Working Remotely from Buenos Aires
The unfiltered guide to being a digital nomad in BA. Real internet speeds, actual coworking reviews, and how to make the time zone work for you.
The Reality of Remote Work in BA
Let's cut through the Instagram滤镜. Working remotely from Buenos Aires is amazing, but it's not all cafés with perfect WiFi and sunset laptop sessions. Here's what you actually need to know.
Internet Speeds (Real Numbers)
Speeds vary wildly by neighborhood and building. Fiber (Fibertel) is expanding but not universal. Here's what to expect:
Power Outages (Cortes de Luz)
They happen. More in summer (everyone's AC is blasting), more in older neighborhoods. Here's the reality:
- •Summer frequency: 1-3 times per month, 1-4 hours
- •Winter frequency: Rare, maybe once every 2 months
- •Worst neighborhoods: San Telmo, parts of Belgrano
- •Best neighborhoods: Puerto Madero, newer Palermo
The Time Zone Challenge
Buenos Aires is EST +2 hours (or +1 during US daylight saving time mismatch). This means:
Overlap with US teams:
- • East Coast: 4 hours (11am-3pm BA time)
- • West Coast: 1-2 hours (if they start early)
- • Europe: 3-4 hours morning overlap
What this means:
You'll either work split shifts (morning + evening) or become a morning person. Most nomads adapt to start around 8-9 AM BA time.
The "I'm in Argentina" Meeting Script
You'll need to explain your situation. Here's what works:
"I'm working remotely from Buenos Aires for [time period]. I'm on EST+2, so I'm available for meetings 11 AM - 3 PM your time. I have backup internet and power solutions, and I've been doing this for [X months] without issues. My output remains the same."
Don't apologize. Don't over-explain. Treat it like a normal working arrangement because it is.
Coworking Spaces (Real Reviews)
WeWork
Palermo & Puerto Madero locations
$150-250/month
Hot desk
The Good
- • Reliable, fast internet
- • Global network access
- • Professional environment
- • Meeting rooms included
The Bad
- • Expensive for Argentina
- • Can feel corporate/sterile
- • Limited local networking
Best For
- • Client calls
- • Video meetings
- • When you need reliability
Palermo: Torre Bellini, Carranza 1905. Puerto Madero:Juana Manso 1180. Both have parking (expensive), bike storage, and are near subte.
La Maquinita
Multiple locations (Colegiales, Palermo, Villa Crespo)
$80-150/month
Hot desk
The Good
- • Local Argentine vibe
- • Great community events
- • Multiple locations
- • Good value
The Bad
- • Internet can be spotty
- • Not all locations equal
- • Can get crowded
Best For
- • Meeting locals
- • Networking
- • Spanish practice
Colegiales is the flagship location. They host regular events, have a café on-site, and the community is genuinely welcoming to foreigners.
