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At subway station Juramento is "Azucar" - on Mondays at 7-8pm they have salsa for beginners, or later for more advanced students. One of the teachers (Eddie) speaks English, but the groups are large, so he may not speak specifically for you. 10 pesos/class, or there is some deal for 6 classes for 50 pesos with an entry to the disco. There is some class or disco happening here virtually every night, but not with instruction in English. On Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8-9:30 pm there is tango. Go to Shopping Abasto (subway Carlos Gardel), and down the left side, at the main side entrance, turn left down the street that comes to there and walk 3 blocks, the dance school is on the right - it's not a well marked door, so look for other people going in. The teacher Giselle speaks English, and the groups are smaller than at Azucar, so you will get more attention for your 8 pesos. There are other types of dance at this place, both simultaneously with the above, and other times/days (not sure about in English though). I myself looking for lessons in Brasilian types of dancing, like samba, axe, etc., with an instructor who knows a little English. (click here to return to topic heading) In case you didn't realize it, TONIGHT (midnight of Saturday, 29 Dec), the clocks move forward 1 hour. In typical Argentine fashion, the law was passed on 26 Dec, put into effect (the law) 27 Dec and takes effect (the hour change) 30 Dec at 00:00 (basically midnight of the 29th, which happens to be today), just 2 days later! At least it wasn't retroactive ... Standard time reverts on Sunday, 16 March 2008 at 00:00 (Sat night midnight 15 March). Hastily and badly written computer programs (and people who think like them or have birthdays on 15 March) will no doubt be stuck perpetually in 15 March 2008 since at midnight on that date, it will become 11 pm and one hour later it will become midnight again at which point ... ??? Just be prepared for some confusion over the next few days. Naturally, computer systems for airplane and train scheduling are certainly not going to have been modified by then, so any number of international passengers are going to be arriving at Ezeiza and finding that it's an hour later than it was supposed to be. The above dates only apply for 2007/2008. For 2008/2009 the government will decide again what the dates will be (no doubt also 2 days before the date). One hopes that they will wise up and choose 00:00 hr on Jan 1, 2009 so we can drink twice as much champagne ... Happy New Year to all. From: yoyvos705, December 29, 2007 And if you want more confusion the entire world: http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst2008a.html and click on 2008 first half of 2008 (click here to return to topic heading) Having been here for 5 years whilst working for British Airways I made frequent flights into Ezeiza, and on several occassions I witnessed, heavy handed practices of customs officials to those passengers arriving in Argentina and not declaring high value electronic goods on entry. On one occassion a passenger arriving on a British Airways flight was held overnight the night at Ezezia, and had to fork out 800 USD in cash to be released - all for the sake of saving the duty on a new Sony Vaio laptop. From: Sean, September 03, 2006 Re: I can't bring my personal iPod with me for a month without being taxed? I don't have to declare that do I? Absolutely not – and if you are given any kind of hard time by customs in this regard, don’t forget to write name name, rank, and serial #, right in front of them if needed, In this rare event, you will see no problem in the end for what you described. From: Paul laver, September 03, 2006 You can bring personal goods under 300 USD free of duty. Anything else, not for re-export, strictly speaking should be declared. Electronic items such as laptops can be registered in the owners name to legally avoid duties, on subsequent trips to or from Argentina. From: Sean, September 03, 2006 Yeah but Paul in theory one should be able to bring a laptop or 2 , mp3 and/or ipod, mini-fax machine, mini dvd player, electric guitar, blackberry, and whatver other electronic products needed for personal/business operation and lifestyle, as long as properly declared, without paying duties – according to Arg customs, that’s they key to focus on here in my opinion… From: Sean, September 03, 2006 Re: Yeah, I got really screwed bringing in my TV. Showing them it was used, still got me very little. And their poor English, it was a total gringo hose job. My wife always intended to complain but never got around to it... I guess that's what they kind of expect. Then you are one of the percentages that let a customs wayward dude rule the situation – it’s not as hard as you think to relay in a written manner the obvious to them and avoid duties. Get receipts for anything you give in to paying and yeah it’s a hassle but normal to recoup. I offer my recuperation services FREE to anybody who took names AND got receipts and still had to pay on normal reasonable stuff like I described below, as long as they aren’t previously a confirmed smuggler or doing other funny stuff. As a tourist, you are entitled to bring and declare your personal items without paying duties, as long as you fill out the proper paperwork if they ask you to. From: John Borden, September 03, 2006 This is TRUE AND 100% LEGAL. You guys are virtually ALL coming in as tourists. When you LEAVE your country of residency BEFORE flying over here, all you need to do is to DECLARE all your electronics, and other valuables in the customs at the DEPARTING port. They always have an officer on duty (just like here, but you usually need to find where they´re dozing off here.) You can refuse to embark until you make your customs declaration. Once done, you get a receipt, itemizing each of your valuables, with make, model and serial numbers. When you arrive here all you need to do is SHOW THEM THIS DECLARATION, and you state you are coming as a tourist, with your own personal items which you will be taking back with you, the day you leave back home. Since you declared