interested in long-distance bus travel in South America, rides can be very long, sometimes prohibitively so.
Petty Crime Happens
While I never felt unsafe in Buenos Aires at all, petty crime happens here and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take some basic precautions – just be streetwise!
Make sure you hold on to your stuff, keep your backpack in front of you in crowded areas, and don’t flash expensive items thoughtlessly.
Visas for Argentina
Argentina’s visa situation for digital nomads is a very good one, which makes Buenos Aires even more of a desirable destination for digital nomads.
Most visitors to Argentina don’t need to apply for any type of visa before entering the country and are given a 90-day stay for tourism purposes upon arrival.
These 90 days can be extended to 180 days by applying for an extension in an immigration office – you’ll only need to present your passport with proof of your current 90-day passport stamp, and pay a fee.
- Extension Cost: Tourist visa extension costs 3000 pesos (about $35 USD) for MERCOSUR residents and 6000 pesos (about $70 USD) for residents of other countries.
- Extension Timeframe: Make sure to apply for an extension within the first 60 days of your initial 90 days – if you apply in the last 30 days, the fees are more.
However, applying for an extension is not technically necessary at all – once you leave Argentina – even if only for a few hours – your 90-day clock will restart when you re-enter the country. A popular option is to take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay for the day and then return in the evening.
By extending your tourist visa an extra 90 days, making a visa run at the end of your extension, and then starting the process over again, you can easily stay in the country for an entire year. Making these “visa runs” is completely legal, and many people do it repeatedly, even for years.
Once you start collecting a number of stamps, you may be asked why you’ve spent so much time in Argentina.
I traveled to several other countries while I was based in Argentina, and I accumulated at least a dozen Argentine passport stamps (even though this wasn’t with the intent of making “visa runs”) and I was asked about it at one point.
Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
As a way to help spur the economy following the COVID-related economic downturn in 2020, the mayor of Buenos Aires announced in early 2021 that a new Argentina digital nomad visa was in the works.
While the visa has gone into effect yet, the city government is already prompting the city as a digital nomad haven, and launching some nice perks for arriving digital nomads!
While specific requirements for the visa aren’t yet public, this will likely make the 90-day visa runs to Uruguay of longer-term nomads and visitors a thing of the past!
In the meantime, check out this city government website for more details about digital nomad perks, like discounted rates at coworking locations, and a digital nomad welcome kit you can request online.
Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
The cost of living in Buenos Aires can be quite inexpensive, and it’s generally less expensive than you’d expect for such a cosmopolitan, large city.
Part of this low cost of living for digital nomads and expats is due to the fact that there is high inflation in the Argentine peso, which makes foreign currency very valuable. Living on a budget in Buenos Aires is totally doable for $500-1000 per month, with rent being the largest and most Variable factor in your budget.
Private apartments for rent start around $350 or so in some of the best neighborhoods, or you can find places a bit further out of the most fashionable neighborhoods, or rooms for rent for even less.
Of course, you can also find luxury condos for $1000 USD or more – Buenos Aires can be a luxury destination as well if you have the budget for it.
It can be inexpensive to eat out in Buenos Aires, though costs can creep up if you eat out a lot or don’t want the bottom line. The city is filled with delicious and lively restaurants and bars, plus an very strong cafe culture that easily pulls you in, so the temptation towards stretching the budget is very real.
Digital Nomads in Buenos Aires
The digital nomad community in Buenos Aires is very vibrant, and there are plenty of activities and events to keep you engaged, without being overwhelmed as you might be in Chiang Mai or Bali.
Check out some of the Buenos Aires Digital Nomad Facebook groups to get started and start making connections:
Plus, even if you don’t plan on working from a coworking space, checking out what the city has to offer can help you get connected here.
Coworking in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has many coworking spaces for every type of digital nomad, neighborhood, and price point. Here are a few favorites that stand out as some great options to look into in this city:
Urban Station
This group of coworking spaces around the city has locations in four neighborhoods, so you’ll always be close to an Urban Station. These spaces are beautifully designed and are divided into different areas that are perfect for whatever work environment you need.
They have coffee and snacks available for members, and all the amenities you could want in a coworking space, like fast internet, printing, and much more.
Origen Coworking
Origen is a smaller and cozier coworking space in Palermo Soho, located in a restored colonial building with a large patio and covered terrace, meaning you can even work from outside if you wish.
