What Portenos drinking Quilmes cerveza don´t look like
Not to say it’s all Lonely Planet’s fault, of course. We are responsible for our own preparations, and should check numerous sources when creating packing lists and mentally “gearing up” for the trip. Plus, traveling with the attitude that “the universe will take care of me,” creates opportunities for the universe to forget the small details, like:
1. You need an outlet converter in BA (NOT a voltage coverter.) So far, this only prevented a more active procrastination of Spanish lessons on the iPod. If the battery to your camera or cell phone died, you may have bigger problems. Speaking of cell phones…
2. Make sure you check to see if your phone is UNLOCKED before you take it overseas. Not something LP should have to tell you – but it sure would have been nice. Turns out just because your phone is “global” doesn’t mean you can use it globally. Whoops. Fortunately, you can buy an international phone card for 10 pesos, and talk for more than an hour.
3. Early spring in Argentina kind-of-sorta-like early spring in the states. You have a few warm days, along with much cooler nights. Do yourself a favor, and bring an extra layer.
4. Agua sin gas aka bottled water is more expensive than wine. While you may feel this is quite bloody spectacular (“I can replace all fluid consumption with wine!”) it may leave you dehydrated. At which point you’ll try to hydrate with more wine, and repeat ad nauseum. Or till you die, whichever comes first. Instead, try buying a gallon of water (if you have a place to store it) and fill your water bottle with it to save some pesos.
5. Not speaking Spanish can be a real bitch. Who would’ve guessed? I didn’t expect everyone to speak English, but I banked too heavily on my good looks and charm to break through the language barrier. I discovered those assets aren’t worth their weight in the piles of dog crap lying around the streets when you need to know where the cajero automatico is, or finding where the bottles of Quilmes cerveza are.
Edit 10.20.08: I just wanted to note my LP Guide is one edition old, and in the newer edition the prices are more updated. However, the prices in this guide are off as well. According to the locals I spoke with, Argentina is currently undergoing hyperinflation. In a six month period, prices can double plus, while wages may only increase 20 percent (if that.)
Posted by Ming 
