Expert: Cintia - 10/4/2004

Question
Hola Cintia,
I am a sole traveller arriving in Buenos Aries in November and staying for two weeks. I am trying to arrange an apartment before I go and would like to know a couple of things.
I have been told that it is difficult to arrange a deposit for an apartment by credit card and need to use another method. Is this a normal request for a company to make?
I have looked at renting an apratment through a company called Let's go Argentina and would like to know if there is any thing I should be worried about.
And lastly I would like to know which area I should be looking for an apartment?
Thank-you
Annette  

Answer
Dear Annette,

Thank you very much for your inquiry.

There are many companies that rent furnished apartments for travelers, and by simply checking on Google or any other search engine you will be able to find them. Just write "furnished apartment buenos aires".
As far as I know, these companies charge a certain fee in order to have your reservation secured. Such fee is then reimbursed to you when you pay the total rent and deposit. Usually, they only accept cash or travelers checks, but no credit card.
Honestly, I don't know the company you have mentioned but I suggest that you ask them for references of previous travelers who have used them. This is the best way you can make sure that they are reliable.

As for the best areas, I recommend Recoleta, Plaza San Martin (Retiro) and Barrio Norte. You can also consider Palermo, but only if it is near Alto Palermo Shopping Mall, because this is conveniently located. Other parts of Palermo are too far away and get very dark at night.
I hope this information helps you make a decision and if you have more questions feel free to ask me again.

Wishing you a wonderful stay in Argentina
Cintia Stella
Buenos Aires, Argentina