at point of embarking, you are showing your intention of taking your belongings back with you. (you can even bring in a car, temporarily) Now, legally once you enter the stuff, no one really cares if you actually do take it back out, and they can never even track you down UNLESS they make a note of it either on your passport, on your tourist card, in the computer system or something like that. In that case you would be bound to taking the stuff back out. But the chances of that are VERY rare, since all they want is to fine you (or bribe you) up front, right then and there. Once you get through with no written observation by them, you basically are scott free, since the US Customs, (or any other country) doesn´t care if you don´t bring the stuff back in, either. What they are avoiding is you taking new stuff in, that was not legally imported already, (just as they do here). Your items were already imported once, and had paid all duties already, so you taking them out and not back in means no loss at all to the Public Treasury. But if you need to take anything back, the initial departing declaration is technically REQUIRED, or they may charge you taxes for taking your own personal used stuff back home with you! So as you see you can use their own legal requirements in your own benefit,.... no bribes, no illegal manuvers, just another loophole. I don´t applaud Alejandro´s attitude but it is true that the items when smuggled into any country usually have already paid all legal import duties and sales taxes.... only TO THE WRONG COUNTRY!! The correct way to import things legally when they are for resale, is to declare them and pay all duties, as this also gives you the right to get reimbursed for taxes and duties paid in the country they came from. US sellers provide for reimbursing the sales tax you paid them, if and when you send a copy of your import taxes and duties paid here on entry. Another reason to import legally is to enforce international guarrantees. If you don´t declare a valuable item, if it fails under the warranty period, you will need to show all receipts including import duties. You may have your product rejected by the service shop, since they´ve had raids by customs officials confiscating all products not having proper import documentation. I for one would NOT purchase any large screen TV, or ANY electronics product for that matter, without legal import papers, because it´s not like in the 60´s thru 80´s where you could fix something yourself, like a blown fuse. Now its all micro-electronics, and even the service techs themselves can´t fix most items, they just replace them. Let´s put it this way... the lesser price Alejandro states is not worth the risk of having to throw it all away for lack of coverage. ONLY the original person bringing in the stuff may benefit from that risk, for at least they travelled on the difference. FYI, notebooks, cameras,etc bought in the duty free shops, in Argentine ships, and airports HAVE NO FACTORY GUARRANTY, but the Free Shop provides ITS OWN guarranty, i.e. they pay for repairs during their coverage period. I´ve seen a dropped and cracked notebook replaced, when even the factory warranty would not cover that damage. Back onto tax rebates, some Argentine and Uruguayan retailers are now doing a similar thing for tourists buying local products to take back home with them. Check out the info booth at Galerias Pacifico. Also at some hotels, tourists are exempted from paying local sales taxes, this is true even for Argentines in some hotels in Uruguay. - Joe From: Michael Waldrop, September 03, 2006 I've since learned that the only real mistake I made was bringing it in the original box, but I opened the box, showed the scuffmarks on the LCD, I've had it for 9 months, 6 of them before I got here, and had a letter from the Argentine Consulate saying that under the circumstances no customs were due, they basically told me to screw off, put an arbitrary value to my TV, and then wouldn't let my wife do any of the talking for me (as she was outside of the security checkpoint). From: Frances Perry, September 06, 2006 Used clothing for personal use is duty free. Are the clothes still in the packaging / with tags? If not, you can claim them as used. In the future remove all tags and wash the clothing before sending. It then becomes “used” and will be duty free. Be sure to note that on the custom’s form. (click here to return to topic heading) I found one at hiper rodo in Abasto about a month ago. I looked around for about six months and called almost every electronics store in BA before finding it. They are called deshumidificadores in Spanish but when asking around I found that most people had no idea that they existed. I don't remember but I paid around 600-700 pesos. If they don't have it at one local store them check the other stores for you. (click here to return to topic heading) Sushi: Furusato. Still my favorite, www.sushi.com.ar I don't know where they are physically located since it is not a restaurant and they list no address on their website, it's delivery only. However, the quality and variety is excellent.
Pros: The website is really well designed, the quality is superb, BIG pieces of nigiri sushi / sashimi, nice variety of fishes, not just all salmon like a lot of places. The first time you call they take your address, then next time you call you just give them your phone number and they have all your info. Cons: It takes almost 2 hours from the time you call to get your sushi, they open at 7 pm so I call at 7:00:01 and the sushi arrives at 8:50:00 pm. We live in Recoleta, depending on where their outlet is (who knows) and where you live, it might be faster! Hint 1: Combo 2 is enough for 2 sushi hounds like us to get totally satisfied, it could easily serve 4 for a light dinner. Hint 2: Ron buys 1.5 liter bottles of sake in China town for $54 pesos! Hint 3: I just had to try their tempura, how could they possibly do tempura to your home? Answer: They cant, don't try it. You can't deliver tempura, it just don't work that way. www.sushiclubweb.com Sushi Club: I have not tried this since there online delivery variety doesn't seem as good as Furasato.