This is a very community-focused space with coworkers from all different sectors. Affordable prices and great coffee.
Manawa Coworking
With locations in Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, Manawa Coworking is quickly becoming a favorite in the city. They have free coffee, lockers, and indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing and working.
Transportation in Buenos Aires
Walkability
Buenos Aires is a very walkable city, and wherever you’re staying you’re likely to find places to eat, things to do, places to shop, and much more nearby. While the city is large, I always found it to be quite walkable in the central neighborhoods.
Transportation options are plentiful, too, so whatever you can’t reach on foot won’t feel like it’s far away.
Buses
Buenos Aires has a vast system of buses that criss-cross the city and run frequently. I never had any problem finding a bus to anywhere I wanted to go.
Must-Have App
Whether you plan on taking the bus, subway, or walking, download the Cómo Llego app to easily enter your location and destination and find the best way to get there, to and from anywhere in the city. Check out the online option.
Paying for Public Transportation – SUBE Card
Buenos Aires transportation systems exclusively use a digital card, called a SUBE card, to pay for transportation. This website shows all the spots where you can get a SUBE card, which costs the equivalent of $15 USD in pesos.
- You’ll need a copy of your passport photo page to get one!
- You can load your SUBE card with credit at any kiosk throughout the city (any of the small stores that sell sodas, candies, etc), or by using the SUBE app available here for Android and here for iOS.
Practice standard bus safety practices – keep your bag in front of you and close to your body, try not to stand near the doors, and don’t show off any valuables. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, but it totally avoidable with these common safety tips for crowded spaces.
Subway
The subway in Buenos Aires is quite good, though it is more limited in where it goes than the bus system. Subways mostly head into and out of the downtown financial center of the city.
Just like the bus system, subways can be paid for through the SUBE card. Also like buses, practice standard subway safety practices and you’ll be fine.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
Most digital nomads in Buenos Aires want to stay in the neighborhoods of Palermo (chiefly, Palermo Soho, as well as Palermo Hollywood) and the neighboring Recoleta and modern Puerto Madero neighborhoods, which have the most to do and see.
However, surrounding neighborhoods like San Telmo, Belgrano, and Villa Crespo are fantastic and notably less expensive.
There are plenty of ways to find a place to stay in Buenos Aires, including looking for a standard month-to-month apartment rental, booking a month-long stay on Airbnb, or finding a coliving space.
Read More: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires + Best Buenos Aires Neighborhoods
Apartment Rentals
Monthly apartment rentals in Buenos Aires are a popular and less expensive option, with plenty of ways to search for a month-to-month rental option. Make sure to check out the digital nomad Facebook groups in Buenos Aires as you search for where to stay.
People here can offer guidance and tons of specific recommendations, plus often advertise spaces before leaving town.
RoomGo Argentina has listings of apartments for rent, though make sure to check out the terms of the rental, as some have minimum stay requirements. This website and its corresponding Facebook page are easier to navigate than your standard Facebook group of random rental listings.
Airbnb
The ever-popular (though generally slightly more expensive) option of Airbnb monthly rentals is most certainly an option for digital nomads in Buenos Aires. Monthly rentals can be found in the desirable Recoleta, San Telmo, and Belgrano neighborhoods for around $350USD per month, and go up from there.
In the most popular neighborhood, Palermo, monthly Airbnb rents start around $450.
Coliving in Buenos Aires
Nomad Hud offers a mix of coworking and coliving in Buenos Aires, and are worth looking into if you’re interested in being closer to the community than you may be living totally independently.
They also share other useful resources for Buenos Aires digital nomads on their Facebook page.
Another popular co-living option is Selina, which is a popular group of coliving and coworking spaces throughout the Americas and always a popular option with digital nomads. Based in Palermo Soho, they have private rooms, suites, and shared living options.
Internet in Buenos Aires
You won’t have any problem with internet speed in Buenos Aires – as a major metropolitan capital, the internet is quite good everywhere and found in nearly all homes, cafes, public spaces, etc. Make sure you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before heading to Argentina to continue to use the internet safely and access the content you’ll need while there.
Check out our Complete Guide to Using a VPN for Travel for our top tips and VPN recommendations for travelers and nomads. I have used NordVPN for a while now and absolutely love it – I have no complaints!
