The
three Palermo barrios are, in part, some of the trendy areas and they have
lush parks.
Once you have decided on a rental,
send the agency the property code number. The agency will ask for a partial
down payment that needs to be sent via Western Union. When they receive
it you will have your apartment, loft, or palatial residence awaiting you.
Part of the arrangement can include
being picked up at the Ezeiza International Airport, which is about 35
km from the city center. The 45-minute ride will cost about $20 U.S. When
I arrived at the apartment my anxiety dissipated and a calm swept over
me to see Victoria, the agency’s representative, waiting for me at the
arched wrought iron main entrance door.
Victoria enlightened me about the
classic traditionally charming, spacious apartment with three bedrooms
that overlooked the Plaza Pena Park five stories below me. Each day I felt
such pleasure while observing daily happenings in the park. There were
the various lovers on the lovers’ bench, dogs and masters strolling, and
Tai Chi on Sundays.
The settling in process went well
as I already knew that I would need to have a returnable damage deposit
and an agency fee of 15% which is included in the stated price on the website.
Of course the partial down payment
sent to them earlier is deducted from the total price of the rental. Even
with the agency fee, the total cost of the apartment was very reasonable
and less than comparable hotels. At this point you may be questioning the
agency’s fee. For me, the pros outweighed the cons. Of course you can arrange
an apartment through the newspapers and other means however the red tape
and bureaucracy can be difficult to weave your way through. In addition,
you need to get a local guarantor, two months deposit and a notary. The
contracts are usually for a minimum of twelve months.
When I arrived in Buenos Aires I
was in my apartment and ready to go after two hours that included the taxi
ride and the on-site process. By renting a property if you are looking
at Buenos Aires as a possible city for relocation or for purchasing a property
to rent out, you can learn how it feels to be in the barrio and your particular
rental. In addition, the agency you use often sells properties as well,
and can give you first hand information on prices as well a tour of various
sites.
My solo adventure was even more exciting
and affordable than I had expected. I was able to have an omelet for $2-$3,
café for less than $1, a three course dinner for about $5 and sandwiches
for $1-$2. I had arranged a full day tour to visit the Eva Peron historical
sites, and then a short train ride along the coast, a four-course lunch
and a catamaran ride on the Deltas of the Rio de la Plata near Tigre. The
cost was $35 for everything. I arranged it through the Hotel Frossard.
They were a source of information throughout my trip. Harrowing Taxi rides
from my apartment to downtown ranged from $1-$2. Yes, there are many bargains
for you in Buenos Aires.
I can hardly wait to return to Buenos
Aires. My recent solo adventure showed me the helpfulness of the Porteños
and I felt safe in my apartment and the city at large. Due to the devaluation
of the Peso in 2001 many people lost their money. Consequently, there is
more crime than there used to be, usually in the form of theft. Just be
aware and use normal precautions.
Buenos Aires is an immense city with
soul. Sensuous tango and their passion for soccer are all part of its energy
and vitality. It is often referred to as the “Paris of Latin America” because
of its European ambience and Latin flair, but remember it is cheaper than
Paris.
Below are some websites to provide
information and help you get started in your search for an apartment in
Buenos Aires. Along with rentals you will learn more about available properties
for sale that you may wish to explore with the thought of relocation.
Websites: JR Reynolds (www.homes.com.ar)
This is the agency I used for my apartment rental. Special thanks to Victoria
Arnoldi, Karina Tranier and Ines Peper for their friendliness and competency.
The owners are Paul and Maria Reynolds.
B.A. House (www.bahouse.com.ar)
www.turismo.gov.ar
www.alojargentina.com
-
Prices and companies change…these prices
are reflective of April 2005
To contact Sandra Click
Here
April
2005 - Why pay for a hotel when you can easily rent an apartment for less?
The prices of the apartments range from $25 to $145+ U.S. dollars per day.
Hundreds of short and long-term apartments are available with options such
as studios, lofts, and several bedrooms to palatial residences. You can
save money while living in a fully furnished apartment and live in your
own neighborhood. My recent experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina
was in a pre-arranged apartment. This convinced me that you might want
to know about this idea whether you are a tourist or you are scouting the
city to relocate. Living in the Barrio Norte neighborhood led to
conversations beyond “Hola” to dramatic sign language, a worn Spanish dictionary
and recalled phrases from my year of living in Peru.
