Comments on: The Joy of Driving in Buenos Aires

By: AJC

AJC — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 09:40:17 +0000

You'll be able to make the same observations in Manila, plus a little bit more problems. Man I thought traffic here was unique

By: Scotty

Scotty — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:47:34 +0000

I am from the UK where driving laws are very strict so the Buenos Aires experience is a real shocker. I find that a little patience goes a long way and allows the Porteno drivers to do as they please.The red streamers are for the Patron Saint for the gauchos who is called Gauchito

By: DaVe

DaVe — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:34:55 +0000

Hey Elsa,

You do need an international driver's license to drive here legally. I do not know that area, but things can happen anywhere. I think it all depends on the car and it's contents as well as a bit of luck. If it is not a rental car, then you will need a "cedula azul" to legally drive someone else's car whether they are with you or not.

The castellano should help, but driving is an experience! Good luck.

By: Elsa Ferraro

Elsa Ferraro — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:51:46 +0000

Hi Dave, thank you so much for posting this link. I do have a question, do I need an international licence to drive in Buenos Aires? and is it safe to park the car on the street overnight? I'm staying with my family in Lanus Oeste near Valentin Alsina.

I'm actually from Argentina living in Canada for 32 yrs, so I don't remember much, and I'm a bit hesitant to drive there. I do speak castellano.

Thank you for your useful tips
Elsa

By: DaVe

DaVe — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:45:38 +0000

Really? That's crazy. I've never heard of that.

I have also noticed a lot of cars with a chain lock hanging from underneath. I assume that is to protect the spare tire from getting stolen…

By: Joyce

Joyce — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:40:55 +0000

I believe the "streamer" hanging from the rear bumper is a "colita rutera" – it is supposed to discharge static electricity into the ground. Have no idea where the idea came from, but it seems to keep dogs from getting car sick…!

By: DaVe

DaVe — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:34:56 +0000

Thanks for the link! I don't think I've had the pleasure of motorcycles without lights yet, but I do like how they cross the double yellow lines to get to the front at a red light.

By: katti

katti — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:42:09 +0000

Good article! So true! I linked it to my blog

I am surprised you didn't mention the motorcyclers-without-lights, that come out or nowhere

By: The Joy of Driving in Buenos Aires « Why on earth did I move to Argentina?

The Joy of Driving in Buenos Aires « Why on earth did I move to Argentina? — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:39:48 +0000

[...] The Joy of Driving in Buenos Aires. [...]

By: DaVe

DaVe — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:24:43 +0000

Good points!