From: Anne Tadiello, June 04, 2007 I have been using Sushi Club a couple of times already and was really pleased with it so far. I am not a sushi specialist so I won't comment more on taste and quality. They have several branches and do deliveries from 11.00 am or so.I like ordering from their web site http://www.sushiclubweb.com.ar as it has pictures and I get easily lost between all those japanese names. Tip : if you want a delayed delivery (next day, etc...) don't forget to fill in the comment box with the desired time. From: unaportena, June 03, 2007 Someone posted not too long ago wanting to know about sushi delivery. Uno in Villa Urquiza does Sushi deliveries only. www.unosushi.com The prices seem fairly reasonable, the further away from Urquiza, the larger the minimum order is. We have not ordered yet, but plan to soon. From wheresleslie, December 5, 2006 Sushi: hoshi.com.ar They do good delivery From Veronica Salvetti, December 5, 2006 I compiled in a small blog my links to deli stores, restaurants and supermarkets that deliver in the city ( I kept losing them! ) It could be handy for somebody else :) if you have places I don´t have, pls email me, the more the better From: Peter J. Macay, June 2, 2006 Chinese Food: "China Town" (how original), it used be on Uriburu on the side of Village Recoleta which was really close to us. They moved but they still deliver to our place on Montevideo and Las Heras. The good thing is the food actually seems to have improved with their move. I can't give them "fantastic" 5 stars on everything, this is slightly embarrassing but the real reason I like them is that they have a numbered delivery menu and I can just order from the numbers. There are 2 pretty good Chinese joints on M.T.Alvear but everytime I ordered, I got a Chinese speaking Spanish, and with my terrible Spanish, ordering was a nightmare and I never got what I ordered. Now, you know us, we love everything, so it was actually kind of fun to get a surprise chinese food order sometimes, but I prefer the hassle free ordering from "China Town". Anyways, "China Town" is now at Juncal 2491, 4824-5617 / 4822-0040. They start taking orders at 7:30 pm and are pretty quick on delivery. (click here to return to topic heading) There are several large malls where you can find the bigger department stores. "Patio Bullrich" in Recoleta between Posadas, Libertador, Montevideo and Libertad, super expensive / upscale items, they also have movie theatres and a Buque Bus outlet to buy ferry tickets to Uruguay. "Alto Palermo" has more reasonable prices in the 3000 block of Sante Fe, right off the Estacion Bulnes "D" subway stop "Abasto Shopping" at Corrientes and T.M. Anchorena is right off the Estacion Carlos Gardel "B" subway stop, in a really cool restored building, they have a small area on the 2nd floor for "local artisan" stuff which is better then the stuff you see in the outdoor artisan markets. There is also a child's museum and huge video game area. "Galaria Pacifico" on Florida and Cordoba, also a very cool old building. From: Frank E. Almeida, September 05, 2006 The only "department" store similar to what you mentioned would be Falabella. There are two locations in Buenos Aires, one is downtown on Florida street near the intersection of Corrientes, and the other one is in the suburbs. The rest of the retail landscape come in the form of smaller retailers. Really, the only big box retailer is Falabella. You will not find too many similar brands / merchandise over here. I mean there are some things but it really depends on the specifics of what you are looking for. From: Roxana Alonso, August 20, 2006 Also "Paseo Alcorta" in Palermo: Salguero y Figueroa Alcorta. All of these are not dept. stores. We call them "Shopping Centers" and its the closer experience to a mall in Capital Federal. There are a couple of malls in the suburbs but I dont hang out there. From: Gaucho Gringo, August 21, 2006 Unicenter is located in Martinez, just north of BA. It´s only a 15 min taxi ride from the Obelisco, in light traffic. Take the Illia highway straight down 9 de Julio, towards the river and by following the traffic it will take you to the Acceso Norte where you take the toll-free "colectora" on the right, in order to get off either the winding Parana exit or the next Edison exit which is a better way to get in... 5 blocks to the right (river), and you´ll see it. (If you take the middle toll lanes, you will pass Unicenter) I take the 2nd exit, you can´t miss it, it shows up right after passing the tall Unicenter sign-post. It must be one of the largest malls in the world, I can´t imagine many others this big. It´s also very nice and comfortable, not as fancy and artistic as Galerias Pacifico though. The reason it´s so big, is that it was the first real mall in Argentina and they placed it smack in the middle of where most of the wealthier population lives. Since land was already scarce, they actually bought out an entire "barrio" of about 4 x 5 square blocks, and demolished the fairly new houses. If you notice on the corner of Edison towards the river, there´s still a home-owner who evidently did not sell out.!! (If I were them, I´d sell out now to a Mc´Donalds and get something 5 times better for the same money!!) Rumor has it that when a competitor -they say Walmart-, showed interest in a similarly big lot in Beccar near the train to Tigre, apparently it was bought up by Cencosud (owner of Unicenter, Jumbo, and Easy Home). So why would they themselves make another mall so close to Unicenter with no real competition in between? I can´t vouch for this, but it seems like another case of corruption benefiting only a select few selfish officials, while the general population suffers the consecuences. Even the "Villa La Cava" slum, next door would have gained from the new jobs, security, economic lifting that area could have seen. So the land still sits there unavailable for any other use. About 10 years ago the mall was expanded to about double it´s original size, so they added 16 excellent cinemas, and underground parking. They later even bought up neighboring factories and companies to have additional parking space, which can still saturate during school vacations, weekends, etc. School-day afternoons are the best to go, since it´s used as a playing ground for city kids. Week-ends are just chaos. May I recommend the Arabian King´s as the best deal in the food court? The Dragon´s chinese place lost it´s great chef, and now it serves "Argentina style rice", too bad. (click here to return to topic heading) A "guarantor" is someone who vouches for you to cover any kind of unpaid expenses if you move out and there are bills or damage. Usually for expats, this is the company that is relocating them here. When we first moved here in 2000 some owners were very leery to rent to us because we didn't have a guarantor, thus, no one to vouch for us or protect the owner financially. The place we ended up renting wanted 6 months rent as a security deposit. Our realtor friend Olga, (we love her www.geocities.com/barentals ) told us we would never get the deposit back, "You NEVER do" she said. She engaged a lawyer to write up a deposit contract to ensure we would get the deposit back, spread out over the 2nd year of the 2 year lease, to whittle away at the deposit each month as part of the rent. Brian From the BANewComers list: On apartments - (click here to return to topic heading)
From: Veronica Salvetti, January 02, 2008 When you rent furnished and with appliances you are responsible for anything that is missing or not working and you should always test things before signing any inventory or contract. Unfortunately there is no legal action you can take since this is a short term rental contract. (click here to return to topic heading) Re: can anybody recommend a good Photography School or an interesting digital photography workshop here in BA?
