Sections of the Living Abroad Guide:

Medical Care

prescription medication

If you take specific prescription medication at home, ensure you bring more than enough for your entire stay abroad. Medicine cannot be sent via postal mail from your home country to Argentina or Uruguay. You cannot use a medical prescription from a U.S. doctor in Argentina or Uruguay, which means if you need something filled, you must see a local doctor to get a local prescription.

Keep in mind that, while name brands of certain medications should be consistent in their ingredients globally, the generic versions may not be. So, if you take a generic version of a medication and need to buy more abroad, the types and percentages of each ingredient may be different from what you are used to, which may cause problems, so check with your doctor carefully.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I AM SICK ABROAD?

When you are sick with a mild cold or flu symptoms (cough, sore throat, etc.)

Go to a pharmacy to get some medicine.  You can ask the pharmacist to recommend a brand after describing your symptoms or find it on your own.  In addition to getting non-prescription medicine like ibuprofen and/or cough syrup, you can eat soup and other comfort foods, drink a hot tea, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and get lots of rest. Feel free to let the Puentes team know via email or when you see them next in person.

Am I sick enough to see a doctor?

You should think about seeing a doctor in the following circumstances:

  • If you have been sick for multiple days without any improvement in symptoms.

  • If you need prescription medicine.

  • If you are not sure what type of sickness you have.

  • If you are planning on missing a day of your internship and thus need a doctor’s note, or “certificado médico” to justify your absence.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and everyone has their own criteria for when they should see a doctor.  Contact us by phone or email if you need help coordinating a doctor’s appointment.

How do I go to a doctor in Argentina or Uruguay?

a) Go to the on-call doctors at a hospital: Almost all hospitals have what is called guardia, which is similar to the ER in the United States.  You do not need an appointment to go to the guardia.  You walk in and explain your symptoms at reception so that they can send you to the right doctor.  When going to a hospital, take your original passport with you for identification and take your medical insurance card.  Be sure to save all receipts for any payments made in order to submit insurance claims for reimbursement, as needed. 

🇦🇷 Recommended Hospitals in Buenos Aires:

🇺🇾 Recommended Hospitals in Montevideo:

b) Call a doctor to come to your apartment: Just like getting pizza or ice cream delivered, you can also get a doctor to come to your apartment.  This is ideal in cases where your illness prevents you from making the trip to the hospital. 

c) Book an appointment with a doctor: If your request is not timely enough to go to the hospital, you can book an appointment directly with a local doctor instead. The US Embassy has a list of recommended doctors in Buenos Aires and in Montevideo that you can refer to. Remember to check with your international health insurance regarding their coverage.

I have a medical emergency

In the case of medical emergency, do not hesitate to call an ambulance right away! Dial 107 [Argentina] or 105 [Uruguay] from any cell phone or landline. These emergency calls will go through even if you do not have cell phone credit. If you are at home, your roommate or host can also help you call an ambulance. 

Any ambulance will take you to the nearest hospital for treatment.  Do not worry about insurance in this case, as the most important thing is to get treatment as soon as possible. Once you have secured an ambulance, call any Puentes team member to update them about your situation and so that they can join you at the hospital.

NAVigating the pharmacy

It’s important to remember that many medicines are different strengths than their U.S. equivalents, so always ask your pharmacist or doctor about your dosage. And many of the medicines that require a prescription in the U.S. may not require one in Argentina or Uruguay.

The most popular drugstore is called Farmacity, and there is a branch in just about every neighborhood. Smaller drugstores, called farmacias, (designated with the square shaped cross) will carry many of the same items, but will likely not keep everything out on the floor; you will have to ask the pharmacist to give you what you need from behind the counter.  Pharmacies take shifts being open 24 hours. Head to your local pharmacy, and if it is not open, it will usually have a sign directing you to the nearest open one, also referred to as the pharmacy de turno.

Review the below Drugstore Dictionary for your destination country to understand local equivalents for common medications.

What do I do if I suspect that I have COVID or have been exposed to COVID?

Emergencies

The Puentes team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of an emergency.
Please save the following emergency contacts in your phone and give them to a parent or guardian:

🇦🇷 buenos aires

Emergency Contact:

Lali Pereira, Program Assistant
Cell/WhatsApp: +54 9 11 3628 5039
lali@puentesabroad.com

Backup Contact:

Kelly Williamson, Program Manager
Cell/WhatsApp: +54 9 11 5466 8512
kelly@puentesabroad.com

U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Av. Colombia 4300, Palermo; + 54 11 5777 4873

Local Argentina Emergency Contacts

Fire Department: #100
Police Department: #101
Medical Emergency: #107

🇺🇾 Montevideo

Emergency Contact:

Agustín Méndez Aristimuño, Program Assistant
Cell/WhatsApp: +598 97 547 061
agustin@puentesabroad.com

Backup Contact:

Alicia MacLoughlin, Senior Ops Manager and Strategy Lead
Cell/WhatsApp: +54 9 11 5578 6848
alicia@puentesabroad.com

U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay
Dr. Lauro Müller 1776; +598 2517 0260

Local Uruguay Emergency Contacts

Fire Department: #104
Police Department: #109
Medical Emergency: #105

Puentes Emergency Procedures

The safety and wellbeing of our participants is Puentes’ highest priority, and we want to make sure that participants feel that we are here to help them in any situation that they find themselves in.  The below is meant to identify what a true emergency is and to explain the procedure if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

What is an official emergency?

