Moving from the bustling streets of London to the vibrant and passionate city of Buenos Aires was never something I planned, but it has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As someone who has visited Buenos Aires multiple times, it felt like the right place to settle down, immerse myself in a new culture, and start a new adventure. But let me tell you, the transition wasn’t without its surprises.
Why I Left the UK for Buenos Aires
There are many reasons why one might leave the UK, and for me, it was a combination of seeking something different, escaping the dreariness of British weather, and looking for a city with a slower, more relaxed pace. Life in London can be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. The cost of living, the endless commutes, and the hustle made me crave something else.
Buenos Aires, with its rich culture, passionate people, and vibrant lifestyle, offered the perfect contrast. The idea of sipping coffee in a traditional café, strolling through wide, leafy avenues, and exploring a city steeped in European history was too appealing to pass up. Plus, I was eager to master Spanish and thought, why not dive in headfirst?
Finding My Feet: Accommodation and Cost of Living
One of the first challenges I faced was finding accommodation. In London, everything is done through agencies, and there’s a certain formality to renting a flat. Buenos Aires, on the other hand, felt like the Wild West in comparison. After some searching, I managed to find a cozy apartment in Palermo, one of my favorite neighborhoods. The process wasn’t too difficult, but things do move at a slower pace here, so patience is key.
My Monthly Expenses in Buenos Aires:
- Rent: $500 – $800 (for a 1-bedroom apartment in Palermo)
- Utilities: $50 – $80
- Groceries: $150 – $200
- Eating Out: $100 – $150
- Public Transport: $20 – $30
Overall, the cost of living here is far more manageable than in London. I find myself saving more and stressing less about everyday expenses, which is a massive relief.
Public Transport: A Learning Curve
In London, I was used to the efficient, if sometimes pricey, public transport system. The Tube is fast, reliable, and gets you pretty much anywhere. Buenos Aires? Not so much. The Subte (metro) is cheap, no doubt about that, but it’s not as extensive. Learning to navigate the collectivos (buses) was an adventure in itself, but once I figured out the system, it became my go-to. The SUBE card is a lifesaver, and transport here is incredibly affordable.
- Top Tip: Always carry small change, as not all buses take cards, and apps like Google Maps are essential for figuring out bus routes!
Joining a Cricket Club in Buenos Aires
One of the most unexpected highlights of my move has been joining a cricket club. I never imagined I’d find a community of cricket enthusiasts in Argentina, but Buenos Aires has a rich British expat history, and cricket is alive and well. I joined the Buenos Aires Cricket Club, and it’s been a fantastic way to meet people and stay connected to my British roots.
- Why Cricket?: It’s not just about the game. Cricket has offered me a sense of community, a group of people who understand the challenges of being an expat, and a way to feel at home in a foreign land.
Learning Spanish at Vamos Academy
One of my goals when moving to Buenos Aires was to learn Spanish. I wanted a deep dive into the language, not just picking up bits and pieces. After some research, I chose Vamos Academy, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The teachers are native speakers, and the small class sizes meant I got plenty of one-on-one attention. Plus, they offer a variety of class times, which worked perfectly with my schedule.
Why I Chose Vamos Academy:
- Native Spanish teachers with tons of experience.
- A welcoming environment for expats.
- Small classes for personalized learning.
- Flexible scheduling with both in-person and online options.
Learning Spanish in Argentina has not only made daily life easier, but it’s also helped me connect with locals and feel more a part of the community. Plus, mastering the local slang (lunfardo) has given me a real insider’s look into Porteño culture.
What I Love About Buenos Aires
One of the things I’ve fallen in love with in Buenos Aires is the city’s unique blend of European elegance and Latin passion. Everywhere you go, you feel this vibrant energy – whether it’s in the bustling markets, the passionate football matches, or the endless conversations over a cup of coffee.
My Favorite Neighborhoods:
- Palermo: Trendy, tree-lined streets, and full of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
- San Telmo: Cobblestone streets, antique markets, and an old-world charm.
- Recoleta: Elegant, with wide avenues and a Parisian feel.
The food has also been a revelation. Coming from London, where we’re spoiled for choice with cuisines from around the world, I was worried I might miss out. But Buenos Aires has its own culinary treasures. From the incredible steaks at Don Julio to the mouthwatering dulce de leche ice cream at Freddo, it’s been a gastronomic journey.
- Top Food Recommendations:
The Porteños: A Warm, If Sometimes Passionate, People
The locals, or Porteños as they are known, have been a mixed bag for me. On one hand, they are incredibly warm and welcoming. I’ve never felt out of place, and people are always willing to help, even with my (initially) broken Spanish. On the other hand, Porteños are passionate – about everything! Football, politics, social issues. If you’re not used to intense conversations, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.
What I’ve come to love, though, is their zest for life. Everything is done with passion, from sharing a mate in the park to dancing tango late into the night.
What I Miss About London
Of course, no place is perfect, and there are things I miss about London. The efficiency, the order, the ability to queue without being pushed aside (seriously, the queue culture here is non-existent). But these are minor annoyances in the grand scheme of things. What I’ve gained in Buenos Aires – the friendships, the experiences, and the incredible lifestyle – more than makes up for it.
As a Londoner who has fallen hard for Buenos Aires (I’m on my fourth visit already), I have definitely experienced the best (and worst) of each city. Each certainly has its own quirks and edge. However, what does each city really do best and what is it really like arriving from a super fast paced European city to a more laidback Latin city?
Tea Time or Tango: Londoner vs Porteño Living
| Aspect | Life as a Londoner | Life as a Porteño |
|---|
| Daily Routine | Early starts, coffee on-the-go, fast-paced | Later starts, relaxed café culture, and siestas |
| Nightlife | Pubs close by midnight, clubs wind down by 2 AM | Clubs don’t start until 2 AM, party until the morning |
| Food | Fish and chips, Sunday roasts, international cuisine | Asado, empanadas, dulce de leche, Italian-influenced dishes |
| Public Transport | Extensive Tube network, expensive | Affordable buses and Subte (metro), less extensive |
| Cost of Living | High rent, transport, and groceries | Lower overall costs, especially rent and dining out |
| Queuing Culture | Organized, everyone loves a good queue | Chaotic, little regard for queues, push through! |
| Weather | Rainy, grey, cool | Hot summers, mild winters, plenty of sunshine |
| Social Life | Pubs, cafes, weekend brunch | Extended family meals, mate with friends, street markets |
| Football | Premier League, local team rivalry | Boca Juniors vs River Plate, football is a religion |
| Communication | Reserved, polite, small talk | Loud, passionate, direct conversations |
| Cost of Transport | High, particularly on the Tube | Extremely affordable buses and metro |
| Work-Life Balance | Focused, career-driven, long hours | More relaxed, long lunches, family-focused weekends |
| Shopping | Malls, high streets, brand names | Boutique stores, markets, artisan goods |
| Cultural Events | Theatre, museums, concerts | Tango shows, football matches, street performances |
| Home Size | Small flats in central areas, high rent | Larger spaces, especially in Palermo and Recoleta |
Alex
Now, Alex spends his days exploring Buenos Aires’ hidden gems, penning articles about expat life, and perfecting his Spanish one “¿Cómo se dice…?” at a time. When he’s not writing or devouring a steak at a local parrilla, you can find him at the Buenos Aires Cricket Club, reliving his British roots on the pitch. Armed with his laptop, a well-worn copy of Mate for Dummies, and an adventurous spirit, Alex is always ready for the next story
