Painted Lady in La Boca-Alaskan Dude

Most of the talked-up attractions of Buenos Aires are true. The soccer, tango, meat: all there in large proportions. Although I could list many things about Buenos Aires that are surprising and cool, the following are 8 random things to keep in mind if you’re hitting BsAs up:

1. Don’t throw your toilet paper down the toilet. Geez! I threw the toilet paper down the toilet paper every single damn time. I read the signs, made mental notes, promised myself not to screw up Argentina’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, rote habit kept me from heeding the “PLEASE DON’T PUT TOILET PAPER IN TOILET” signs. Sorry Argentina.

2. Locate a couple of ATMS around your hostel/hotel. ATMs in BsAs will frequently run out of cash, possibly leaving you panicked when the hostel bill is due.

3. Save your coins and small bills. Speaking of money, you should, “horde your change as if it were porn in the 1980s and lie to store clerks about having it as if they were your mom,” as Kate Sedgwick writes in her How to Take the Bus in Buenos Aires Like You Know What’s Going On piece.  Buses only accept coins and you’ll get dirty looks throwing down a 100 peso spot for small purchases.

4. Watch your step. Sidewalks are uneven (I assume they’re privately owned?) and decorated with dog poop.

5. Don’t pull a map out on the street. This goes for most major cities around the world. One of our friends got robbed in broad daylight in the city center doing this. Use common sense and look at your map/guidebook in a store or secure area.

6. You don’t have to eat meat all the time. There are parrillas all over the place, but there are some fantastic ethnic and vegetarian restaurants in the city.

7.  Don’t even think about eating before 9pm. 11-3am is the most hopping at the popular restaurants.

8. Call cabs. Don’t hail them off the street. Call Radio Taxi,  Radio Taxi Premium if it’s available.

Keep these tips in mind as you visit and drink some of that luscious Malbec while you’re there.