Argentina: Tips for the future traveler.

1) On Food*
I hope you like pizza and pasta. Italian food abounds and it is the main influence on food, at least in Buenos Aires. Although this food is quite tasty, if you´re used to having variety, you might want to prepare your palate for homogeneity. (*Being vegetarian, I may have a slightly biased opinion as I am restricted to eating non-meat dishes. Bread, pizza and pasta gets really old really quick.)

2) On Language
I have had a very difficult time communicating here, more so than in past traveling experiences where english was not the primary language spoken. English is not widely spoken here...at all. And I´m ok with that because I am in a spanish-speaking country. Before traveling to Argentina, brush up on your spanish or succumb to the fact that you will essentially be deaf and mute in communicating with locals.

3) On Hostels
This tip is for traveling worldwide but good to note if you´ve either never stayed in a hostel or it´s been awhile. Having your own room or sharing one with a sibling, friend or significant other is completely different from sharing sleeping space with strangers. Don´t expect a perfect night´s sleep, but be courteous and use common sense when in a dorm room. For example, don´t slam the door or hold extended conversations while others are sleeping, use a headlamp or flashlight after hours instead of turning on the light, keep your personal belongings confined to your own space and if everyone in your room but you wants the air conditioner on, put on more clothes or get an extra blanket because the world does not revolve around you. (Yes, that was half tip and half rant.)

4) On Weather
Bring sunscreen and use it, even if you don´t think you´ll need it. There is a stark difference between the north and south of Argentina even though both are in the southern hemisphere and share seasons. In the spring, you´ll need to pack clothes for both summer and winter. And if your hair does not take well to humidity, don´t forget the gel.

5) On Money
Hoard your change like you would quarters freshman year in the dorms! This includes coins and small bills. Buses only accept coins. Subways tickets can be purchased from a human being using bills, but you´ll have a much easier time getting around if you give the exact amount necessary. Breaking large bills is almost impossible. Even though the ATMs only spit out AR$100 bills, you will inevitably wander the town or city for half a day trying to find somewhere that will allow you to make a small purchase with a large bill. Also, count your change. Taxi drivers and waiters have a habit of tipping themselves.