However, if you’re more connected than I am and need to connect more than 6 devices at once, definitely check out Surfshark, another great option that I highly recommend.
Weather in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has very distinct seasons and a temperate climate. If you’re from the northern hemisphere, remember that seasons here in the southern hemisphere are the opposite of what you’re used to.
Summer
Summer lasts from November through March, with warm temperatures, generally in the high 70°s or 80°s Fahrenheit, or around 25°C to 30°C.
Many people escape the city around December and January around Christmas but also an extended summer break in the countryside, at the beach, or in Uruguay. Buenos Aires will be quiet around this time of year.
Winter
Winter lasts from June through August, with temperatures in the 50°s or low 60°s Fahrenheit, or around 10°C to 18°C.
Things To Do in Buenos Aires
Visit the MALBA (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires)
The MALBA – known by its Spanish acronym, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires – is an absolute favorite spot for discovering a bit of culture. The permanent exhibits here are fantastic, and the rotating exhibits are world-famous.
I was lucky enough to be when Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room was in town.
My true reason for becoming a regular? The inexpensive movie screenings from Argentine and Latin American directors. There is a regular lineup of film festivals that pass through as well.
Check out Street Art
Buenos Aires is one of the best cities for street art in the world. Check out neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo for plenty of incredible street art of all styles – there is a ton of world-class work here!
Street art walking tours are INCREDIBLY popular, and a great way to get to know the city with a local. One of my favorite activity recommendations for Buenos Aires visitors!
Read More
Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Buenos Aires for everything a visitor to Buenos Aires could want to do – and much more!
Eat Your Way Through Buenos Aires
The meat-heavy Argentine diet isn’t for everyone, but Buenos Aires is a fantastic city for food. Don’t leave the city without trying classic dishes like these:
- Bife de Chorizo – the best cut of steak!
- Choripan – sausage sandwiches
- Empanadas
- Medialunas – croissants
Check out the best Buenos Aires food blog, Pick Up the Fork, to help you in your self-guided food tour of the city. This website has been the ultimate Buenos Aires food bible for years.
Money-Saving Tips for Buenos Aires
Save Money on Exchange Rates
You’ll quickly learn in Buenos Aires (and throughout Argentina) that the Argentine peso is quite volatile, and inflation has been comparatively high for years.
While this has created a lot of economic hardship for many Argentines, and that is something to be sensitive to, those with access to foreign currency are able to save a lot of money.
Here are my top tips for saving money when converting currency in Argentina:
- Don’t take money out of ATMs: Never withdraw cash from ATMs. The rate you’ll be charged for converting your money will be much, much less than you can get elsewhere.
- Use Xoom to convert money: If you’ve never heard of Xoom, it is an easy and secure way to transfer money. You can easily send money from your bank account to a Xoom pickup location nearby in Buenos Aires, where they’ll have your cash waiting for you. You’ll save double-digit percentages in conversion rate this way – you’re losing money otherwise!
- Make small withdrawals of cash rather than big ones: As I said, inflation is high here. Exchange rates can change fast. Don’t withdraw a lot of money at once unless you have an upcoming expense – with services like Xoom it doesn’t make financial sense to do so.
Where You Live Makes a Big Difference
It might sound obvious, but if you’re looking to save money in Buenos Aires, where you live can make a MASSIVE difference. Apartments in Palermo Soho, the most popular neighborhood with the most bars, cafes, and more can easily be double the cost of what they would be in neighborhoods that are just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride away.
The transportation system is so extensive in Buenos Aires, and so inexpensive, that you will hardly even notice a difference, even if the neighborhood is important to you.
Check out the surrounding neighborhoods to save a couple of hundred dollars on rent – that savings can go a long way here. You’ll find deals even in the posh Recoleta neighborhood, but your other best options include:
- San Telmo
- Belgrano
- Villa Crespo
Bring Brand Names From Home
Due to the price of importing many goods, certain items in Argentina can be quite pricey, especially those from international brands. Among these, clothing, beauty products, and tech can get very expensive.
I recently read that Argentina is the most expensive place in Latin America to purchase tech products. With that being said…if you need another hard drive, get it before you get here.
Computer charger on the fritz?… upgrade before you get here. Stock up on beauty products or name brands you can’t live without.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.