(click here to return to topic heading) We are starting a new website: http://www.indextar.com/ba .It is going to to be a directory of businesses, products and services for expatriates living here in Buenos Aires. Not only big companies will be included but individuals as well, so you can put thereinformation about plumbers, electricians and hairdressers that you recommend. (click here to return to topic heading) This was attached as a PS to a message sent asking for help with WIFI service and I thought it was hilarious. And please note that this question is not intended to be an attack on fixed wire users, people without computers, non-English speakers, any particular taxing authority, political parties, people of various backgrounds, persuasions, interests, or religious beliefs, or even whether or not the own pets. Nor is it a statement in favor of or against customer service levels within any particular community, the ability to find healthy/tasty/affordable foods, the inherent evil or good provided by any particular corporation, or an assertion that Chavez was or was not intending for any particular individual and or their campaign within Argentina to receive one or more suitcases full of US dollars. Nor is it an endorsement of the use of US dollars in any particular type of transaction. This disclaimer disclaims all claims of any type of assertion, hypothesis, opinion, liability, assertion of guilt, or claims of lost innocence. Any individual who chooses to respond to this question does so at their own choice. Such a response does not indicate any type of agreement, contract, or endorsement by this party. Should a moderator decide this question is inappropriate in this forum, the readers will not be held liable for any punitive damages, nor shall it be any indication that the character Ishmael in the novel Moby Dick was actually named Ishmael. All references to any books by Herman Melville are strictly coincidental in nature. No one named Godot is coming. (click here to return to topic heading) Re: How much time for my DNI with official Consular papers? My wife and I went through that not long ago. If things go for you the way they went for us, here's what to expect... You go to the DNI place on 25 de Mayo in the morning and tell the person at the front information desk that you turned in an envelope from the embassy at the airport, and that you have the small envelope. You will be directed to a counter at the back of the large room. At the counter, you will try to get someone's attention. When you finally do, you tell them the same thing. They will take your passport(s) and disappear, only to re-appear later with the envelope you turned in at the airport. They will tell you that you need to return with certain documents translated and certified at the official translator place at Corrientes 1834, and that you will also need photocopies of your passport(s), a certificate of domicile, and perhaps a few other things. [Note: At this point and every time you go to that counter, hold up the slim envelope and ask them if they need to mark it or check it or whatever. But whatever you do, don't open that envelope.] So go to Corrientes 1834 for the translations (they will tell you what to do)...go to your local police station for the certificates of domicile...get the necessary photocopies...etc. Regarding the photocopies of the passports, you need to photocopy the main page, the page with your visa stamped, and the page with the entry stamp. They don't tell you that, but it's what you'll need. When you return the following week with that stuff, take all that stuff once again to the counter and let them check it out. Then you will be shuffled over to the right side of the room where a vast group of people are sitting behind glass panels, slowly moving up to talk to people behind computers. Once you've shuffled up to a compuer, you will make your appointment. Normally, the appointment happens within just a few days. On the day of your appointment, you go downstairs and wait again to get in front of a person who is behind a computer. He or she will check your stuff. At this point they may check that you have that slim envelope, and maybe even open it. If all is in order, they will give you a number and then send you to the other side of the room to wait. When your number comes up, you will sit across the counter once again from someone with a computer and here at last your paperwork will finally start to get processed. Once it is all done, you will be directed to a small window to pay the fee (I forget how much, but not too much), and then you will be directed to still another counter to wait still again to sit across from someone who is behind a computer. When that person finally gets done, he or she will tell you when to come back and pick up your DNI. He or she will also tell you what you need to bring when you come back. And yes, it will be three months. I forget what's in the small envelope. Just don't open it; let them do it. Rick Jones From: holtijj, April 24, 2007 Regarding what documents you need, the pages at the links below purports to tell you: http://www.mininterior.gov.ar/renaper/ins_ext_dni_original.asp http://www.mininterior.gov.ar/renaper/extranjeros_inst.asp The birth certificate needs to be apostilled, translated by a public translator and legalized by the Colegio de Traductores Publicos. An English translator (in Barrio Norte/Palermo) I used recently who was vrey responsive is Marina Amitrano Cel: 15 6 473 2988 The translator should be able to tell you how to get the translation legalized when it's done - it's easy. The evidence of domicile is probably a certificate from the police at the nearest comisario, which was not difficult to get either the one time I did it - you go, request annd pay for it and they bring it to your house in the next day or so. You should also get a couple of photocopies of everything and take with you, just in case. I don't have my DNI yet - I'll probably be applying for it in the next few days - but I just did similar stuff at migraciones for my permemant residency (married to an Argentine). That went pretty smoothly and I'm disappointed to hear it takes several months for them to issue the DNI. From: Peter J. Macay To work legally here, you must obtain a D.N.I. (Documento Nacional Identificacion) number. To get a D.N.I. you first need to obtain legal residency (see appropriate sections on obtaining residency). Getting residency is the tough part, getting the DNI is relatively simple (because all the fact checking is done when you obtain residency.) Once you have your residency, you go to the DNI office on 25 de Mayo 155 and it's fairly straight forward, you don't even need an appointment, just ask the guard which way to go to get your D.N.I. Ministerio del Interior From Pete, July 2005 We returned to renew our D.N.I. and they now have a phone number for appointments so you don't have to wait in line for hours. 