Fair prices in Argentina — what things really cost

Book an authorised remis or taxi at the official desk inside Ezeiza arrivals for a fixed fare (about US$28–55); agree the price before you leave. Ignore drivers who approach you in the hall. The Manuel Tienda Leon / Arbus airport coach is a cheaper, safe alternative.

A generous steak with a side and a glass of Malbec at a good neighbourhood parrilla is one of the world's great-value meals at roughly US$15–28. Eat where locals eat, away from the main tourist strips, and note that Argentines dine late — many kitchens get going after 9pm.

A full dinner at a mid-range restaurant runs about US$20–40 per person including a drink. Prices can swing with inflation, so treat menus and any older price lists you see online as a rough guide, and check current prices when you order.

Cafe culture is central to Buenos Aires life; a coffee, often with a couple of medialunas (small croissants), costs about US$2–4 and buys you a table for as long as you like. The historic 'notable' cafes charge a little more for the setting.

A freshly baked empanada is the perfect cheap snack at about US$1–2 each. Fillings vary — beef (carne), chicken, ham-and-cheese, corn (humita) and more — so ask what is in each one, as some contain pork or ham.

A bottle of water from a kiosk (kiosco) is about US$1–2. Buenos Aires tap water is generally considered safe to drink, so a refillable bottle saves money. A kiosk bottle costs far less than one from a restaurant or tourist stand.