Buenos Aires (EZE) - the ultimate Q&A thread
Nov 30, 2011, 1:22 am
#2791
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA MM, AA MM, IC Plat Amb, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 3,146
Viator is selling private transfer EZE to BUE hotels for US$32.99. I have used Viator before at other destinations, not sure about Argentina. It just sounds too good to be true as Expedia is selling private transfer from EZE to BUE hotels for US$72 each way.
Dec 1, 2011, 8:47 am
#2792
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
If you are looking to spend US$60ish for transfers to EZE, you need to consider Silver Star Car.... Fred runds the best high-end car service in town....
Dec 4, 2011, 6:10 am
#2793
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SQL
Programs: SPG Platinum; Hyatt Platinum; UA 1K
Posts: 3,170
Does anyone know if SUBE cards (electronic stored value cards used for riding colectivos and buying subte tickets) are available to non-residents?
The concierges at the Sheraton and Park Tower both say no, but friends in BsAs said, I should be able to get one. I found the site that will show me the nearest locations to sell me one, but before I trudge off tomorrow and try to get one in my comical spanish, I figured I would check here.
The concierges at the Sheraton and Park Tower both say no, but friends in BsAs said, I should be able to get one. I found the site that will show me the nearest locations to sell me one, but before I trudge off tomorrow and try to get one in my comical spanish, I figured I would check here.
Dec 4, 2011, 10:39 am
#2794
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SFO, EZE
Programs: UA 1K 2.32 MM
Posts: 2,425
Does anyone know if SUBE cards (electronic stored value cards used for riding colectivos and buying subte tickets) are available to non-residents?
The concierges at the Sheraton and Park Tower both say no, but friends in BsAs said, I should be able to get one. I found the site that will show me the nearest locations to sell me one, but before I trudge off tomorrow and try to get one in my comical spanish, I figured I would check here.
The concierges at the Sheraton and Park Tower both say no, but friends in BsAs said, I should be able to get one. I found the site that will show me the nearest locations to sell me one, but before I trudge off tomorrow and try to get one in my comical spanish, I figured I would check here.
http://baexpats.org/expat-life/16015-monedero-sube.html
Dec 4, 2011, 12:21 pm
#2795
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Yes... you can buy one, but as pointed out above, the system is still light years from being perfect.
Dec 4, 2011, 12:54 pm
#2796
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,621
And sometimes, no one is manning the gates and there is no one to collect the fare and the gate will be open. When this occurs, it isn't fare skipping. Happened twice on my last trip. There was no way to pay a cash fare.
Dec 5, 2011, 11:49 am
#2797
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Dec 13, 2011, 3:56 pm
#2798
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: AA EXP, Omni Platinum, DL Gold
Posts: 19
Originally Posted by Colorado King
Hey Gaucho100K --
First, you're outstanding .. seriously, I spent the build of my EZE research reading these posts, and I thank you sincerely for all the helpful information. Just finished part I of the EZE visit -- I head to Mendoza tomorrow for some wine overload before coming back for two days prior to the return flight.
I have two questions for you, only one of which is actually an actionable item:
1. In Mendoza, are there things I should absolutely do/eat while in the city? I'm doing a couple wine tours as well (with Trout and Wine) but I have evenings and one afternoon free. I'd love any suggestions you have.
2. I tried like mad to get award travel with One World like a couple months back ... no love ... so I had to pay through the nose to get a direct from AEP to MDZ ... what's the trick that I missed in doing an award ticket from here? LAN claimed to have NOTHING the entire time -- even two months out!
One more thing ... any thoughts about the best car transfer options from AEP and then later to EZE?
Thanks in advance ... and I'm hoping to swing by Thelonious on my Part II time in BA ... staying in Puerto Madero, which should offer something different from Recoleta (which I liked, but have done about everything in ...).
CO King...
Hey Gaucho100K --
First, you're outstanding .. seriously, I spent the build of my EZE research reading these posts, and I thank you sincerely for all the helpful information. Just finished part I of the EZE visit -- I head to Mendoza tomorrow for some wine overload before coming back for two days prior to the return flight.
I have two questions for you, only one of which is actually an actionable item:
1. In Mendoza, are there things I should absolutely do/eat while in the city? I'm doing a couple wine tours as well (with Trout and Wine) but I have evenings and one afternoon free. I'd love any suggestions you have.
2. I tried like mad to get award travel with One World like a couple months back ... no love ... so I had to pay through the nose to get a direct from AEP to MDZ ... what's the trick that I missed in doing an award ticket from here? LAN claimed to have NOTHING the entire time -- even two months out!
One more thing ... any thoughts about the best car transfer options from AEP and then later to EZE?
Thanks in advance ... and I'm hoping to swing by Thelonious on my Part II time in BA ... staying in Puerto Madero, which should offer something different from Recoleta (which I liked, but have done about everything in ...).
CO King...