An emergency is any circumstance that poses a genuine risk to or that has already disturbed the safety and wellbeing of participants that requires immediate attention. 

To help give you a clearer idea of what this means, the following are examples of emergencies:

  • Criminal assaults against participants

  • Sexual assault or rape

  • Serious illness, physical or emotional injury

  • Hospitalization for any reason

  • Arrest, incarceration, or deportation

  • Terrorist threat or attack

  • Local political crisis

  • Natural disasters

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Immediately call Lali.  If the line is busy or for some reason is not answered, try calling Lali again.
If you are unable to get in contact with Lali, please call Kelly.
If you are unable to get in contact with Lali or Kelly, please call Madison.

What is not an emergency?

Please keep in mind that an emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention.  If the situation can wait until the next morning, then it may not be an emergency, and you can contact the Puentes team at a more reasonable time.

Examples of non-emergencies:

  • A minor broken limb or sprain

  • Petty theft, such as pick-pocketing

  • Losing the keys to your apartment

How do I file a police report?

If you need to file a police report, find your closest "comisaría" or police station here. There is a Tourist Police office at Av. Corrientes 436 that can assist in English. Bring your original passport. If you go to a local "comisaría," tell the police offer, "Quiero hacer una denuncia," to let them know you'd like to file a police report, and then they will walk you through the steps. Keep in mind that some insurance companies will require that a police report was filed within 24 hours of the theft of an item in order for a reimbursement to be considered.

In the unlikely event that you experience an armed robbery, you must tell the Puentes team immediately so that we can help to support you and so that we can notify your university of the incident. You will not be in trouble — rather, this is a safety protocol that universities and the Puentes team are required to follow.

If you are ever in doubt about whether a situation is an emergency or not, err on the side of caution and call the Puentes emergency contact.

LIVING ABROAD GUIDE: Medical Care • Emergencies • Money • Communication • Transportation • Laundry, Food, Gyms • Sports • Museums • Walking Tours • Live Music • Language Meetups • Off the Beaten Path

Money and Identification

Money

The national currency is either the Argentine peso (ARS) or Uruguayan peso (UYU).  You can check the current exchange rate here.  You can withdraw pesos from bank ATMs anywhere.  It’s recommended to use ATMs during banking hours (10am to 3pm) so that, if there should be an issue with the machine, you can go inside the bank for assistance.  

When you call your bank to tell them the dates that you will be abroad, you can ask them to waive the withdrawal fee as an exception during that time frame.  Some banks will do this and others will not, but it is worth it to ask. As a foreigner without a resident ID card, you will be unable to open a local bank account. Thus, for getting cash in Argentina or Uruguay, you have a few options:

  • Recommended!  Bring U.S. dollars ($100 bills) to exchange them into pesos at a local exchange house.  This depends on how much U.S. dollar cash you are comfortable bringing with you on the flight. Read about the Dollar Blue below for more information on why U.S. dollar bills reign supreme in Argentina right now.

  • Transfer money from your U.S. bank account to Xoom or Western Union and get the pesos at one of their pickup points in-country. This has a transaction fee, so check if it is more favorable than your bank’s ATM withdrawal fees. Typically, these companies will use a rate between the official and the Dollar Blue, which may actually make up for the transaction fee.

  • Use your debit card to make withdrawals from ATMs.  If your bank charges you withdrawal fees, we recommend that you withdraw larger amounts of pesos at a time and leave the extra pesos safely in your housing bedroom.

  • In Argentina, use your Visa or Mastercard credit card to receive a rate similar to the blue rate, which you can check here. Keep in mind that not all businesses will accept credit card in Argentina. In Uruguay, there are not multiple exchange rates so you can freely use any credit card (Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted). There is a strong credit card culture in Uruguay, so you will be able to use your credit card almost anywhere.

Often participants do a combination of these four options, or sometimes they do just one.  It is a matter of personal preference and comfort. 

Many major businesses accept credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely accepted. However, there is still a strong cash culture, so you should also always have pesos on hand. It’s also recommended to have smaller bills with you, as small businesses and taxis typically do not take larger bills. You can usually get change in supermarkets, restaurants, or larger stores.

 

How to use Western Union

  1. Register online at https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/home.html

  2. Connect your U.S bank account, credit card, or debit card: you are able to use your U.S account to send anyone cash all over the world in their local currency.

  3. Choose the amount that you would like to send (in USD), and Western Union shows you how much you would receive in cash in local currency along with the exchange rate at the moment. Be sure to select "cash pick up." The amount you choose is charged in USD from your US bank account.

  4. Input the full name, address, and country of the person receiving the cash. If you are sending it to yourself, write your full name and your Argentine address.

  5. Pick up the cash in pesos at the closest pick-up point. Pick-up points are called Pago Fácil or RapiPago and must have a black and yellow Western Union logo on the outside. Not all Western Union locations receive international transfers, so double check upon arrival that you can pick-up money sent internationally. You are required to bring your original passport.

