Your First 30 Days in Buenos Aires
The real, unfiltered guide to your first month. Week by week, here's what you actually need to know from someone who's been through it.
The Week-by-Week Roadmap
Week 1: Survival Mode
You're exhausted, overwhelmed, and everything is new. Focus on the basics: a place to sleep, food to eat, and cash in your pocket.
First Month Budget
Realistic costs for your first 30 days. Prices in USD, but remember inflation means these change constantly.
Budget tip: Bring $2,000-3,000 in cash as a buffer. Unexpected expenses happen, and having USD gives you options. You can always exchange what you don't use.
Specific Places to Know
Actual addresses you can plug into Google Maps. These are the places I wish someone had told me about.
I Wish I'd Known...
The things nobody tells you in the guidebooks. Learn from my mistakes.
Argentines rarely say no directly. 'We'll see,' 'possibly,' or 'let me check' often mean no. Learn to read between the lines.
Even though cards are more accepted now, cash (especially USD) gives you leverage in negotiations and access to better exchange rates.
If someone says 'come at 9,' they might mean 9:30. If a repairman says 'Tuesday,' it might be Thursday. Plan accordingly.
It's easy to only hang out with other foreigners. Make an effort to meet locals - that's where the real Buenos Aires is.
Prices I paid last month might be 10% higher now. Always verify current prices, especially for rent and services.
I brought way too many clothes and gadgets. You can buy almost everything here, often for less than you'd pay at home.
Keep Reading
These guides will help you dive deeper into specific topics.
Everything about renting in Buenos Aires. Contracts, scams, neighborhoods, and finding your place.
Understanding the blue dollar, transferring money, and managing finances as an expat.
Compare Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano, and more. Find the barrio that fits your lifestyle.
Digital nomad, work, retirement, and student visas explained with requirements.
Real budget breakdowns for Buenos Aires. From bare-bones to comfortable living.
A Reality Check
Your first month won't be perfect. You'll get lost. You'll misunderstand people. You'll wonder if you made a huge mistake. That's normal.
But then something shifts. You'll have your first real conversation in Spanish. You'll find your café. You'll get invited to an asado. And suddenly, Buenos Aires won't feel like a foreign city anymore. It'll feel like home.
Stick with it. The best parts are coming.
Questions?
Every arrival is different. If you have specific questions about your situation, reach out. We've helped hundreds of people make this move.