Dec 14, 2011, 7:25 pm
#2799
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Best option for luxury car transfer is Silver Star Car. For more budget oriented transfers, any of the official car services available at EZE will be fine, including the traditional Manuel Tienda Leon.
For Mendoza, one of my favorite restaurants is Malmann 1884..... I suggest you not miss out on having dinner there. For a must visit winery, I suggest Benegas.
For Mendoza, one of my favorite restaurants is Malmann 1884..... I suggest you not miss out on having dinner there. For a must visit winery, I suggest Benegas.
Dec 15, 2011, 3:38 pm
#2801
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Dec 15, 2011, 8:26 pm
#2802
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA Plat 1MM, IC RA, HH Gold
Posts: 2,791
Tipping a remise driver
Current Airport Transfer prices:
Manuel Tienda Leon (the apparent "gold standard" remise service available @ EZE w/o pre-reservation) is now $215 according to their website.
World Car (and the others) are approximately $160.
Not worth the difference. I haven't had a lemon of any sort from the others in ages (and never have had any sort of disastermobile).
Peso prices on these services have gone up approx. 225 to 250% in a 4 year period. The US$ is up about 35% during the same period. Just don't be surprised, and don't let that keep you away. A taxi ride of similar length in other major world cities would cost a fair amount more (approx. 35 kms). The cost from SCL to Santiago costs about the same price, and is only a 15 to 20 minute ride.
Manuel Tienda Leon (the apparent "gold standard" remise service available @ EZE w/o pre-reservation) is now $215 according to their website.
World Car (and the others) are approximately $160.
Not worth the difference. I haven't had a lemon of any sort from the others in ages (and never have had any sort of disastermobile).
Peso prices on these services have gone up approx. 225 to 250% in a 4 year period. The US$ is up about 35% during the same period. Just don't be surprised, and don't let that keep you away. A taxi ride of similar length in other major world cities would cost a fair amount more (approx. 35 kms). The cost from SCL to Santiago costs about the same price, and is only a 15 to 20 minute ride.
Dec 16, 2011, 11:46 am
#2803
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
Certainly... your pre payment at the booth does nothing for the driver that takes you into town. There are really no set or fixed rules, but I would suggest that a tip of AR$10 to AR$20 would be in order if he provides good service and is helpful with bags, etc.
Dec 17, 2011, 10:01 am
#2804
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SYR
Posts: 61
Tipping
To me and my past experiences, AR$10 is customary, with AR$15 max. Taxi drivers don't get big tips from locals.
Dec 17, 2011, 10:28 am
#2805
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SYR
Posts: 61
Hey,
I'm a college student looking to live down in Buenos Aires this upcoming summer. I would like to take Spanish lessons (and maybe tango lessons). I've been looking for places to live but I'm having some trouble deciding. I've been using http://www.bytargentina.com is this a reputable site? Has anyone used this before? I would like a place in or near San Telmo, Moneserrat, or city centre.
My main concern is that I will book something that looks nice online and it will turn out to be near a noisy bar or something. Has anyone stayed at a temporary apartment in any of these locations that they would recommend? I'm looking to spend less than $850 per month.
Also I'm looking to take Spanish lessons from El Pasaje Spanish school in Buenos Aires for $1010 a month for 20hr a week individual lessons. Is this a good deal or does anyone know any other good places?
I'm a college student looking to live down in Buenos Aires this upcoming summer. I would like to take Spanish lessons (and maybe tango lessons). I've been looking for places to live but I'm having some trouble deciding. I've been using http://www.bytargentina.com is this a reputable site? Has anyone used this before? I would like a place in or near San Telmo, Moneserrat, or city centre.
My main concern is that I will book something that looks nice online and it will turn out to be near a noisy bar or something. Has anyone stayed at a temporary apartment in any of these locations that they would recommend? I'm looking to spend less than $850 per month.
Also I'm looking to take Spanish lessons from El Pasaje Spanish school in Buenos Aires for $1010 a month for 20hr a week individual lessons. Is this a good deal or does anyone know any other good places?
-We used Byt with mixed results this past Jan.-March. Don't even try to negotiate with them as they will consistantly say the owner stands firm on price. You will have to sign a contract that gives away your legal rights to seek redress with the city agency handling owner/tenant problems and complaints. Personally, I would NEVER use them again.
-With inflation running at 25 to 30% a year, your US$800 isn't going to get you much. As for your satisfaction with the apartment, a lot depends upon the owner. Deposits are often not refunded or only partially refunded based on supposed "damages". Again, that's between you and the owner, byt will NOT be of any assistance as they only act as agent and the work for the benefit of the owner.
-A few suggestions when renting: For security, 3rd floor or higher. Always ask if there is ANY construction within a 2 block area as that can be quite noisy from 7:00 AM on, 6 days a week. Be fairly close to the subte(subway), markets, Bank ATM's, etc. ALWAYS, watch for pickpockets especially in crowds.
-All that being said, Bs.AS. is a great city with much to see and do! Enjoy!