Complete Guide to Living in Buenos Aires: Renting, Recommended Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods to Avoid, and Public Services

Buenos Aires is one of the most dynamic cities in Latin America, known for its rich history, unique architecture, and diverse culture. For those who decide to move to Argentina’s capital, the city offers a unique experience, both in terms of lifestyle and professional opportunities. However, before immersing yourself in porteño life, it is important to understand the practical aspects that make the experience comfortable and successful, such as finding housing, which neighborhoods to choose, how to contract public utilities, and how to handle paperwork as a foreigner.

In this complete guide, I will help you discover everything you need to know to rent an apartment, which neighborhoods suit you and which you should avoid, how to manage your basic services, and how to live in the city as a foreigner.

1. How to Find an Apartment in Buenos Aires

Renting an apartment in Buenos Aires is not a difficult task, but it requires knowing the steps, requirements, and platforms you can use to make the process simpler.

Requirements to Rent an Apartment

• Valid ID or passport: Official identification for residents (ID) or foreigners (passport).
• Proof of income: Pay stubs, sworn statements, or employment contract.
• Criminal background check: Sometimes required by real estate agencies or landlords.
• Guarantee: Surety bond, guarantor’s pay stub, or property deed.
• One month’s deposit and fees: A refundable deposit of one month’s rent and agency fees of 4–5% of the contract value.

Platforms to Search for Apartments

• Zonaprop: Filters for location, price, bedrooms, etc.
• Mercado Libre Inmuebles: Very active real estate section.
• Alquiler Argentina: Platform specialized in rentals.

Recommended Neighborhoods to Live in Buenos Aires

Palermo

Nightlife, parks, and areas like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood.

Recoleta

Elegant architecture, outdoor cafés, and a rich cultural scene.

Belgrano

Family-friendly area with good transport links and shopping zones.

Caballito

Central neighborhood with a mix of houses and modern buildings, excellent connectivity.

Neighborhoods to Avoid

• Ciudadela: High crime rate and limited services.
• Villa Lugano: Under development, safety concerns, and far from the city center.
• Villa Riachuelo: High poverty and crime indices.

Airbnb and Other Temporary Lodging Options

If you haven’t decided on a neighborhood yet or would like time to explore the city before making a definitive choice, Airbnb is an excellent option. It allows you to rent apartments, houses, or rooms by the day or week, ideal for short- or mid-term stays.

In addition to Airbnb, other platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo also offer temporary accommodations.

Public Services in Buenos Aires: How to Contract Them

Electricity and Gas

Providers: Edenor or Edesur. You will need your ID and proof of address.

Water

Provider: AySA. Have your customer number and proof of address on hand.

Internet and Telephony

Telecom (fixed line) and Movistar (mobile/fixed). Processes can be done online or at an office.

Living in Buenos Aires as a Foreigner

Obtaining the ID

For stays longer than 90 days, apply for residency and an Argentine ID to access services.

Social Life

Explore bars, restaurants, and plazas to integrate with locals and expatriates.

Conclusion

With this guide, you will have everything you need to find housing, manage services, and adapt to porteño life. Good luck on your adventure!

Cheers,
Sabrina Palmieri

This article was written by Sabrina Palmieri for Traveossa. All rights reserved.
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