Coming from Canada

There are 9 replies in this Thread which has previously been viewed 1,379 times. The latest Post (December 26, 2024 at 9:05 AM) was by aficionado.

    Hello all,

    I have no idea how to start this, but I do know I'll probably be asking for help in this forum along the way. I'm a burnt out Canadian remote worker and I've wanted to go to Argentina for about three years now. I'm finally going to take some time off from work and try to get there for Jan. I've been asking ChatGPT a whole lot of questions, but still a bit nervous.

    From everything I've come across the only plan I can really scrape together is to get a 16 hour to 20 hour flight there, get a hotel, and start hunting for a longer accommodation. Hopefully I'll be there for a few months.

    For anyone wondering why I am choosing Argentina, Buenos Aires looks like a beautiful city. I'm hoping I can kind immerse myself into the art and culture of the city while also working on my health. I'm sure it will be hard because I don't know Spanish, but I'm keen on learning once I get there.

    Anyways, if any of you have any advice for this noob it would be welcomed.

    Thanks for existing :cheers:

    Corbin

    Welcome to the forum corbin

    Why Argentina?

    3 or 4 years ago it was much cheaper than North America. But now it is very expensive.

    Accomodation is relatively expensive and utility bills are now much more costly as subsidies have been removed

    Unless you are earning USD or Can$ , you will find it tough.

    Most of the posters here are long term residents with Argentine partners.

    But please fire some concrete questions and I am sure someone will reply if they can

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    Why Argentina?

    A few reasons: GlasgowJohn

    1. I came across a documentary long ago about Argentine hyperinflation. Scratched a little bit deeper and found out Argentina was almost a super power. The history of it I found interesting.

    2. It's like a European city, with seemingly not as North American tourists.

    3. I've been all over Canada and America. Not really interested in it.

    4. I'll probably use it as a jumping point to see more of South America.

    5. Both the cities and country look beautiful.

    6. I have to maintain timezones for work.

    7. It's a challenge. I am actually interested in trying to integrate somewhat without having to rely totally on other expats.

    8. It had my favourite YouTube walking tours.

    9. It seems culturally rich.

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    3 or 4 years ago it was much cheaper than North America. But now it is very expensive.

    I'm outside of Toronto. It's extremely expensive here. While I can afford it in Toronto, it's far less expensive there.

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    Unless you are earning USD or Can$ , you will find it tough.

    I'm a tech worker that earns in USD.

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    But please fire some concrete questions and I am sure someone will reply if they can

    For sure. I'll start with what websites or methods do you guys trust for finding a fully furnished shorter stay (months) apartment? Airbnb looks more expensive than other websites.

    Welcome on the forum, corbin!
    My husband and I have a STR that we also offer on Airbnb in between mid-term rentals signed locally.
    Airbnb gets a cut from both the guest and the host, and the accommodation is all inclusive.
    As GlasgowJohn mentioned, since utilities are no longer subsidized, electricity jumped from $20/month to $100 and has become a considerable cost to hosts.
    Some host/landlords have started to offer their units with utilities included up to a certain point (“tope de luz”, or electricity cap) to take into account potential increases in the electricity cost in the future. Hosts/landlords that committed to a rental contract 6 months ago with no electricity cap clause, are sorely regretting it now.

    I have run a simulation on the electricity company’s website based on the number of appliances and their efficiency class and found out that a reasonable cap for our unit would be 600 kWh per month. We have also installed a smart meter to keep track of consumption.
    Our simulation was run considering two A-class inverter aircons running 8 hours a day, electric stove tops running for 30’, a refrigerator on 24/7, two large TVs on for 30’ a day. This returned an estimate cost of $85 per month. Add HOA fees (not sure how they are called in Canada, it is the building expenses), and $35-40/month for the interned I have estimated $250/month in costs. Our rate on Airbnb is about 20-25% higher than with direct booking to take into account airbnb fees

    Hi, corbin — welcome to the forum. I like your list of reasons for choosing Argentina, and I think you will like Buenos Aires, with all its faults. We are all glad to answer any questions we can.

    Thanks for the welcome all. I booked the flight today. Will be landing in EZE. Hopefully it's not that big of a deal to get to the main centres. I'm not even too sure where exactly I'll want to stay when I get there. Probably check out Palermo Hollywood. If I could get a decent high ceiling loft in the Federal District for a little bit that'd be pretty cool.

    Hopefully it's a good trip. I look forward to talking to yall much more