Puentes Pista: If you connect your bank account rather than a credit or debit card, make the transfer early in the work week because it takes 1-4 business days to process. If you make the transfer on a Thursday, you will likely get your cash the following Tuesday or Wednesday.

Western Union charges a fee of about 15% of the amount you are sending, so consider how frequently you’d like to send money. However, every time you send money, you earn points that you can use toward discounting the 15% fee.

Avoid the Western Union “rush hours” — first and last weekdays of the month (when everyone is paying bills), early in the morning when they open (before other customers have dropped off cash), and around 6pm (when everyone gets off work and heads to Western Union).

 

Important Details on the Dollar Blue

While planning your trip to Buenos Aires, you may have read about the different exchange rates for the Argentine peso.  We want to make sure that Puentes participants understand how this works, so that you can make the most out of your travel budgets.

  • Background: The Argentine government has imposed restrictions on buying foreign currency.  Argentines have historically kept their savings in U.S. dollars, which is more stable than the Argentine peso, so lately Argentines have wanted to buy U.S. dollars but not been able to do so.  As a result, the demand for U.S. dollars is extremely high, while the supply is very low.  A parallel currency exchange market has emerged in order to address this difference in supply and demand. 

  • What does this mean for tourists and Puentes participants? This means that there are multiple exchange rates for foreign currencies: official, blue, etc.  The unofficial, or “blue,” exchange rate is the most important one for travelers arriving to Argentina with foreign currency.  Argentines are willing to pay a higher price than the official exchange rate in order to buy dollars, so tourists can exchange their dollars for a more advantageous rate (as of September 2022, this is about a 1.85x higher than the official). You can check the daily rates for these different types of exchanges here.

  • How do I get the unofficial exchange rate? One of the only ways to get the unofficial exchange rate is to bring cash in U.S. dollars with you for your trip.  You can then exchange this cash in person in Buenos Aires and get pesos at the unofficial blue rate.  Be aware that bringing large amounts of money in cash with you when traveling always has its risks, so please only bring the amount with which you feel comfortable.  Then once in Buenos Aires, we recommend exchanging money with an Argentine you know personally (for example, with your housing host, the language school, or your internship supervisors). There are also unofficial exchange houses called cuevas, which would provide you with the blue rate, but these are unregulated.

Identification

You do not need to have your passport with you when in Buenos Aires or Montevideo, so you should leave it in a safe place in your home.  You can keep your driver’s license, your student ID card (for possible museum and activity discounts), and a photocopy of your passport with you to use in case you need identification.  It is also a good idea to memorize your passport number because you will need to know it when signing credit card receipts or completing other documents.  Do note that you should remember to take your passport with you when traveling outside of Buenos Aires or Montevideo on buses or planes.

Communication

Local Communication

If you are using your unlocked phone with a local SIM card, this is similar to AT&T’s pay-as-you-go cell phone plan in the U.S. because you can buy cell phone credit to be used as needed for your local calls, texting, and data, and you can also rely on widely available Wi-Fi for free over-the-internet messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.  Such cell phone credit can be purchased in kiosks, supermarkets, pharmacies, and other commercial locations throughout Argentina. 

Keep in mind that your phone needs to have a physical SIM slot in order to use a local SIM card.


International Communication

To call or WhatsApp local phone numbers from abroad, dial the following:

  • Country code: +54 (Argentina); +598 (Uruguay)

  • Area code: 9 11 (Argentina)

  • Phone number: 9197 6828 (Argentina); 97 547 061 (Uruguay)

We don’t recommend making international calls from the phone with your local SIM card because it is very expensive. An excellent way to keep in touch with family and friends while abroad is Skype or Zoom. Another option is FaceTime on iPhones or Macs, and you can also try Google Hangouts.  For free international texting over wifi, WhatsApp is an excellent mobile app, which also has free voice and video call functions.  WhatsApp is also very frequently used locally in Latin America as an alternative to texting and phoning.  To call Buenos Aires cell phones from abroad, dial the country exit code +54 9 11 then the eight digit phone number. To dial Buenos Aires landlines from abroad, dial the country exit code +54 11 then the eight digit phone number.


Communication with the Puentes Team

If you have questions before the program begins, please email us and we will respond to you within 24 to 48 hours.

For questions that come up once the program has already started, please take a look at our communication preferences below:

  • For urgent or timely issues, you can call or WhatsApp the primary emergency contact for your city 24/7 any day.

  • For non-urgent questions on navigating life abroad, you can email or WhatsApp Brianna during business hours (10am to 5pm from Monday to Friday), and she will respond to you within 24 to 48 business hours.

  • For anything internship-related, send an email to your Puentes Mentor. If you want to talk through an internship issue or share updates or questions, set up a conversation in person or on Zoom with him/her here.


Postal mail

The three main postal carriers in Argentina are Correo Argentino, Andreani, and OCA.  You can buy postage and send items wherever you see a sign for Correo Argentino (in blue and yellow), Andreani (in red and blue), or OCA (in purple and orange), often located within kiosks or other businesses.  Postal mail sent from Argentina typically takes about ten days to two weeks to arrive to international destinations.  FedEx, UPS, and DHL also have locations throughout the country. 