0800-666-6767 for an appointment, General Information 4393-0566 From: Daniela Melton, April 04, 2006 Re: Can some one please tell me whether I will require a birth certificate to get my DNI and residency? If so, do you know whether I would need just a normal "tarjeta" birth certificate, or a long form one which tells about my parents? you need the long form, it must be apostilled by the country of origin*, then translated and legalized in Argentina. *if you were born in a foreign country, as I was- and residing in the U.S., you need to have the birth cert apostilled by the country of issuance. I speak from experience here- I had to send mine back to Germany. They did not accept the apostille from the U.S. that I presented to them. Its good to know and can save you LOTS of time. (click here to return to topic heading) I lost my DNI several months back, and yesterday did the following process, for whatever it’ worth. 1) Arrived 25 de mayo 155 street foreigner dni processing center at 10am 2) There was no line outside, and the main line inside was brisk and had about 4 people in it. The person managing the main line asked me if I had done a police report, I said no but that it was lost, not stolen. She said you have to do a police report anyway but she said it was okay to check with another lady behind the first counter. I did and that lady said I had to do a police report at the police station closest to my residence. I asked her if it was okay if I get a police report at the station that is 6 blocks away at san martin and lavalle, she said I could try. 3) At 10:20am I walked into the police station and walked out at 10:35 with police report in hand at no cost, and no questions asked about where I lost it, etc. 4) At 10:45am I almost didn’t’ make it back into the DNI center as the guard told me they were not taking people anymore that day. I put on as straight of a face as I could and announced that I was being expected since I was told to run to the police station to get a report. He let me in. 5) The First counter was taking people in order by arrivals – no number taking. We all sat like moving sheep in rows of chairs and every few minutes we would have to move forward to the next row. At 11am they looked at the police report, did something in the computer, an issued me a number for downstairs for the Second Desk. I started to send a text message to my wife when a guard came by and said no cell phone usage. I turned on my laptop, , looked at the guard for possible protest, he did not – and moved on…and of the 4 wireless connections inside, one was not secure. I hopped on and had some entertaining dialogue with my wife. 6) At 11:30am , it was my turn at the Second desk where they did something in the computer again issued me a new number for the Third desk 7) This turned out to be the longest wait. I could tell that I had at least a good hour or so to play with. I walked over the photo booth near the fingerprinting station and got my photos taken early, to get that out of the way (5 pesos). I then walked upstairs and out the door, showing the guard my number and that I was off to “run some related errands” and that I would be back. He said Okay. I walked over to California Burrito company on Lavalle and had the burrito from heaven. 8) At 12:30pm, I sprinted back , thank gosh, getting a nod from the guard back into the door, ran downstairs, and saw that I was only 3 numbers from being called. 9) At 12:40pm the person at the Third desk asked me a bunch of repetitive questions like age, place of birth, profession, etc, etc. 10) At 12:50pm I walked to the cashier and paid 25 pesos “lost” fee” and went to wait for my name to be called at the Fingerprinting desk 11) I spent the next 15 minutes taking some covert video of some of the meanest looking fingerprinting people in Argentina. 12) At 1:10pm the nicest fingerprinting person in Argentina greeted me like she just graduated the University of Customer Service, chatted idly about the weather, etc and she did my fingerprints, accepted my photos. and she was so nice. She issued me a proof of DNI re-issuance request, and a phone number , and told me to check back about late October or so – so that I can go pick it up. 13) At 1:15pm I walked out the door, past the growing line of people that had shown up to pick-up their DNI after waiting their respective 4 months or so. Hope this helps de-mystify the process, but I guess they can change the process anytime they want. (click here to return to topic heading) I received a paper with instructions when you got your permanent residency. OR - BETTER YET - WHAT MY PAPER DID NOT SAY WAS THAT I COULD MAKE THE APPOINTMENT ON THE NET
and make an appointment. You want to use the tab - Solicite su Turno. I am going there in two days to have my DNI changed -- I will let you know if I had any problems. From: Julio Csar Losua, January 15, 2010 Here's some information
From Marilyn Fisher, December 23, 2010 I want to add that the telephone number to obtain a "turno" at Immigration regarding DNI paperwork at the Immigration Office on Avenida Antartida is 5222-7117 Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 16:00. (click here to return to topic heading)
