Travel Tips

Communication

Calling mobile phones

Most mobile phone numbers in Buenos Aires start with the number 15, but sometimes when you try to call such a number you can't get a connection through (you get an unknown number sound). If this happens to you then try replacing the '15' with a '11' - this is the standard area code for Buenos Aires and often works when calling mobile phones.

Money

Cash machines

Although Buenos Aires has plenty of cash machines (cajero automático) around the place, they all seem to be running the same antiquated software. New Zealand debit and credit cards generally work fine and the ATM's often allow you to select english when you insert your card. But some foreign cards seem to be falsely recognised as local link cards which have daily limits of only 300 or 600 pesos ($130-$260)

Make sure you take at least two cards with you, preferably issued through different banks in NZ, and always keep a supply of cash for emergencies - if your card doesn't work for one or two days you don't want to be stuck on the street without cash! Also, from time to time the international link seems to become unavailable - when this happens you wont be able to get out any cash at all from international cards. Usually this problem is solved within a few hours.

Credit cards

Be very wary of using credit cards anywhere except for in your hotel or with large companies such as airlines. Some dodgy stores swipe your card through an extra card reader - making a copy of the information stored on your magnetic strip. This can be done very quickly without you even noticing. The crooks later produce a new card and copy your information on to it - then they use the false card to quickly run up a bill at other stores - at your expense!

Since you still have your original card with you, you mightn't suspect anything until get back from your vacation and receive a credit card bill with loads of extra charges on it. If this happens to you then contact your bank straight away so that they can cancel your card and issue you with a new one - the bank will normally refund the stolen money but you'll no doubt be stressed out until the refund comes through. It's best to use cash wherever possible in order to avoid this potential problem.