Digital Nomads

Living in Argentina as a Digital Nomad

The practical side of living in Argentina as a remote worker: renting, phones and internet, getting around, healthcare, community, Argentine customs and staying safe.

Life in Argentina runs late, is social and revolves around food, friends and conversation. This page covers the practical details of settling in.

Renting a Place#

  • Where to look. Airbnb for the first weeks; then ZonaProp, Argenprop, Mercado Libre and Facebook groups.
  • Temporary furnished rentals (alquiler temporario) are common in Buenos Aires and often priced in US dollars.
  • Long leases are more flexible since the 2023 deregulation, but may still need a guarantee (garantía).
  • Check heating and air-conditioning, noise and the internet.

Phones and Internet#

  • SIM cards: Personal, Claro and Movistar; bring your passport.
  • Home internet: fibre in cities from Personal, Movistar and Telecentro.
  • Apps worth having: WhatsApp, Uber and Cabify, PedidosYa and Rappi (delivery), Mercado Pago, and BA Cómo Llego for Buenos Aires transport.

Getting Around#

Buenos Aires has the Subte metro and an extensive bus network, both on the SUBE card, plus bike lanes and the EcoBici bike share. Long-distance buses are comfortable, and domestic flights save time on long trips.

Healthcare#

Private healthcare is excellent and affordable, especially through prepaid plans (prepagas). Public hospitals treat emergencies free. Pharmacies are everywhere. For emergencies, call 107 for an ambulance or 911 in many cities. Get health insurance.

Community and Meeting People#

Buenos Aires has a large nomad and expat community, with coworking events, language exchanges, tango classes and asados. Argentines are sociable, and Spanish (with its distinctive Rioplatense accent) helps a lot.

Customs and Etiquette#

  • Late hours: dinner at 9pm or 10pm; clubs open after 1am.
  • Greetings: one kiss on the cheek, including between men who know each other.
  • Mate: the shared herbal tea is a ritual; accept if offered, and don’t say “gracias” until you’ve had enough.
  • Asado: the Sunday barbecue is a social institution.

Safety#

Argentina is relatively safe, but in Buenos Aires keep your phone out of sight on the street, watch for pickpockets on the Subte and in tourist areas, and check notes for counterfeits. Use app taxis at night.

Everyday Life FAQs#

How do I rent an apartment in Buenos Aires as a digital nomad?

Start with Airbnb, then use ZonaProp, Argenprop or Facebook groups for temporary furnished rentals, often priced in dollars.

Is Argentina safe for digital nomads?

Relatively, for South America. Phone snatching and pickpocketing are the main risks in Buenos Aires.

Do I need to speak Spanish in Argentina?

It helps. Many young people in Buenos Aires speak English, but less so elsewhere.

What time do people eat dinner in Argentina?

Late, usually from 9pm, and often at 10pm or later.