Sending valuables through the mail is strongly discouraged.  Also keep in mind that packages shipped internationally to Argentina are often held at customs upon arrival and taxed heavily, so we recommend that you do not receive international shipments in order to avoid burdensome costs and logistics.  If you would like to receive postal mail letters while in Argentina, you can have them sent to your housing.

 

Transportation

🇦🇷 Transport in Argentina 

Public transportation in Argentina is very dependable and is the preferred method of transport of the locals. Multiple means of public transport allow you to travel around the city of Buenos Aires: six lines of subtes (the abbreviation for subterráneo, or subway), more than one hundred lines of colectivos (buses), and interurban railways (or trains). 

The subway, which only exists within the Buenos Aires City limits, and buses are excellent options for daytime travel but are not as frequent or as safe at night. Trains are the fastest and most efficient way to travel from the suburbs into the Buenos Aires city center. At night, the subway stops around 11:30pm and trains around 10pm. You may find yourself waiting much longer for your bus. Luckily at night there are other options, such as taxis and Ubers.  

The SUBE card (Unified Electronic Ticket System), which we will give you upon arrival in your Welcome Pack, enables you to travel through the entire city by public transportation. Most subte (subway) stations will be able to charge your SUBE card, but many kioskos, and other shops can do so as well. Locations that charge SUBE cards are listed here. You can find the best public transportation route with the cell phone applications Moovit and/or ComoLlego. The SUBE card can be purchased at train stations, subway stations, and some kiosks.

Taxis are also a very common means of transport within the city.  Taxis use meters to determine the price and typically offer fixed prices for long distance travel.  Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but it’s common to round up to the nearest peso.  Although you can hail a taxi from the street, it is recommended to take a “radio taxi,” which you phone in advance to ensure that the driver will take the most direct route and charge a fair price.  You can also recognize radio taxis by the posted company logos on the passenger side doors. 

Remises, or car services, are commonly used in the northern suburbs of San Isidro, Olivos, and Vicente López. They offer more convenience in the sense that they will come pick you up and tell you the final price before you take your trip. Try Cocker Remises (11 4742 7771) or Jockey Remis (11 4766 6660).

Finally, you can use Uber or Cabify to request and pay for car transport in and around the city.

EcoBici is the city's bike rental system that can be used 24/7. You can register online and review how to use it. You will need a passport and a credit card to register. Download the app “Eco Bici” in order to use the bikes in each station, and use the “BA Como Llego” app to learn how to get from point A to point B using the different bike lanes around the city. Practice safe biking: always wear a helmet and use the bike lanes, por favor.

Traveling from Buenos Aires throughout Argentina

Argentina is a wonderfully diverse and engaging country, with many different options for travel – the Pampas in the center of the country, the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the southern half down to Tierra del Fuego, the subtropical flats of the Gran Chaco in the north, and the rugged Andes mountain range along the western border with Chile. You can find overviews of key Argentine destinations, with recommendations for travel plans, in our Destination Guides.

Due to the country’s large size, airplanes are an excellent option for long distance travel.  Aerolíneas Argentinas operates domestic flights, which typically depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (airport code AEP), located to the north of Buenos Aires City, near Palermo and beside the Río de la Plata.  International flights typically depart from Ezeiza Airport (airport code EZE). Puentes Pista: While there are usually more international flights leaving EZE, if you are lucky enough to find one from AEP, it is a far more convenient option because it is within the city. There is also a low-cost airline called Flybondi, but long delays and logistical problems may occur. Flybondi has a well-priced Ultrapass that includes five roundtrip tickets for domestic flights within Argentina that you have one year to use.

Traveling by bus in Argentina is also reliable, very comfortable, and safe.  Most long distance buses have bathrooms and air conditioning and provide meal services.  You can search for bus schedules and fares at Plataforma 10 or Central de Pasajes.  You can also purchase bus tickets in person at the main bus terminal - the Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro - or at bus company offices throughout the city. Some of the major bus companies include Via Bariloche, Chevallier, Plusmar, and Flecha Bus.   

If you do travel outside of Buenos Aires, please complete the Puentes Travel Form so that we can reach you for any emergencies.  Also, don’t forget to take your passport with you when you travel.

Getting to Ezeiza International Airport

Upon finishing the program, you are responsible for your own transportation to Ezeiza International Airport.  It is recommended that you are at the airport at least two to three hours early for international flights to ensure enough time for check in, security, and immigration. Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half to get from Buenos Aires City to Ezeiza.  Remember that there will be more traffic during rush hour between 7am and 9am and between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays. To get to the airport, Uber is a great option, or you can schedule a bus, taxi, or remise online or by phone with the trusted transportation companies Taxi Ezeiza or Manuel Tienda León.

🇺🇾 Transport in Uruguay

Public transportation in Montevideo is quite dependable and is widely used by locals. Public transportation in Montevideo consists of ómnibuses (buses).  Buses are excellent options for daytime travel but are not as frequent or as safe at night. Luckily at night there are other options, such as taxis and Ubers. 

