ISCA 2024

Argentina’s national currency is the Argentine peso (ARS $). Note that it has the same symbol ($) as the US dollar (don't be confused - prices expressed using the $ symbol are in Argentine pesos unless stated otherwise). Current exchange rates can be checked here.

It is advisable to make payments using credit/debit cards given that the applied exchange rate is usually very favorable. Most stores and restaurants in the city accept card payments. Also, keep in mind that store owners are required to process card payments in front of the card holder (for example, restaurants should bring the POS device to the customer's table to process the payment).

ATMs are common and widely available in Buenos Aires. This is the simplest way to get cash.

Foreign tourists are eligible to reclaim tax (VAT) on purchases of domestically-manufactured goods with a value over ARS $70 when made at participating outlets that belong to Global Blue Argentina. To do so, you will need to keep your receipts and complete the relevant forms at customs when leaving the country. Information on where to claim the refund can be found here.

The mild weather all year round reaches an average of 18°C (64°F) in Buenos Aires, and extremely cold or hot days are rare. This makes it the perfect weather to stroll and travel around the city at any time of the year.

The coldest months are June/July. Although freezing temperatures are rare, you should bring a woolen coat, parka, or jacket and a scarf. In winter the cold is tolerable during the day, but the temperature drops considerably at night.

As in many well-traveled places, visitors to Buenos Aires are often targets for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching.

Locals advise caution on crowded buses (especially at the Retiro bus station), on the “subte” (subway) and at busy “ferias” (street markets).

As you navigate the awesome sights of Buenos Aires, locals suggest following these tips to avoid being a victim of pickpockets:

• Don’t use your phone in public -- it can get snatched. Duck into a cafe or shop if you need to check something.
• Only carry the essentials -- leave your passport, cash, and jewelry in your room. It is advisable to bring a photocopy of your personal ID/passport with you.
• Wear your purse across your body when you use public transit.
• Don’t flash money or expensive jewelry.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and act like you know exactly where you’re going (even if you don’t).
• Seek tourist police if you need help -- you’ll find them around tourist areas.

Hotels are usually located in safe areas of the city. If you look for restaurants, neighborhoods like Palermo and Puerto Madero are very good options. Hilton Buenos Aires (ISCA’s venue) is, indeed, located in Puerto Madero, a very safe and beautiful area of the city.

Always take your cellphone with fully charged battery if you plan to go around the city (chargers are not widely available) and bring the hotel telephone contact number with you.

If you have an emergency, call 911.

The best way to get from Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires (EZE) to Buenos Aires City is by private transfer or taxi. It’s your personal preference. A trip of 31km or around 45 minutes is necessary to get from EZE to Buenos Aires city center. As a tourist, you probably have some luggage with you, so traveling comfortably would be nice.

Taxi Ezeiza is one among several options, with a reservation booth available in the Ezeiza airport.

Tienda León shuttle buses are undoubtedly the number one choice of EZE airport’s passengers looking for a low-cost, still comfortable way to travel from Buenos Aires Airport to city center. The tickets for those shuttles are available online or through the airport’s ticket desks.

Please reject any transfer proposal from individual taxi drivers approaching you at the airport doors as they intend to scam or overcharge you. All in all, unlicensed taxis in Buenos Aires are dangerous.

Buenos Aires has a transportation system that offers multiple alternatives: six subway lines (“subtes”), over a 180 bus lines (“colectivos”), and interurban railways (or trains).

Subway (“subte”): this is the fastest and easiest way to reach your destination. The six lines are connected to the main avenues, train, and bus stations. They all converge in the downtown business and finance district (microcentro), where you can find most hotels and tourist attractions. To travel by subte or bus in Buenos Aires, you need to get a rechargeable SUBE travel card and charge it with credit.

Taxi: you may request a cab on the phone or take it directly on the street. Radio-taxis (fitted with radio systems) are considered safer. There are a great number of taxis, and you will have no problem in getting one at any time. Taxis are easily identified by their colors: black and yellow, and the highly visible red light sign on the clock, which indicates that the taxi is free. It is advisable to pick taxis in the hotel as well as to ask the taxi driver what the approximate cost of the trip would be beforehand (“¿disculpe, cuánto costaría el viaje hasta este restaurant?”), even though all taxis in Buenos Aires make use of taximeters.

Uber and Cabify are also good options to move around the city.

The standard voltage in Argentina is 220V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Primary sockets (outlets) require a type I or type C plug. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.

Argentina is well known for its "asado." However, the culinary culture of the country does not end there! There are plenty of restaurants and food places that offer vegetarian dishes. You will have no problem either to find Kosher and Halal food.
The following are just a few examples of restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes, not far from the conference hotel:

• Raíz
• Ol’Days
• Un Toque Perfecto (takeout deli or rotisería)

Kosher:

• Glitter
• Milk & Co

Halal:

• Rifi
• La Cocina de Amira
• Don Shawarma

Bon appétit!