Visa: Citizens of many countries do not require Visas to visit Buenos Aires. All visitors are given a tourist card good for 90 days, and renewable by visiting Uruguay for the day.

Language: Mostly Spanish, but English is somewhat common in major business establishments and especially in areas that have heavy tourist traffic. Spanish is not required, but at least a basic understanding is recommended for the hobbyist.

Transportation: From the International Airport, bypass the booths in the roped off area after exiting customs and go to the main terminal. The taxi booth you will find there charges 48 pesos into town, and gives you a coupon for 31 peso return ride. Take radio taxis in town. They are metered by distance/time, starting at 1.60 pesos. Expect to pay 5 pesos within the same zone, 7-10 from downtown to Recoleta, 7-10 from Recoleta to Palermo, slightly more to Las Canitas or Palermo Viejo, Belgrano or Puerto Madero.

Departure: There is a departure tax of $18 USD, payable in pesos, dollars or credit card.

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS

Sofitel Hotel Madero: (120per night, plus tax). Hip, modern, asian influence, in newly developing PUerto Madero. www.hotelmadero.com

Art Suites: (75 per night, plus tax...rates negotiable if paid in advance, in cash). One bedrooms aparthotel in Recoleta. Helpful staff. www.artsuites.com.ar

Hotel Belair: www.hotelbelair.com.ar (about 75 per night)Classic design, reasonable price. Great location, near Plaza Vicente Lopez in Recoleta.....not far from trendy Gran Bar Danzon.

Argenta Towers: In Retiro. Good sized suites for a reasonable price.

NH Jousten: Botique hotel on Corrientes ($81 double when I last checked). If you don't like the room you are assigned, ask for another...some are much larger than others.

P4P RECOMMENDATIONS

Jazz: On Reconquista, between Cordoba and Marcelo T. de Alvear. Friendly girls and staff. Dancing...party atmosphere...reasonable drinks and the girls can decide how long they stay with the guy after the obligitory one drink exit fee.

Affaire/Recoleta: Shoo away the sharks...there are some real diamonds in the rough in this place.....150-200-pesos...for a long stay you will have to buy a couple of drinks for the girls.

Blacks: Expensive girls, expensive drinks...but some real stunners can be found here...and prices are negotiable, depending on the girl and how busy she is that night.....Classy place.

Special thanks to Ezy for his contribution to this document.