If you're going to spend time in Buenos Aires, la Capital Federal in particular, here are my suggestions...
What to bring: (specifics you might not think about)
1. plenty of band-aids!
2. face wash (shampoo/conditioner are fine to buy here but I think it's easier to bring your face wash as it's less expensive and you can be sure to get what you want)
3. a cross-body bag, big enough to carry a guide, money, and camera
4. a watch
5. cute shoes to walk in (do they exist?)
6. a sturdy travel umbrella.. so far they've been overpriced and worthless
7. stapler, folders
Tips:
1. if you buy a water or juice in a bottle, save the bottle and fill it with tap to carry on walks
2. travel by walking and get lost. it'll force you to orient yourself and to ask strangers for directions
3. get a guia t!
4. converse with taxi drivers. they'll be much nicer and less likely to rip you off. also, they're interesting!
5. speak spanish in public, even with other non-native speakers, if for no other reason than to surprise portenos
6. when you board the colectivo, tell the driver which street you want instead of the amount you're paying to make sure it's the correct route
7. ask for your small change ($2) in monedas (coins) because you need them for most things
8. bring change when you take a taxi- very likely to give fake/not enough change
9. (tip from Katya) "when at a club: pick a different country, such as a European one or Canada, not the USA; also, if a guy asks for a kiss, it is not a greeting on the cheek, it will be his tongue down your throat"
10. don't share taxis with strangers if Spanish is not your native tongue
