ARRIVAL

The international airport, EZE, is a sleek, modern facility located about 35 kilometers from downtown. It is aesthetically appealing and run with an efficiency that is rare in Latin America. The first time I arrived at EZE it took less than 20 minutes for me to collect my bags, clear customs and step into the Remis (private taxi) that would take me to my hotel. On my second trip the total time was 16 minutes.

As you deplane you will head down a corridor to an escalator descending to immigration. When you arrive at the immigration area, follow the signs to the line for "extranjeros" or non-residents of Argentina. Have your passport and immigration form ready to show the immigration officer. Note: You should have received a customs declaration & immigration form on your flight. The official will stamp your passport and immigration form and you are set for a three-month stay.

Next stop baggage claim. You will collect your luggage and proceed to the customs area where you will play customs roulette. The official standing beside a stoplight will push a button and either a red or green light will flash. A green light means you are free to exit into the main lobby and begin your adventure in Argentina. A red light means you will be required to place your luggage on the conveyor to pass through the x-ray machine.

As you emerge from the customs area you will enter a cordoned off area of the main lobby. You will see a row of booths for ground transportation directly in front of you. To either side masses of people will be visible. Grandmothers anxiously scanning the throng of arriving passengers in search of their nietos from the States, friends awaiting friends who have been on vacation, or local reps of multinational businesses awaiting the arrival of execs from the home office line the perimeter just beyond the ropes.

Here is a link to an airport site, with maps showing where various banks, ground transportation, shops and restaurants are located.
http://www.airportnewsezeiza.com/

I usually exchange a small amount of money before heading to downtown. There is a bank to the right of the roped off area as you emerge from customs that offers a decent rate of exchange. There is a kiosk in the baggage area that offers a poor rate of exchange.

Transportation to downtown

There are three ways of getting downtown. You can take a bus, remis (private car) or taxi. Here is a link to a company that offers bus and remis service:
http://www.tiendaleon.com.ar/prehome.asp?flash=S

My own preference is to take a taxi. Taxis cost less than remis, but more than the bus. But the bus will drop you downtown and you will need to switch to a cab. Time is worth more to me than the few pesos I save.

There are booths inside and outside the terminal where you can prepay for a cab. Always use a booth rather than catching a cab curbside. Too many thieves.

I use the booth outside the terminal because it is 5-10 pesos less expensive than the ones inside. I paid 30pesos on my last visit.