The STM card, which we will give you upon arrival in your Welcome Pack, enables you to travel through the entire city by public transportation. Redes de cobranza, kioskos, and supermarkets will charge your STM card. 

Taxis are also a very common means of transport within the city.  Taxis use meters to determine the price. They have a dynamic system, which means that the price is higher when they are in more demand, such as rainy days and weekends.  Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but it’s common to round up. You can hail a taxi from the street, you can take the ones that say “LIBRE” in red letters. It is recommended to take a “radio taxi,” which you phone in advance to 141.  

Remises are not as common in Montevideo for day-to-day use. 

Finally, you can use Uber or Cabify to request and pay for car transport in and around the city. You pay directly from the app, so no cash is needed. 

For bikes, you should use the ciclovías. You can enter  https://n9.cl/pozjo and see the current bike structure in the city of Montevideo. 

Traveling from Montevideo throughout Uruguay

Uruguay is a small, safe country where you can reach many destinations in short periods of time. Some examples are the Termas (hot springs) in the northwest, the Sierras in the east, the historic area in Colonia and the beaches in Maldonado and Rocha. 

You can use long-distance buses to reach all these destinations. These buses are equipped to be comfortable and dependable for longer rides. Most buses have air conditioning/heating, reclinable seats, and toilets. Tickets can be found and purchased in urubus.com or at the Tres Cruces terminal - the long-distance bus terminal right at the center of Montevideo.

Laundry, Food & Gyms

Laundry

There are many lavaderos or lavanderías (laundry centers) where you can drop off your clothes to be washed and dried, normally in twenty-four hours or less.  LaveRap is a major chain of reliable lavaderos throughout the city.  You will be charged either by the size or by the weight of the load being washed.  Do keep in mind that lavaderos are not known for their attentive care in handling clothes, so if you have delicate items, you might prefer to wash them by hand at home.  Most lavaderos also do dry cleaning (tintorería) too. Also there’s an app called Mr. Jeff, which is like Uber for laundry. They’ll come pick it up from your apartment and bring it back washed, dried, and folded in less than 48 hours.


Food

Argentina is known for its steak and its Malbec (a type of red wine), but it also hosts a variety of international cuisine, thanks to its immigrant population.  Breakfast in Argentina typically consists of coffee and medialunas (croissants), toasts, or cereal. Breakfast in Uruguay typically consists of coffee and bizcochos (croissants)or a sándwich caliente. Both Argentine and Uruguayan breakfasts are much lighter than most US-style breakfasts.  Lunch is around 1pm and can include a sandwich, empanadas, a tarta (similar to quiche), or a salad.  Argentines and Uruguayans then enjoy a “merienda” (snack or tea) of coffee or mate and pastries in the late afternoon.  Dinner is around 9pm, with restaurants becoming crowded near 10pm.

Supermarkets

Disco, Coto, Día and Carrefour are excellent chains of supermarkets in Argentina. TaTa, Disco, and Devoto are excellent chains of supermarkets in Uruguay. You will also find many very good local supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as fruit and vegetable stands (verdulerías) in your neighborhoods.  The smaller, local supermarkets are not likely to accept credit or debit cards.

Restaurants

At restaurants, there is not a “hostess culture,” so it’s often normal to seat yourselves at a table and call the waiter or get their attention to order. Argentines and Uruguayans take their time and are in no rush to leave after finishing a meal, so the restaurant staff will not bring you the check until you ask for it.   Puentes Pista: Tips typically cannot be added to credit card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. The city has an endless list of amazing restaurants, so please don’t hesitate to ask Puentes staff for recommendations.  You can also visit Guía Oleo – the Argentina version of Zagat – to look up restaurants.  Another good site in English that reviews restaurants is Pick up the Fork.  Also to mention is that restaurant delivery is very common and can be coordinated online with PedidosYa or Rappi.



Gyms

Argentines are an active bunch, so gyms and fitness centers are very common in Argentina.  Prices and amenities vary, so it’s a good idea to explore several options before purchasing a membership.  Three very good fitness centers with several locations each are WellClub, Sportclub, and Megatlon. There are plenty of smaller chains such as Fiter and OnFit and independent gyms as well. Try Googling “gimnasio” plus the name of your neighborhood, and you’ll find plenty of options. You may be required to bring a medical certificate (certificado médico or apto físico) in order to join a gym, so it is a good idea to bring one from home; it can be a simple note from a doctor stating that you are in good health to undertake physical exercise in a gym. 

Sports

🇦🇷 Argentina

As three-time World Cup Champions, it's no secret that Argentina's primary passion is soccer. The six biggest soccer clubs are Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing, San Lorenzo, and Vélez Sarsfield.

Attending a soccer game is a great way to further immerse yourself in an important part of Argentine culture. You can buy tickets directly from the clubs or through tourist agencies such as Tangol. Outside of soccer, there's the national rugby team, Los Pumas, which is a source of great pride. Las Leonas are the women's field hockey team and are two-time world champions. And last but not least, polo!  Argentina is known as the world capital of polo, and the Campo de Polo de Palermo is often cited as the best field in the world.

