Taking an Ipad to Buenos Aires
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Dec 13, 2012 12:08 PM Last Post By: beerfree
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Taking an Ipad to Buenos Aires
Hello everyone :) I will be studyng in Buenos Aires for about 5 months. It will be a whole new experience because I live in the US and haven't even been on a plane before. I have read over a lot of the forums, and it seems like crime is a oretty big issue (is it?). I feel very vulnerable because I am a woman, I have never traveled, and I am a 'gringa'. Is the crime as bwd as I hear it is and how can I protect myself from becoming a target?I recently purchased an ipad and I use it a lot for school. I really enjoy it :) However, I am afraid of bringing it to Buenos Aires for fear of it getting stolen. Does anyone know companies that provide international theft insurance? Also, I don't know how the electiricty situation will work out. I know that I need adaptors and transformers, and my host family might not want me to plug in the Ipad so I dont raise their electric bill. And lastly, I don't want to seem like a rich gringa if I bring my Ipad to the University (especially since Argentina is going through a pretty tough economic time), even though it really helps with note taking.
So should I take it or leave it at home?
Also any advice on public transportation would be great! I have never really used it before and I am kind of freaking out...
Thanks!
2
Your worries of being a solo first time female traveller are quite common and such questions are often asked on TT. In general as long as you have a sensible head and take the same precautions as when being out and about your hometown you should be fine. Yes there is crime in BA (no different to any other city in the world). Beware of scams and cons....a popular scam to look out for is getting sprayed with bird poo and then a 'good Samaritan' offers to wipe it off with a cloth, while pickpocketing you at same time. Talk to your host family about any concerns and listen to their advice.....they probably have had many students stay with them that had same concerns as you3
Buenos Aires isn´t a bad place at all. The parts of the city where most tourists wander around are pretty safe and with normal precautions, common sense and following the advice of your host family you won´t have any problem. Take your Ipad but don´t show it around everywhere of couse. It consumes few electricity and nodboy will worry about the energy bill6
Not sure about specific travel insurance companies for the US but World Normads covers theft of luggage, albeit with an excess.Keep it out of sight when in public. Another common form of theft is snatch and grab. You can use it at Uni and or Cafe's no problem just don't let it out of sight.
If your host family doesn't let you charge it because of electricity then you should find a new host family :)
You will learn public transport soon enough. Subte (underground train) is the most easy method but the coverage is limited. Buses cover the whole city for cheap. Ask around for which buses go where. Spanish will come in handy here. Be aware that bus drivers in BA think they are race car drivers.