Area Tres
El Salvador 5218, Palermo
$100-180/month
Hot desk
The Good
- • Beautiful space
- • Strong entrepreneur community
- • Good event programming
- • Café on-site
The Bad
- • Pricey day passes
- • Can be noisy
- • Parking is tough
Best For
- • Startup people
- • Events
- • Instagram-worthy space
Cespedes
Céspedes 3030, Palermo
$60-100/month
Hot desk
The Good
- • Budget-friendly
- • Quiet, focused environment
- • Good internet
- • Friendly staff
The Bad
- • Smaller space
- • Fewer networking events
- • Basic amenities
Best For
- • Budget nomads
- • Deep work
- • Long-term stays
Cafe Working Culture
Argentines are cafe people, but working from cafes is a gray area. Here's how to do it right:
Cafes That Welcome Laptops
- Lab Tostadores (Palermo) - Specialty coffee, laptop-friendly
- Cuervo Café (Multiple) - Explicitly nomad-friendly
- Full City Coffee (Palermo) - Good WiFi, power outlets
- The Shelter (Palermo) - Australian-owned, nomad hub
- Birkin (Palermo) - Always has laptop people
Cafe Etiquette
- • Order every 2-3 hours minimum
- • Don't camp at peak times (11am-1pm, 5-7pm)
- • Tip well (10% is standard, 15% if you're there all day)
- • Ask about WiFi password (usually on receipt)
- • Don't take calls without headphones
Home Office Setup: Where to Buy
Don't expect furnished apartments to have good desk setups. Here's where to get equipment:
Desk & Chair
Easy (easy.com.ar) - IKEA-style, delivers fast
Mercado Libre - Everything, check seller ratings
Electronics
Garbarino or Frávega - Local chains
Apple: Bring your own or pay 2x import taxes
Monitor/Peripherals
Bring from home if possible - much cheaper
Compumundo for local options (limited selection)
Finding Remote Jobs from Argentina
Job Boards That Work
RemoteOK
Best for tech jobs, filter by timezone
We Work Remotely
Quality listings, good for experienced devs
AngelList / Wellfound
Startups, often timezone-flexible
Set location to "Remote" and "Argentina"
FlexJobs
Paid but vetted, good for non-tech
Argentine Companies Hiring Foreigners
Some local companies actively seek international talent (usually for US/EU clients):
Globant
Tech consulting, hires globally
Mercado Libre
Latin America's Amazon, remote roles
Auth0
Remote-first, founded by Argentines
Various Startups
Check BA Startup Jobs Facebook group
Freelancing from Argentina
Platforms
- • Upwork: Competitive but possible
- • Toptal: High rates, tough screening
- • Contra: Newer, lower fees
- • Fiverr: Good for specific skills
Advantages
- • Cost of living arbitrage
- • Can undercut US rates slightly
- • Same timezone as US clients
- • Strong tech talent reputation
Challenges
- • Payment processing fees
- • Currency exchange complexity
- • Building reputation takes time
- • Platform competition
Networking for Remote Work
Most remote jobs come from connections, not applications. Build your network:
- →Coworking communities: La Maquinita and Area Tres have active Slack groups
- →Meetup.com: Search "digital nomad Buenos Aires" and "remote work"
- →Facebook groups: "Digital Nomads Buenos Aires", "Expats in Argentina"
- →LinkedIn: Connect with other nomads, join relevant groups
- →Language exchanges: Often attended by remote workers
Money Management for Remote Workers
Getting Paid: The Options
| Method | Fees | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (TransferWise) | ~0.5-1% | 1-2 days | Regular salary, best rates |
| PayPal | ~4-5% | Instant | Client convenience |
| Western Union | Variable | Minutes | Cash pickup, blue rate |
| Crypto (USDC/USDT) | Network fees | Minutes | Tech-savvy, privacy |
| Wire Transfer | $15-50 | 3-5 days | Large amounts, formal |
| Payoneer | 1-3% | 1-2 days | Freelancers, marketplaces |
The Western Union Lifestyle
Many nomads use Western Union to access the "blue dollar" rate (informal exchange rate), which can be 30-50% better than the official rate.
How it works:
Send yourself money from your home country, pick up pesos at WU location. You get the blue rate effectively.
Limits:
Usually $1,000-3,000 per transaction depending on location. Bring passport.
Risks:
Lines can be long. Some locations run out of cash. Bring a book.
Banking for Nomads
You probably can't get an Argentine bank account as a tourist. Here's what works:
Keep Home Account
Use your home country bank + Wise/PayPal for everything
Wise Account
Multi-currency account, debit card works in Argentina
Crypto Wallet
For backup and emergencies. Exchange to cash via local groups.
Cash is King
Many places don't take cards. Always have peso cash.