Museums

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires

Excellent museums can be found throughout the city of Buenos Aires. The following is a list of some of the not-to-be-missed museums:

MALBA: This collection features some of the finest work by artists of the Latin American region. Its installations are constantly in rotation so that there is always something new and interesting to see. Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Palermo.

Museo de Bellas Artes: Opened in 1896, El Museo de Bellas Artes is one of the classic museums of Buenos Aires. Here you will find Van Goghs, Rembrandts, elegant marble sculptures, and everything in between. Its convenient location in Recoleta just across from Plaza Francia makes it a great weekend activity. Avenida del Libertador 1473, Recoleta.

Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: Housed in a palatial home from the Golden Age of Argentina, this museum boasts some of the finest and most ornate period piece furniture from the 19th and early 20th century.  Ostentatious jewelry, ancient Greek and Roman busts, and finely crafted silver accessories round out the collection. It's been referred to as "The Argentine Frick Collection". Av. del Libertador 1902, Palermo.

Colección de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat: Just behind Dique 4 in Puerto Madero, you'll find the elegant Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat collection. Lacroze de Fortabat was an heiress to a railroad fortune and spent her golden years as a philanthropist and art collector.  Rodin, Klimt, and Warhol are just a few of the names that you'll find here. Olga Cosettini 141, Puerto Madero.

Museo Histórico Nacional: Contained within Parque Lezama, where the city of Buenos Aires was originally founded, as its name suggests, it contains many historical documents, and belongings of the forefathers of Argentina. A must for any history enthusiast. Defensa 1600, San Telmo.

Museo Xul Solar: An expressionist and surrealist painter, sculptor, and writer, Xul Solar was one of the most important figures of 20th century Argentine art. His home and studio have been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Laprida 1212, Almagro.

Museo Casa Rosada: This museum is housed directly behind and underneath the Casa Rosada in what was originally the fortress protecting the city.  Great brick and mortar archways remain untouched, and within you'll find relics of Argentine presidents as well as informative exhibits and videos of the country's colorful past. Balcarce 50, Montserrat.

Museo Benito Quinquela Martín: Quinquela Martín is considered the greatest of all Argentine painters. He became famous for his impressionist portraits of the Riachuelo in the neighborhood of La Boca. His talents, recognized by the President of Argentina Marcelo T. Alvear, led to stints in Paris and New York where he gained worldwide fame. But his greatest legacy are his paintings of the neighborhood he called home, La Boca. Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza 1835, La Boca.

Museo Evita: Perhaps no one in history has captivated the imagination of the Argentine people as much as Eva Duarte de Perón, who rose from poverty in the small town of Los Toldos to become an actress in Buenos Aires and eventually the First Lady of Argentina. This museum is dedicated to her life and memory. Lafinur 2988, Palermo.

🇺🇾 MONTEVIDEO

Here are some fantastic museums to check in out in Montevideo:

Andes 1972: In 1972, a plane carrying a team of Uruguayan high school rugby players crashed into the Andes mountains, stranding them in snow and ice in a remote part of Argentina. Those stranded would not be rescued until 72 days later, after three of the survivors had braved a perilous mountain trek to find help. The museum pays tribute to the 29 people who died as a result of the crash and extreme weather, as well as the 16 who survived. Rincón 619.

Museo del Tango: Take a half-hour English-language tour to learn more about the birth of tango in the River Plate area (Argentina and Uruguay), as well as the tango’s influence on global pop culture, from Tom and Jerry to Harry Potter. After the tour, have a drink in the cafe and enjoy a live performance of a tango dance duo. Plaza Independencia 846.

Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales: The MNAV holds one of the largest collections of art in Uruguay. Comprised of both national and international artists, see the works of Goya and Henry Moore, as well as Juan Manuel Blanes and Pedro Figari. Av Tomas Giribaldi 2283.

Castillo Pittamiglio: Located on the Rambla, Pittamiglio Castle was the former abode of the eccentric, esoteric architect Humberto Pittamiglio. Here, Pittamiglio experimented with alchemy in his quest for eternal life and was said to have hidden the Holy Grail somewhere in the labyrinth of narrow hallways, stairs to nowhere, and 54 rooms he was constantly remodeling. Rambla Gandhi 633.

Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo: The EAC is a space dedicated to the production and exhibition of contemporary art works and projects, reflection on their context, and research. The space was once a prison but now is a meeting space for artists, curators and very diverse audiences. Arenal Grande 1929.

Walking Tours

🇦🇷 BUENOS AIRES

There's no better way to get to know your new home city than by walking its streets and marveling at the majestic turn of the century architecture. Here is a list of free walking tours that will help you get oriented and understand some historical context. While these tours are officially free of charge, tipping is encouraged.

Free Walks Buenos Aires: This amazing tour through the heart of the city will take you from the National Congress to the Casa Rosada by way of the iconic Avenida de Mayo. It starts at 3:00pm from Monday to Saturday at the gate of The National Congress (Av. Entre Rios 51).

Buenos Aires Free City Tour: Another walking tour group that covers the city center. The meeting point is The National Congress (Av. Entre Rios 51) from Monday to Saturday at 3:00pm.