From: Peter J. Macay March 15, 2014 We just returned from a trip to the USA and when Ron went through the passport check at EZE to go to Miami, they told him that the kind of DNI he has (the old brown booklet) was going to “expire” at the end of this year and that he needed to get the new updated DNI card. The agent I went through didn’t say anything about upgrading my DNI booklet. From: Monica Cerutti, March 15, 2014 If you are a resident you can obtein your DNI at http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/tramites/dni-nuevo-ejemplar From: Peter J. Macay March 23, 2014 Ron just went to the office in person at Hipolito Yrigoyen 952. There is a bank of windows on the left that I think hands out turns, but I’m not sure as Ron got through the first time because he’s over 70, then when I went with him the next day they allowed me to get a turn. Go early. I think they open at 7:30am but we got there around 9am. I think they close at 13:30. (click here to return to topic heading)
From: paugabygal, Feb 1, 2010 Hi everyone, i wanna share this info with you because chiropractors are hard to find, and even when this one may have a different technique than others you´ve had, I have to say that it worked for me everytime! From: Frances Perry, July 29, 2008 Felix Louis D.C. 15-60941376 From: Daniela Melton, May 7, 2007 Re: A friend of mine hurt her back badly and is in desperate need of a chiropractor. Does anyone have suggestions where she should go? Preferably english speaking, but not necessary. Call Marina the receptionist at Life Center Chiropractic on her cell 15 5879 4002- they have several different locations and are at each one a couple of days a week. Both chiropractors speak English and very qualified. Daniela Re: Can anyone recommend an eye doctor who will actually fit for contact lenses and give me the prescription so that I can buy the contacts where ever I like? From: claudio, March 19, 2010 You can try Centro de Ojos Dr. Nano. It has a number of branches and work Regards,
From: Peter J. Macay, Jan 30, 2007 I had Dr. Murias do a teeth cleaning, whitening and filled in some recession around my gums with a porcelean filler, very inexpensive, you can mention you know "Pete & Ron" friends of Hernan. From: Frances Perry July 17, 2005 I have an excellent dentist here whom I've written about on this list numerous times. Other's have gone to him and so far I haven't heard of any bad experiences. My husband went to both him and my dentist in Berkeley (who is one of the best for surgery and reconstructive work in the US) and the Berkeley dentist said the dental work we were receiving here was very good and that we should continue with the work here in Bs. As.. My husband had quite a bit of work done and I had two wisdom teeth pulled. I had no pain and very minimal swelling. My husband's experience was the same. On a cost note, my husband asked for a written estimate and payment plan. Both worked out for him. I just asked for an estimate and paid accordingly. Dr. Troielli, 4814-1726/1250. From: Kaisha Johnson March 30, 2005 Dr. Alicia Gerardi comes highly recommended. She has a private practice and can be reached at 4962-2077. English speaking. From: Ken Kerr, January 26, 2007 My wife went to a dermatologist yesterday here in Recoleta on Pacheco de Melo and Uriburu called. CHOUELA (4805-7485). She met with the director, Dr. Chouela and had a yet-to-be-identified growth removed from her shin. The consultation fee (just the visit and complete body check) was 300 pesos. If she had chosen one of the associates, it would have been 42 pesos. The removal of the growth, which is considered surgery, was 400 pesos. The practice seemed competant and she would go back, but may chose an associate next time. This name was given to her by a Porteña pharmacist we met here. We don´t know anything about cosmetic treatment at that office. From: Jamie Taylor, January 26, 2007 I´ve used the dermatology department in the German Hospital (corner of Pueyrredon and Beruti) twice as a walk-in Patient - they were very efficient and reasonably priced. From: Charles Anderson, January 26, 2007 Hi, I have a great Dermatologist to recomend you. His name is Dr. Pablo Lanusse. They are a team, and very proffessional. They are at Arenales St. They have all the new laser machines. They give you reasonable budgets, and of course always before treatment. No susrpises at all!!! Dr. Miguel de Herrera from the same team, will be at Arenales St 1457 PB. Their telephone is 4815-0186. Trust them! They are great proffessionals. From: WalcottH, November 07, 2007 Re: English Speaking Dermatologist Dr Cabo. Arenales 1446 #1C. I think he partners with Dr Bustamente. He speaks English well. The staff doesn't. -Walcott From: holtjj, December 13, 2007 I had a checkup with a dermatologist recently in the office of Dr. Sevinsky, 4963-2687. I found his name in the Medicus provider list and his credentials seemed good to me (former head of dermatology at a hospital I think) as I recall. I didn't see him but rather one of his colleagues, Dr. Garcia; obviously this isn't a scientific basis for a recommendation, but I was happy with the visit and plan to go back. From: blackwell218, August 22, 2006 I highly recomend Dr. Sergio Escobar in Belgrano. Here is a link to his website: http://www.dr-sergioescobar.com.ar/ Tel. 4771-6149. He has just moved to a new nearby office location, so I suggest contacting the receptionist for his new address. I bring patients from USA, Canada, and Europe. His english is very good, and he is highly credentialed and respected. I see him often as a patient myself and can't say enough good things about him. From: p_beith, August 29, 2006 I have been very happy with the service from Sra. Perla Elena Bilkis, at Rodriguez Peña, 94, Oficina 8D. Telephone: 4382-6097. My Spanish is poor, but Sra. Bilkis is one of those people who I found easy to communicate with. In addition, perhaps their prices (being in Congreso) are lower than in more expensive areas. From: Nati May 12, 2005 Dr. Nano http://www.clinano.com.ar They are one of the best ones.
