English is spoken in Buenos Aires, but not as widely as in some other major tourist cities. Here’s what you can expect:
Where English is spoken #
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Hotels, airports, and larger tourist attractions usually have staff who speak English.
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In Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero, many restaurants and bars have at least one English-speaking server.
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Younger Argentines, especially students, are more likely to know some English.
Where English is limited #
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Outside touristy neighborhoods, most shops, small cafés, and taxis operate mainly in Spanish.
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Street markets, kiosks, and local bus drivers typically do not speak English.
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Government offices and medical centers may only work in Spanish.
Should you learn Spanish? #
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Knowing a few basic phrases makes life much easier and friendlier. Locals appreciate the effort.
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Phrases like hola (hello), gracias (thank you), la cuenta por favor (the bill please), and ¿cuánto cuesta? (how much does it cost?) go a long way.
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Apps like Google Translate can help in a pinch, but a small phrasebook or offline app is very handy.
Quick takeaway #
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You can get by with English in tourist zones.
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A little Spanish greatly improves the experience, especially for taxis, markets, and local restaurants.
Here’s a Spanish survival phrase list tailored for tourists in Buenos Aires. These will cover greetings, transport, food, shopping, and emergencies:
Greetings & Politeness #
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Hola = Hello
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Buen día = Good morning
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Buenas tardes = Good afternoon
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Buenas noches = Good evening/night
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Por favor = Please
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Gracias = Thank you
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De nada = You’re welcome
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Disculpe / Perdón = Excuse me / Sorry
Getting Around #
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¿Cuánto cuesta hasta…? = How much does it cost to go to…?
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Lléveme a… por favor = Take me to… please
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¿Dónde está la parada del colectivo? = Where is the bus stop?
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¿Dónde está la estación de subte? = Where is the subway station?
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¿Qué línea va a…? = Which line goes to…?
Food & Drink #
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Una mesa para dos, por favor = A table for two, please
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La carta, por favor = The menu, please
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La cuenta, por favor = The bill, please
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Sin hielo = Without ice
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¿Qué me recomienda? = What do you recommend?
Shopping & Money #
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¿Cuánto cuesta? = How much does it cost?
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¿Aceptan tarjeta? = Do you accept card?
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Solo efectivo = Cash only
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¿Tiene cambio? = Do you have change?
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Más barato = Cheaper
Emergencies #
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Necesito ayuda = I need help
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Llamen a la policía = Call the police
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Llamen a una ambulancia = Call an ambulance
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Estoy perdido/a = I’m lost
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¿Dónde hay una farmacia? = Where is a pharmacy?
Tip: Porteños (people from Buenos Aires) often use “vos” instead of “tú,” so you may hear phrases like ¿Vos de dónde sos? (Where are you from?) instead of ¿De dónde eres?