Recoleta Free Tour: This tour focuses on the more affluent neighborhood of Recoleta. Known historically for its imposing French architecture and world famous cemetery, this is one of the best neighborhoods to walk in the city. The group meets from Monday to Saturday at 10:30am on the corner of Libertad and Viamonte, next to Teatro Colón. 

 

🇺🇾 MONTEVIDEO

Free walking tours are a great way to get to know the amazing city of Montevideo. Most of them depart from Plaza Independencia, where you can tour Ciudad Vieja and learn more about the city’s history, architecture and traditions, as well as get some tips for activities you can do in the area. Usually the guide will ask about your language preferences so make sure they know if you would rather do the tour in English. These tours do not have a fixed cost - they are paid by tips. Both tours last 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Ciudad Vieja with Curioso: The tour starts in Plaza Independencia. You will recognize the guide because they will be wearing a light blue t-shirt with the Curioso logo in it. The tour includes landmarks such as Independence Square, Puerta de la Ciudadela, Sarandí Pedestrian Street, Matriz Square, Café Brasilero, Mercado del Puerto, Zabala Square, Solís Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa de Rivera.

Ciudad Vieja with Free Walking Tour: The tour starts in Plaza Independencia. You will recognize the guide because they will be wearing a red-shirt with the Free Walking Tour logo in it. The tour includes landmarks such as Independence Square, Solis Theater, English Temple, Matriz Square, Sarandi Pedestrian Street, Zabala Square, San Francisco De Asis Church and Mercado del Puerto.

Live Music

🇦🇷 BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires has some of the best nightlife in the world. As you might expect, the possibilities to see live music are endless. We've compiled a list of some of the most important venues for you to check out to find the concerts that are right for you:

Teatro Colón: Considered one of the top three opera houses in the world, this is a can't miss. The building itself is a treasure, and the famous tenor Pavarotti once said that the acoustics in the theater are the best in the world. Cerrito 628, Congreso.

Luna Park: Originally famous as a boxing venue, this is a great mid-size venue in Microcentro. It holds crowds of up to 10,000 people and is a great option for seeing bigger bands without being relegated to far away seats in a stadium. Av. Eduardo Madero 420, Microcentro.

Usina del Arte: Within the past few years, the Usina del Arte has emerged as an important venue for events organized by the City of Buenos Aires. Big Band, Jazz, and Blues festivals are often held here. Agustín R. Caffarena 1, Boca.

Club Atlético Fernández Fierro: CAFF is not your traditional tango group. They have a weekly show at their home venue every Wednesday. The focus is on the music rather than the dancing. These artists jam out in a modern tango style that abandons the old guard style of the 20's and 30's. Sánchez de Bustamante 772, Almagro.

Teatro Gran Rex: Classic venue on the most classic of all Buenos Aires avenues, Corrientes. Here you'll find well known international acts. Great acoustics and comfortable seating. Av. Corrientes 857, San Nicolás.

The Roxy Live Bar: Right at the center of the Palermo rock scene is The Roxy. Somewhat of a proving ground for up and coming regional bands, this is the place where you can see a great show up close and personal. Av. Cnel. Niceto Vega 5542, Palermo.

Club Niceto: In tandem with The Roxy, this is part of the hip Palermo rock scene. Av. Cnel. Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo.

Club Cultural Konex: Konex is best known for its weekly Monday concerts where everyone dances to a drum circle known as La Bomba de Tiempo. It's a rite of passage for everyone who comes to Buenos Aires for the first time. Sarmiento 3131, Almagro.

La Trastienda: A mid-size venue where indie-rock and alternative acts pack the house in one of the most fun neighborhoods in the city. This venue is San Telmo's version of The Roxy. Balcarce 460, San Telmo.

 

🇺🇾 MONTEVIDEO

Montevideo’s live music scene varies from relaxed pubs and underground bars to larger concerts in the country's main venues. While the country prides itself on their local music, there is certainly room for all kinds of genres and styles. Here are some venues where you can enjoy the local music scene in all its diversity:

Montevideo Music Box: This is a concert hall that hosts live shows, parties and events. Their monthly programming can be found on their website and it tends to include rock and pop. The venue has capacity for 1000 people and is distributed on three levels: low stalls, high stalls with two side boxes and a third level. Av. Dámaso A. Larrañaga 3195, La Blanqueada.

La Trastienda: La Trastienda Club Montevideo opened its doors in November, 2008 as the first branch of La Trastienda Club Buenos Aires, after completing 15 years of successful activity in the field of musical entertainment. It has capacity for up to 780 spectators, with comfortable tables, spacious living rooms on the upper floor, and standing space, offering excellent views from any location. Daniel Fernández Crespo 1763, Tres Cruces.

Teatro de Verano: The Ramón Collazo Summer Theater is the largest open-air entertainment center in the city of Montevideo belonging to the set of halls of the Municipality of Montevideo. Rambla Pte. Wilson s/n, Parque Rodó.

Sala del Museo: It is a modern space created to host events of all kinds. It has a maximum capacity of 1,100 spectators. It is located on the grounds of Montevideo’s Carnival Museum, a few steps away from the emblematic Mercado del Puerto from Montevideo’s historic area. Francisco Maciel and Rambla 25 de Agosto, Ciudad Vieja.