From: Frances Perry, July 29, 2008 Alejandra 15-5160-7029 Re: can you recommend a gyn that accepts medicus? just for a general annual exam. preferably a female doctor that speaks some english i'm in Palermo so if you have any recs around here, even better! From: Elana, March 12, 2010 Yes, I would recommend the following doctor: From: Amanda Surbey, 2/8/2007 I lived in Buenos Aires from 1999-2001. While I was there I had a baby and worked with Dr. Gustavo Katz . . . he was wonderful. I ended up having a home water birth, but he also attended the births of other expat women I knew who chose to give birth in a hospital. He very much believes that birth is a natural process and not an illness. I recommend him highly. He speaks no English. Web site is http://parirynacer.com.ar/partoacuatico/v3/ or www.partoacuatico.com.ar Best regards, Amanda Surbey Bratislava, Slovakia http://bratislavababy.blogspot.com From: Kaisha Johnson March 30, 2005 I would highly recommend Dr. Carlos Baistorchi, who has a private practice centrally located on Sante Fe. Office number is 4816-1284. English speaking. From: Cherie, December 13, 2007 Oh I so strongly recommend my gyne Dra Liliana B. Rossi in Caballito.She is fantastic, I've had the most wonderful care from her. Rosario 188 1B4901-2475 From: Laura, December 13, 2007 I love my doctor - he's more of an OB but works as a gynocologist aswell. He is the one who delivered my daughter and people absolutely love him! Dr. Federico Del Guidice, he's in the northern suburbs and in Capital. From: DOUGLAS LUX, December 08, 2007 I've been going to Clinica Albertini for some time now on and off and am very happy with them, very honest and professional. Speak to Dr. German Albertini 4826-0200, located at Ave. Santa Fe 3040 2nd floor. You can tell him Douglas Lux recommended you, I'll be seeing him next week for a follow-up. Good luck. From: blackwell218, August 23, 2006 I am recommending an Odontologist. Phone: 54-11-4813-7731 DRA. PATRICIA S. CAVALIERI, ODONTOLOGIST University of Buenos Aires. Specialities: Surgery,Prevention, Periodontics, Endodoncia, All kind of Prothesis,Prosthodontics,. Esthetic, Cosmetic and Restoration Dentistry with the most modern technology. Experience with expatriates, and foreigners patients of Embassies. Email: drapatriciacavalieri@yahoo.com.ar From: noimmediateplans, December 15, 2007 Re: I would like to find a reasonably priced optician who can perform an eye examination and make glasses I recommend Eva at Bob Row Óptica, Boulogne Sur Mer 308 (one block from Pueyrredon, near corner of Sarmiento). From: BANewComers, Ricard July 12, 2005 You're gonna think this is crazy... but here goes. In BA you can get any kind of orthodontics and/or oral surgery done at the Facultad de Odontologia (University of Buenos Aires Medical School). My impacted wisdom tooth was removed in 15 minutes with local anesthesia (I did ask for one extra shot, 'no problemo' he said!) I later discovered that my surgeon was none other than the head of the medical department. That explained why there were a dozen or so medical students looking on from the balcony above the operating room (like in the movies!). Total cost: $50 pesos for disposable materials. Needless to say, I won't second guess it again: Facultad de Odontologia, M.T. de Alvear and Junin Street (Bario Norte). From: Jvanka July 11, 2005 Check my friend's clinic: http://www.portnoi.com (click here to return to topic heading) Alternative Practitioners
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From: Samuel, January 07, 2008 I came across the following review that gives a great overview of the movie “La Memoria del Saqueo”, which in English is called “A Social Genocide.” Dir. Fernando E. Solanas, 2004, Argentina, 120 mins Narration: Fernando E. Solanas A Social Genocide is the latest documentary by Fernando Solanas, a director known for his classic political documentary film The Hour of the Furnaces (1969), made in collaboration with filmmaker Octavio Getino. Solanas' latest film is a no frills and all facts look at recent Argentinean history and politics, showing how privatisation and globalisation have dismantled the industry and infrastructure of a nation that was once able to sustain itself. The film is not cinematic in the sense that it uses aural and visual techniques to communicate its ideas. It is more like TV news reportage; a straightforwardly presented assemblage of facts and opinions. Instead of using flashy techniques or broad irony to bolster his thesis, Solanas' meaty documentary spews out information at the viewer at a blistering pace. What is initially presented may not be revelatory (being told that politicians are corrupt is hardly groundbreaking news), but as the film goes on, Solanas shows us how these shady politicians got what they wanted at the expense of the welfare of the Argentina and its people, and how the citizens of Argentina have challenged those in power who claim to represent their best interests. Raw, hand-held documentary footage of protesters on the streets of Buenos Aires and the poor and disenfranchised of Argentina is counter pointed with stately shots that glide through long corridors and around cavernous halls of government buildings. Solanas also uses archive film clips of politicians, as well as featuring contemporary interviews with political experts who comment on the history of Argentina and the current state of the country. Just as Michael Moore lays a lot of the blame for what he sees as the current poor state of American and global politics at the feet of George Bush, so Solanas directs much of his anger for Argentina's towards one man; former Argentinean President Carlos Menem. Solanas blames Menem for Argentina 's social decline, deprivation and poverty. As Solana's shows us, Menem sold off the state run oil, rail and communication companies to foreign businesses at cheaper prices than they were worth, in order to attract overseas business, which ushered in an era of rabid privatisation. The result was not prosperity for Argentina and its citizens. Instead, companies were downsized, public services declined and citizens' pensions were taken away. A Social Genocide shows how Argentina has been betrayed by politician's who profess to help the citizens, but who instead put the business interests of a few rich and powerful people over the wellbeing of its citizens. Solanas' documentary may focus on the problems that Argentina has faced, but many of the arguments that his film puts forward could be applied to virtually any country. Communication, cooperation and understanding among the citizens of the world are obviously welcome developments, but the ravenous appetite for profit sought by some global corporations is damaging many countries around the world, and is threatening people's livelihoods and liberty. Solanas' prognosis of his state of Argentina may be a bleak one, but he also offers a measure of hope at the film's conclusion, showing