Travel and accommodation costs for cosmetic surgery in Argentina

International flights arrive at Buenos Aires Ezeiza (Ministro Pistarini) International Airport which is located 37 km from the city centre.

There are plenty of taxi touts vying for the tourists’ attention but it is better to either buy a taxi ticket from the private car desk or take the airport bus (the bus company is Manuel Tienda León) although you should allow up to two hours to get to Plaza San Martin in the centre of town as traffic can be congested.

International car rental firms are available from the airport and if you are hiring a car you can get to the city via the y Teniente General Ricchieri freeway. 

The other airport in Buenos Aires, the Jorge Newbery(otherwise known as Aeroparque), is the main airport for domestic flights as well as some flights to neighbouring countries, for example flights to Uruguay depart from here.  It is located in the north of the city besides Río de la Plata. 

Travelling within the country

Flying is the best option to cover long distance travel within Argentina because of its size, and visitors can purchase an Airpass which allows several discounted journeys within the country, ask about this when buying your international flights.  For flying nationally the two main internal airlines are Aerolineas Argentines and Lanchile. 

Alternatively, there is a network of comfortable, inexpensive long-distances buses which serve the country; the ‘Comun’ is the cheaper option, the ‘Deferencial’ the better quality bus.  Bus travel is very efficient and definitely provides the most economical way to traverse the country as national rail travel is not really done in Argentina (apart from within Buenos Aires where trains serve the suburbs).  The long distance buses are safe and comfortable with lots of stops and meals and are equipped with toilets, air conditioning and also a bar.  National buses depart from near Retiro station in Buenos Aires. 

The usual car rental firms are available from the airports but it is advisable to pre-book your car.  Having a car is a great way to really see the country and get off the beaten track but drivers should watch out for pot holes and rocks.  The minimum age for car rental is 25 and driving is on the right.  Organizations Autómovil (Spanish only website) has some information about driving along with maps.  An international driver’s licence is required.

City travel

Getting about in Buenos Aires is safe and relatively easy with a network of buses, taxis, subways, and trains.  The subway in Buenos Aires (SUBTE) is a fast and convenient way to get about and the city’s layout is quite straightforward as the roads are set out in a grid system which is easy to follow.  Taxis can be called from practically anywhere and are identified as black cars with yellow roofs.  Buenos Aires bus station is located at Av. Ramos Mejia 1680 close to Retiro Station (tel 4310-0700).  The Argentine people fully rely on public transport to get about so you can count on a comprehensive service, which even covers small villages in the mountains. 

Since the collapse of the Peso, the cost of accommodation has dropped but the prices are always higher in Buenos Aires.  A room in a top class four star hotel costs from €100, while staying in a three star hotel costs maybe to half that. Smaller pension-style hotels are cheaper still.  An accommodation alternative if you are travelling outside the capital is the ‘Estancia’, a home-stay on one of the large farm and cattle ranches located around the country, and a great way to experience the authentic Argentine way of life.  Also available in rural areas is the ‘Cabaña’, a self catering cottage which is ideal for groups of two or more.

Argentina is GMT – 3 and the official Argentine currency is the Argentinian Peso.  ARS7.5 is roughly equivalent to €1.