Taxi Travel

Taxis in Buenos Aires are relatively cheap and plentiful. All are black with yellow tops. An unoccupied one will have a small red "Libre" sign in its windshield.

Local wisdom has it that the safest taxis to hail on the street are those with a light on the roof that says "radio taxi"; they belong to licensed fleets and are in constant contact with dispatchers. If you phone for a taxi, you'll have to wait a few minutes, but you can be sure where it’s come from and that it is safe.

Legally, all taxis are supposed to have working seat belts in the front and back seats, but this isn't always the case.

Meters start at 11.80 pesos and charge 1.10 pesos per 200 meters (650 feet) from 6 am to 10 pm; the rates jump to 13.20 pesos and 1.32 pesos, respectively, from 10 pm to 6 am; you'll also end up paying for standing time spent at a light or in a traffic jam. From downtown it will cost you around 30 pesos to Recoleta, 20 pesos to San Telmo, 40–50 pesos to Palermo, and 75–85 pesos to Belgrano. Drivers don't expect tips; rounding up to the next peso is sufficient.

Taxi Companies

Del Plata. 11/4505–1111; www.delplataradiotaxi.com.

Pídalo. 11/4956–1200; www.radiotaxipidalo.com.ar.

Premium. 11/4374–6666; www.taxipremium.com.

Radio Taxi Ciudad. 11/4923–7007; www.radiotaxiciudad.com.ar.