Uber works in Argentina. Uber Eats is gone, but Uber ride sharing still functions. Sometimes Uber can be convenient to use in Argentina, but not often.
I’ll sometimes use Uber when traveling from the Airport or Buquebus terminals. But only if I’ve forgotten to book another mode of transport and the taxis are trying to run scams on tourists. And they’re about the only times in Buenos Aires, that I will use Uber.
Here’s everything you need to know about using Uber in Argentina.
Using Uber In Buenos Aires Argentina
Uber Is A Grey Area In Argentina – When To Call An Uber In Buenos Aires
If the taxis see you using an Uber you’ll get a nasty look. And an Uber won’t be allowed into the same pickup and drop-off zones as the taxis. Your Uber won’t pick you up from the front of the terminal at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE). And this is because they’re scared of the taxis.
But nothing ever escalates between taxis and Uber drivers. And I’ve never seen anything resembling the violence international media describes. Yet, I only use Uber when a taxi driver is trying to run a scam.
In Buenos Aires, you’ll find taxi drivers trying to scam tourists around the Buquebus terminal and at Ezeiza International Airport. There will usually be a few taxis (or what look like taxis) lined up waiting for foreigners.
These taxis targeting foreigners will try to drive you to your destination for a ‘fixed fee’. Which will be several times what it would cost with the meter running.
Taxis in Buenos Aires that are doing the right thing, will use the meters that they have in the upper section of the passenger side windshield. And they will have the details for their taxi company on the door of the cab.
If a taxi doesn’t have a meter stuck to the windshield, or company details on the door of the cab, it’s a scam. If they’re telling you it’s a ‘fixed fee’ to your destination, then it’s definitely a scam. All taxis in Buenos Aires are metered and should only go by the meter.
When I encounter a taxi trying to scam me or other tourists, I will give the cab driver a few choice words in Spanish. And then I’ll let them watch me call an Uber.
It’s only really in the types of scenarios where I find myself dealing with taxi scams, that I will preference an Uber over a cab. Because in Buenos Aires getting a cab is often much quicker, easier and cheaper.
Set Uber To Cash Payment In Buenos Aires
Don’t pay Uber with a foreign credit card in Argentina. You’ll get the official exchange rate applied to your transactions, if you pay for your Uber using a foreign credit card.
The official exchange rate applied to electronic transactions is often 2.5x less than the real exchange rate known as the Dolar Blue. Meaning your Uber ride will cost 2.5x what it would be if you paid cash.
The other thing I’ve noticed with Uber is that their prices in peso cash are often much higher than what a real metered Buenos Aires cab costs. And this is likely something to do with Uber adding its fee, which it calculates at the offical rate, on top of the transaction.
This added fee is one of the reasons why some Uber drivers in Buenos Aires won’t pick you up if you’re paying by card. While others won’t pick you up if you’re paying cash.
Ubers in Buenos Aires will randomly cancel your pickup, if they don’t like your payment method. Or if it isn’t the payment method they want that day. Or if your pick up destination is too close to a cab rank or taxicab stand and they don’t want to be seen getting cash from you.
They will also randomly cancel your pickup if they don’t like your pickup location or destination. Or they will all go offline and then surge pricing will go nuts and you’ll see prices like ARS$20,000 for a ride that a metered cab would charge ARS$800 for.
Can You Use Uber From Ezeiza International Airport To The City?
Uber works at the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. But it doesn’t work very well. Uber’s geo-tracking doesn’t work at the airport and the Uber pick up locations at the airport are hard to decipher.
Uber won’t pick you up from the terminal at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. And Uber’s won’t stop anywhere that taxis are located.
If you’re landing at a time when the terminals are busy, you could experience surge pricing. If surge pricing kicks in the Uber’s will be ridiculously expensive. Up to 10x their normal price and they could charge as much as US$250 for a ride into town.
Always check the price before accepting a ride with Uber in Argentina. And work out what it will cost you in your home currency (use xe.com).
I personally use private airport transfers from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. But there are five (5) transport options from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to choose from.
Is Uber Safe In Buenos Aires?
Uber is safe to use in Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina. And the regular taxis are also safe to use (unlike Colombia). Uber is not as cheap and convenient as the regular city taxis. And often times, when Uber sends a junk vehicle, your ride won’t be as comfortable as a regular city taxi. In my opinion, the taxis in Buenos Aires are leagues ahead of Uber.
Final Thoughts – Uber In Buenos Aires
Uber is my sometimes app. I’ll use it only if a cab driver is trying to scam me and I can’t find another cab. Which is extremely rare. In Buenos Aires, cabs are everywhere, beeping, all of the time.
You’d be hard pressed to find a street without cabs. And often if you walk to the next corner you’ll find hundreds of them. At all hours of the day and night in Buenos Aires there are cabs cruising around with their little ‘libre’ (free) lights on indicating they’re available. They’ll be cruising slowly by and honking at you to see if you want a ride. Even if you’re only going one block.
In comparison to the ever abundant supply of taxis, an Uber will be 10-20 minutes away. Cabs are, most of the time, the more convenient and cheaper option.
Where Can I Get More Information About Buenos Aires?
If you’re planning to visit Buenos Aires on your next vacation, or you’re simply interested in Argentina in general, you should read my Buenos Aires City Guide.
My Complete Buenos Aires City Guide is updated regularly. And it seeks to answer all of your questions regarding Buenos Aires and Argentina in one place. Read my Complete Buenos Aires City Guide.
