Living in Buenos Aires as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Foreigners can enter Argentina as tourists and stay for up to 90 days. For longer stays or work permits, expats must apply for a specific visa, such as a resident visa or a work visa.

Language resources

While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and businesses. Expats looking to learn Spanish can find private tutors, group lessons, or attend language schools throughout the city.

Housing

A room in a shared house costs around $250 to $400, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $500 to $700, a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $700 to $1,000, and a three or more bedroom house starts from $1,000 and up.

Groceries

Groceries are generally affordable, with a dozen eggs costing around $1.30, 1kg of chicken breasts around $6, and 1kg of apples about $1.50.

Transportation

A monthly transportation pass costs around $35, and a one-way ticket is about $0.25. Taxis are reasonably priced, with an average fare of $0.22 per kilometer.

Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid with temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F), while winter (June to August) is mild and damp with temperatures around 12°C (54°F). Spring and autumn are pleasant and somewhat unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F).

Key industries in Buenos Aires include agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services such as finance, healthcare, and tourism. The city has a robust job market for foreign professionals, particularly in finance, IT, and education.

Buenos Aires has an efficient public healthcare system and an extensive network of private hospitals and clinics, providing high-quality care to residents. Health insurance is recommended for expats, as public hospitals can have long wait times for non-emergency care.

Buenos Aires has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subway lines, and trains. The city is divided into six zones, and public transportation fares depend on the number of zones traveled.

Buenos Aires experiences higher crime rates in comparison to other major cities in the region, particularly in crowded areas and public transportation. Nevertheless, most tourist areas are relatively safe during daylight hours. It's essential to be vigilant and follow standard safety precautions, such as avoiding deserted areas and keeping valuables secured.