Having the right apps makes navigating Buenos Aires much smoother. Here’s a list of the most useful ones for tourists and digital nomads:
🚍 Getting Around #
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BA Cómo Llego (iOS / Android) → Official city app for finding the best route by bus, Subte (metro), train, bike, or walking.
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Moovit → Great for real-time public transport directions.
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Google Maps → Works well, but bus routes in BA can be confusing without Cómo Llego.
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BA Ecobici → For the city’s free bike-sharing system (first 1 hour free on weekdays, 2 hours on weekends).
🚖 Rides & Taxis #
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Uber → Available, but technically semi-legal — still widely used.
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Cabify → Licensed and often more reliable than Uber.
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Didi → Another alternative, less common but growing.
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BA Taxi → Official app for yellow-and-black city taxis, ensures fair metered fares.
💵 Money & Payments #
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Western Union → Essential for sending yourself money at the blue dollar rate (best exchange).
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Xoom / Remitly → Alternatives for cash pickup.
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Mercado Pago → Argentina’s #1 payment app, like PayPal + Venmo. Some cafés and shops prefer it over cards.
🍽️ Food & Drink #
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PedidosYa → Food delivery (like Uber Eats).
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Rappi → Delivery app for meals, groceries, and essentials.
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TheFork (Restorando) → For restaurant reservations (especially trendy spots).
🎭 Events & Culture #
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Cinemark Hoyts / Cines Multiplex → To check movie times.
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Ticketek Argentina → Concerts, theater, and sports events.
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Meetup / Couchsurfing / Internations → For expat and local events, language exchanges, and meetups.
🌎 General Travel #
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Google Translate (download Spanish offline).
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WhatsApp → The main way people communicate in Argentina (even businesses and restaurants).
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XE Currency → Track real vs. official exchange rates.
✅ Quick Takeaway #
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For transport: BA Cómo Llego + BA Ecobici.
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For rides: Cabify or BA Taxi.
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For money: Western Union + Mercado Pago.
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For food: PedidosYa or Rappi.
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For social: Meetup / WhatsApp.