El Living: El Living is a pub meant for young people to enjoy live bands. They serve food and drinks on their main floor and host music shows in their basement. Juan Paulier 1050, Parque Rodó.

Under Bar Tazú: It is a warm and relaxed live music bar, with both an upstairs area and an underground area, which each offer different musical programming. Well known Uruguayan bands pass through this venue. The bar offers discounts and great value for food and drinks. Canelones 780, Barrio Sur.

The Shannon: The Shannon is one of Montevideo’s best Irish Pubs. They are known for their great craft beer and live music. Bartolomé Mitre 1318, Ciudad Vieja.

 

Language Meetups

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires

We've compiled a list of language exchange gatherings that you can attend to hone your Spanish skills with native speakers. These popular events generally consist of conversations in both Spanish and English in a "speed dating" modality. 

Spanglish Exchange: One of the most traditional exchanges in the city, Spanglish meets once a week in Palermo. The cost to participate is AR$1500 and registration can be done upon arrival.

Mundo Lingo: Their “intercambio de idiomas” events are not only restricted to the typical English <> Spanish, but also open to other languages. Each participant will be given country flag stickers indicating which language(s) they speak and want to practice. This group meets four times a week in different neighborhoods, free of charge.

Mate Club de Conversación: This is a structured event where you are seated with a group of two native English speakers and two native Spanish speakers. You will switch between languages and groups throughout the event. They meet on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and you have to sign up and pay to attend.

Off the Beaten Path

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires

If you are looking for another side of Buenos Aires that is a little different than the normal tourist circuit, we've compiled a list of lesser-known activities to check out:

El Ateneo: The Grand Splendid coffee shop and bookstore has been voted by National Geographic as the prettiest bookstore in the world. Av. Santa Fe 1860, Recoleta.

A Ciegas Gourmet: An interesting interactive experience, the “Blind Theater” obligates the participant to use other senses to imagine what's happening in the show. Borges 1974, Palermo.

Fuerza Bruta: This theatrical thrill ride combines euphoria-inducing live music and breathtaking aerial displays in a performance that's as exhilarating as it is addictive. Junín 1930, Recoleta.

Uptown Speakeasy: A hidden speakeasy bar/nightclub disguised as an NYC subway entrance. Arévalo 2030, Palermo.

Pedal boats in the Rosedal: Forget the big city scene for a few peaceful hours in the immense and beautiful group of parks known as the Bosques de Palermo. Av. Infanta Isabel 410, Palermo.

Manzana de las Luces: Bask in the history of the "Block of Enlightenment," a part of the city where the principal thinkers of the early days of the city gathered. Perú 272, Montserrat.

 

🇺🇾 Montevideo

Shop for Trinkets at Feria Tristán Narvaja: This lively outdoor market takes over Tristán Narvaja street and smaller side streets every Sunday, stretching for many blocks. A mix of flea market, food market, used knick knacks, and souvenirs, the market is also a great place to find unique items to take home – whether that's a “mate” gourd, a tango poster from decades ago, or a one-of-a-kind piece from a local artist. Tristán Narvaja and Av. 18 de Julio.

Palacio Legislativo: This three-story building is one of Montevideo's most impressive neo-classical landmarks. It was constructed in the early 1900s, and houses significant works of art inside. Av. de las Leyes.

Palacio Salvo: ​​At one point, this palace was the tallest building in Latin America. Located just across the street from Plaza Independencia, the Salvo Palace is mostly private property, except for the space taken by the Tango Museum on one of the floors. The 1917 tango, “La Cumparsita,” perhaps the most famous tango ever created, was composed here, in a building that once stood on the grounds of Salvo Palace. The small tango museum inside the palace is a great place to visit to experience the history and culture of the tango and sometimes see short live performances. Plaza Independencia 848.

Jardín Botánico: This botanical garden is an oasis of peace, tranquility and reflection not too far outside of Montevideo centro. Explore the various paths and have your phone ready to capture spectacular shots of nature.  Av.19 de Abril 1061.

Catch a performance at Teatro Solis: Uruguay's most renowned theater dates back to 1856. Over the decades, Teatro Solis has become the heart of Montevideo's performing arts scene, and stars from all over the world have stepped on its stage. Today, Teatro Solis is the official home to the State Theater Company and the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra, and visitors can attend concerts, operas, classical music, and plays by both local and international artists. Reconquista and Bartolomé Mitre.

Mirador Panorámico: From the 22nd floor of this building, enjoy an almost 360 degree view of the old town, port, and many of the city’s landmarks. It’s free to visit, but don’t forget to reserve your spot ahead of time. Soriano 1372.

Museo del Fútbol: Soccer is a national passion in Uruguay, and nowhere can that be experienced any better than at the historical Estadio Centenario. Built as the main stadium for the 1930 World Cup – the first-ever FIFA World Cup – it now serves as the primary home of the Uruguay national team, but also hosts smaller games throughout the year. Check out the Museo de Fútbol (football museum) inside the stadium, where you can get a glimpse of the history of the sport in Uruguay. Estadio Centenario, Av. Doctor Américo Ricaldoni.

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