Tax Considerations (Simplified)
Disclaimer: Not tax advice. Consult a professional. But here's the general situation:
If You're a Tourist (6 months or less)
- • Usually no Argentine tax obligation
- • Continue paying taxes in home country
- • Keep records of your stay duration
- • Don't establish "tax residency"
If You're Long-Term
- • May become tax resident after 12 months
- • Argentina taxes worldwide income for residents
- • Many nomads use Digital Nomad Visa
- • Get an accountant (contador)
Productivity & Lifestyle
Best Neighborhoods for Remote Work
Palermo (Hollywood/Soho)
Best internet, most coworking, walkable
Recoleta
Quiet, reliable power, good cafes
Belgrano
Family-friendly, less touristy
Puerto Madero
Modern, reliable, expensive
Daily Routines That Work
The Early Bird (US overlap)
8 AM - 12 PM: Deep work
12 PM - 2 PM: Lunch/Spanish class
2 PM - 6 PM: Calls with US team
Evening: Free for BA life
The Split Shift
8 AM - 12 PM: Work block 1
12 PM - 5 PM: Explore BA
5 PM - 9 PM: Work block 2 (US morning)
The EU Worker
7 AM - 3 PM: Full day (EU hours)
Evenings: Completely free
Avoiding Isolation
Working alone in a foreign city can be lonely. Combat it:
- •Cowork 2-3 days/week minimum
- •Join language exchange (Spanglish, etc.)
- •Take group classes (tango, cooking)
- •Attend nomad meetups weekly
- •Find a gym/routine
- •Schedule video calls with home friends
Monthly Budgets for Different Lifestyles
Based on 2024-2025 prices. Assumes you're using the blue rate effectively.
The Budget Nomad
$800-1,200
- • Shared apartment or room
- • Home cooking + cheap eats
- • Public transport
- • Free/cheap entertainment
- • No coworking membership
Possible but tight. Good for short stays.
The Comfortable Nomad
$1,500-2,500
- • Nice 1-bedroom apartment
- • Mix of cooking and restaurants
- • Uber + some taxis
- • Coworking membership
- • Weekend trips
- • Social life
Sweet spot for most nomads.
The Ballin' Nomad
$3,000-5,000+
- • Luxury apartment or WeWork living
- • Premium restaurants
- • Private car/Uber everywhere
- • Premium coworking
- • Frequent travel
- • No compromises
Live like a king/queen.
Community & Networking
Digital Nomad Meetups
Nomad Mondays
Weekly meetup, rotating locations
Check Meetup.com or Facebook groups
Coworking Socials
La Maquinita and Area Tres host regular events
Usually free, sometimes with drinks/food
Language Exchanges
Spanglish, Mundo Lingo - great for meeting people
Multiple locations, usually weekdays
Online Communities
Facebook Groups
- • Digital Nomads Buenos Aires
- • Expats in Buenos Aires
- • Buenos Aires Startups
Slack/Discord
- • Coworking space Slacks (ask when you visit)
- • Nomad List community
- • Various tech group Discords
Nomad List
Active BA community, good for real-time questions
Expat Entrepreneur Groups
If you're building something while here, these groups are gold:
BA Startup Community
Mix of locals and expats building companies
Indie Hackers BA
For bootstrappers and solopreneurs
Tech Meetups
Python BA, React BA, etc. - check Meetup.com
Networking Events Calendar
Regular Events
- • Mondays: Nomad meetups (varies)
- • Tuesdays: Spanglish Palermo
- • Wednesdays: Mundo Lingo
- • Thursdays: Various tech meetups
- • Fridays: Coworking happy hours
Where to Find Events
- • Meetup.com (search "Buenos Aires")
- • Facebook Events
- • Coworking space newsletters
- • Nomad List community board
- • Word of mouth (seriously, ask around)
Final Tips from Someone Who's Been There
Before You Come
- • Test your company's VPN from abroad first
- • Set up Wise/PayPal before you leave
- • Bring a good power bank
- • Download offline maps
- • Get travel insurance that covers remote work
After You Arrive
- • Find your coworking space in week 1
- • Join at least 2 online communities
- • Set a routine immediately (before jet lag fades)
- • Learn basic Spanish - it changes everything
- • Embrace the chaos, don't fight it
Buenos Aires is one of the best nomad cities in the world - if you come prepared. The internet is good enough, the cost of living is low, the community is welcoming, and the steak is incredible. Just don't expect everything to work like it does back home. That's part of the charm.