Here’s a detailed comparison of Uber vs. Taxis in Buenos Aires to help you decide which is better for your needs:
Ride Options in Brief #
1. Traditional Taxis #
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Legal & regulated: Yellow-black cabs with meters, set tariffs, and visible driver info. A 20% surcharge applies at night.
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Availability: Generally easy to hail on major streets; less frequent during rain or off-peak hours.
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Payment: Many drivers prefer cash. Some accept cards or Mercado Pago—but usually only when ordered via an app.
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Drawbacks: Tourists report scams like inflated fares, incorrect routes, or meter tricks.
“Don’t enter a waiting cab at a tourist spot… I just got out… meter was abnormally fast, and handed me a fake bill.”
2. Uber, Cabify, Didi & Others (Ride-Hailing Apps) #
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Convenience: Book rides via app with driver and fare info upfront, cashless payment, and ride tracking.
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Cabify is fully legal, has rigorous driver vetting, newer vehicles, and no surge pricing. Many locals prefer it for reliability.
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Uber operates in a regulatory gray area. It’s convenient but sometimes contested by taxi unions and potentially risky at places like airports.
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Didi often offers the best fares and shortest wait times according to user reports.
Traveler Insights (Reddit) #
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“Cabify is way better… lets you use card or cash… avoid taxis… Uber I would discard in Buenos Aires.
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“Uber is alright, Cabify is better… drivers, newer cars, safe, pay with card.”
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“Cabify usually better than Uber; Didi often has better prices.”
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“Taxis are cheaper sometimes… depends on time. Memorize optimal routes to avoid being overcharged.”
Comparison Table #
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Taxis | Regulated, easy to hail downtown, cash-friendly | Payment issues, occasional scams, unpredictable at night |
| Uber | App-based, tracked, convenience with cashless payment | Legal gray area, unreliable airport pickups, surge pricing |
| Cabify | Legal, vetted drivers, card-friendly, no surge pricing | Slightly higher fares sometimes |
| Didi | Often cheapest and fastest | Mixed vehicle quality; still gaining coverage |
Final Recommendation #
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For maximum reliability and safety, especially for app-savvy users: use Cabify—strong track record and transparency.
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If you’re price-sensitive or looking for deals: try Didi—great value with quick availability.
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Taxis have their place—especially in emergencies or where apps fail—but beware of payment issues or scams.
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Uber works, but tread carefully, especially at airports or during peak hours, and be aware of its legal status.
