Buenos Aires is opening up! As we enter spring here in the southern hemisphere, bars and restaurants are open, parks are full of life and Buenos Aires is starting to feel like the city that we know and love again. As we await the re-opening of the Argentine border to tourists an day now, Mente Argentina is getting ready to welcome new participants to our in-person programs in Buenos Aires.
The current expectation is for commercial international flights to be allowed again starting October 12 or 15. Check out this article for more information directly from the Minister of Transportation. As we prepare, we also want to share general information and updates for the city of Buenos Aires:
Masks
There is a nationwide mandate in Argentina requiring the use of masks or other face coverings in all public spaces. This includes public transportation and passenger vehicles. They are also required when exercising outside, unless you are running. Masks should be worn when walking or biking.
Bars & Restaurants
Buenos Aires is known for it’s amazing restaurants and bars and there is nothing better than enjoying drink or meal outdoors in the city. Thankfully now bars, cafés and restaurants are open to the public for service in open spaces. This includes socially-distanced tables on the sidewalk, patio, or terrace.
Outdoor eating is always the ideal in Buenos Aires, especially in spring and summer, with many restaurants with beautiful patios and terraces. If you prefer delivery or take-out restaurants here have developed amazing systems, most with free delivery if you are in the same neighborhood.
Transportation
Mente Argentina offers transport from the airport to your housing in Buenos Aires included in the price of your program. Within the city, public transportation (buses, metro, train) are only available to essential workers right now. There are many other great ways to travel around the city. All of the housing that we offer is within walking distance from the Mente office and most any place you would need to go for classes.
- Walking: Buenos Aires is a very walkable city and walking is a great way to get to know a new place.
- Biking: Buenos Aires has a free bike program that even foreigners can use. There are many bike lanes across the city and biking has been very popular during these times. Check out the BA Ecobici site to learn more about this service.
- Taxis & Passenger Vehicles: If you are going a further distance there is also the option of taking a taxi or a vehicle service such as Uber or Cabify. These aren’t very expensive in Argentina and they are taking lots of COVID-19 precautions for the safety of drivers and passengers.
Healthcare
Argentina has an excellent healthcare system, with both public and private options. We always refer our program participants to Hospital Aleman, which is a great private hospital close to the housing that we offer. We always encourage participants to make sure that they have insurance for their time in Argentina. This is especially important, of course, during a global pandemic. Check out our blog post on healthcare for more information on our recommendations.
We will update this blog post as more information becomes available to ensure that you are as informed as possible as you plan to join us in Argentina. In the meantime, explore our website and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have at info@menteargentina.com.
Written by: Samantha Tigner