us that protests and resistance by citizens can make a difference, and that the government can be held to account for its own behaviour. Leftwing film viewers may be disheartened that Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) failed to unseat Bush from the White House, but the ending of A Social Genocide is hopeful, showing us that the disgruntled and marginalised citizens who have been failed by the government can affect change for the better. (click here to return to topic heading) From: Rick Jones, April 26, 2007 We donated our fridge to a nice little philanthropic organization called Todos Juntos.... http://www.foundationtodosjuntos.org/site/eng/ It was put together and run by a woman whose husband is here on a UN assignment. As you can see, they do very good work. The contact info is on their web site, but if for some reason you cannot get a reply, let me know and I'll give you the woman's personal contact info. From: Juhi, April 26, 2007 below is the info for a comedor run by a lady named sra. cielo en mataderos. her daughter alejandra is also very involved in the comedor and she might be the person u shd ask for. SACS helped almost 200 kids from the nearby slum areas recommended by this comedor. they would relaly appreciate any kind of donations. pls. tell them Juhi recommended u. hope this info helps. tc. bye. juhi Comedor Buena Voluntad From BANewComers Jvanka August 20, 2005 Many of you had mentioned before about charitable associations. Some of you may not be present in Argentina but still would like to help from abroad. There is an organization helping in get all out of country donations to the right venues in Argentina, check it out: http://www.helpargentina.org/aboutha.php (click here to return to topic heading) I'm taking classes with a group for extranjeros called "Practica Español Haciendo Teatro" : http://www.peht.com.ar It's a very casual and welcoming group taught by experienced actors specifically geared towards students of Spanish. Classes consist of warm-ups, games, and improvised scenes based on acting exercises. It's a great way to practise Spanish and meet people. I would highly recommend it. From: damienargentina, June 30, 2007 British Arts Centre: http://www.britishartscentre.org.ar They're currently closed for renovations (click here to return to topic heading) Don't worry about how you dress, you'll be spotted 2 blocks away as a tourist no matter what you do, believe me after living here almost 4 years I can spot them too. I still look like a tourist myself, but now I can pick them out. People tend to dress nicely here, but it's no sin if you're in blue jeans and TShirts. Wearing tennis shoes are a dead give away you are a tourist, comfortable walking shoes like “Eccos” are better because they can double duty for going to a restaurant at night. If you are from the northern hemisphere, don’t forget, the seasons are “reversed” from what you expect. Check http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/ARBA0009_f.html for seasonal temperatures. There is no “rainy” or “dry” season here, so bringing a compact travel umbrella is a good idea. (click here to return to topic heading) According to the US Embassy website, you can get a license in downtown by following the steps below. I called the phone number once to inquire, and at first the guy was a little bit confused about me wanting to use my U.S. license to acquire an Argentine license, but then he said (in Spanish) "Well, don't worry. Just come down and we'll see what you have." So, it looks like it might be an adventure if your spanish is bad, but it's an option. Maybe you could hire a translator? Btw, I ended up not doing this because my residence isn't in Capital Federal. I bit the bullet and took the written and driving tests. The written test would be quite hard if your spanish isn't up to par... http://argentina.usembassy.gov/driving_in_argentina.html Living in Argentina / Driving in Argentina Tourists can rent a car with their valid state's drivers license. Americans living, studying or working in Argentina can get an Argentine drivers license at the following location: Dirección de Habilitación de Conductores de VehículosSección LicenciasAv. Roca 5252, Villa LuganoBuenos Aires Documents required: - US passport- US driver's license- Argentine D.N.I.- Certificate of domicile within the Federal Capital For hours of operation and more information call 0800-999-2727. From: damienargentina, July 7, 2007 To get an Argentine license, she was correct, you have to have a DNI (and the expiration date of the license will be the same as the DNI which will be the same as the day your residency visa expires - so you have to renew all of them at roughly the same date). However, if you have a license from your home country, you can use it here - Argentina accepts foreign licenses for driving around, renting cars, etc. You can get an "international license" from organizations like the AAA in the U.S., but they're not issued by anyone in any authority and they don't really mean anything. From: Sean, August 24, 2006 Argentina insists on a DNI and ability to take the test in Spanish, written, verbal, etc So you need the residency, temporary or permanent to apply for the DNI. For BA, here is the link for the driver’s license: http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/obr_publicas/lic_conducir/ Somebody made a real good point recently, that if your insurance company doesn’t payout to a third party on an accident caused by you, because you don’t have your driver’s license, then you are open to law suits and other general mayhem. So check with your insurance company if they payout if you bought a car here and are using your International driver’s license or your home country driver’s license. I sure would like to see feedback here on this topic. From: Richard, August 24, 2006 You might want to take a Spanish speaker along to help you through the maze... the DMV process in Argentina can be incredibly confusing. But, I remember that all the tests (physical, psychological, and theoretical) were strictly individual. I opted for the professional license (called D2 for 8+ passenger transport) and had to do a two day course completely in Spanish with a written and oral exam. From BANewComers: Frances Perry August 17, 2005 I am now the proud owner of an Argentine drivers license and am writing down the process for those thinking of going through the process. This is valid as of Aug. 17th 2005: http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/obr_publicas/lic_conducir/licencias.php?menu_id=182 1. You must have valid DNI and valid foreign driver's licenses for this particular process. http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/obr_publicas/lic_conducir/ This building is located well in the southwest corner of GBA off the same freeway that goes to Eze. (click here to return to topic heading)
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