Comparing Buenos Aires to Sydney Australia .

[perry]

I have just spent nearly 7 weeks outside Argentina and this is what I found better compared to Australia

1. Buenos Aires taxi drivers are much better than Sydney . Most taxi drivers in Sydney were unfriendly , uncultured, did not know the most basic of directions , and many had taxis that smelled . This can happen in Buenos Aires as well but its much more common in Sydney which is supposedly first world.
2. The inner city neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires are very civilized in general with little sign of drunken and drugged people . Yes street crime is more prevalent in Buenos Aires than Sydney but Buenos Aires does not have the feral bogans with their agressive panhandling on the streets asking for change . I was shocked at how many screaming crazy people I saw in Sydney on the streets . This is very rare in middle class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires .
3. The porteno accent while at times can be grating is in general a very pleasant dialect when spoken by educated people . The australian accent imho can be very uncouth and loud . South Australians speak the best queens english .Australians can be very blunt and if you are not accustomed to this you will find this rude . South Americans in general are more courteous especially in service industries . Portenos are less courteous than from the provinces but overall Argentina can provide excellent service in hotels and restaurants .
4. Food in Buenos Aires can be world class and a good steak in Buenos Aires can be exceptional . Also their pastries and icecreams are amongst the best I have encountered anywhere in the world .
Asian foods and international foods are of better quality in Australia .
Pastries and icecreams , good quality meat is better in Argentina .
5. Weather in Buenos Aires while at times humid in general is pleasant and mild . Sydney weather is more extreme with much more windy weather, more violent thunderstorms. hailstorms, forest fires , etc etc . Sydney does have some of the best beaches in the world though and in summer it is paradise . In Buenos Aires you are limited in summer activities with only some river beaches that you cannot swim in.
6. Apartments in Buenos Aires if you have money are of much better value in Argentina than Sydney . While Sydney properties are mostly in impeccable condition . I found most apartments very small , with low ceilings, and paperthin walls . I much prefer high ceiling apartments with large dimension bedrooms . This is very rare in Sydney Australia meaning than Buenos Aires offers much better value for money . For US$ 1,000 a month you can rent a minimum 120 metre apartment in Palermo with great features , Something similar in Sydney if you can find it would costs 3 times as much .
7. Ease of getting around I found better in Buenos Aires than in Sydney these days . There is much more chance to be stuck in traffic in Sydney Australia than in Buenos Aires which since its inception was well planned with its massive avenues and roadways creating good traffic conditions.
8. The cost of living in Sydney Australia is much cheaper than 5 years ago due to the devalued australian dollar . While food and drinks are cheap . rental prices for quality are very expensive costing three times more than Buenos Aires . Taxis and all services are at least double the cost of Buenos Aires . Living in Argentina for those who have us dollars ( as long as you do not buy clothing or electronics) is at least half the price of Sydney Australia .

 

[sts7049]

you have been drinking the argentina koolaid for far too long i think perry

and i think your opinion of taxis here is extremely generous.

 

[perry]

you have been drinking the argentina koolaid for far too long i think perry

and i think your opinion of taxis here is extremely generous.

I have been negative about many things in Argentina and one of them I am not is the taxidrivers. I have caught a minimum of 3 taxi rides a day for 17 years years meaning I have been in approximately 17000 taxis in this time . 98% of the drivers were excellent and courteous with a knowledge of the city second to none . Most also were cultured interesting people .

In Sydney I caught over 80 taxis in 6 weeks and most of the drivers did not speak english , did not understand how to go to the most simple address , many had dirty cabs, and many with a bad attitude . None wanted to accept any cash only credit card . If paying by cash none had any change ( much worse than Buenos Aires ) .

Buenos Aires taxi drivers are amongst the worlds best . Of course when picking a taxi make sure that it looks to be in great condition as this is a reflection of the driver .

 

[wineguy999]

I have been negative about many things in Argentina and one of them I am not is the taxidrivers. I have caught a minimum of 3 taxi rides a day for 17 years years meaning I have been in approximately 17000 taxis in this time . 98% of the drivers were excellent and courteous with a knowledge of the city second to none . Most also were cultured interesting people .

In Sydney I caught over 80 taxis in 6 weeks and most of the drivers did not speak english , did not understand how to go to the most simple address , many had dirty cabs, and many with a bad attitude . None wanted to accept any cash only credit card . If paying by cash none had any change ( much worse than Buenos Aires ) .

Buenos Aires taxi drivers are amongst the worlds best . Of course when picking a taxi make sure that it looks to be in great condition as this is a reflection of the driver .

I have to second the sentiment about BA taxistas. I too have found the vast majority to be educated, intelligent, and good conversationalists. And most know the city very well.

 

[semigoodlookin]

I have just spent nearly 7 weeks outside Argentina and this is what I found better compared to Australia

1. Buenos Aires taxi drivers are much better than Sydney . Most taxi drivers in Sydney were unfriendly , uncultured, did not know the most basic of directions , and many had taxis that smelled . This can happen in Buenos Aires as well but its much more common in Sydney which is supposedly first world.
2. The inner city neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires are very civilized in general with little sign of drunken and drugged people . Yes street crime is more prevalent in Buenos Aires than Sydney but Buenos Aires does not have the feral bogans with their agressive panhandling on the streets asking for change . I was shocked at how many screaming crazy people I saw in Sydney on the streets . This is very rare in middle class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires .
3. The porteno accent while at times can be grating is in general a very pleasant dialect when spoken by educated people . The australian accent imho can be very uncouth and loud . South Australians speak the best queens english .Australians can be very blunt and if you are not accustomed to this you will find this rude . South Americans in general are more courteous especially in service industries . Portenos are less courteous than from the provinces but overall Argentina can provide excellent service in hotels and restaurants .
4. Food in Buenos Aires can be world class and a good steak in Buenos Aires can be exceptional . Also their pastries and icecreams are amongst the best I have encountered anywhere in the world .
Asian foods and international foods are of better quality in Australia .
Pastries and icecreams , good quality meat is better in Argentina .
5. Weather in Buenos Aires while at times humid in general is pleasant and mild . Sydney weather is more extreme with much more windy weather, more violent thunderstorms. hailstorms, forest fires , etc etc . Sydney does have some of the best beaches in the world though and in summer it is paradise . In Buenos Aires you are limited in summer activities with only some river beaches that you cannot swim in.
6. Apartments in Buenos Aires if you have money are of much better value in Argentina than Sydney . While Sydney properties are mostly in impeccable condition . I found most apartments very small , with low ceilings, and paperthin walls . I much prefer high ceiling apartments with large dimension bedrooms . This is very rare in Sydney Australia meaning than Buenos Aires offers much better value for money . For US$ 1,000 a month you can rent a minimum 120 metre apartment in Palermo with great features , Something similar in Sydney if you can find it would costs 3 times as much .
7. Ease of getting around I found better in Buenos Aires than in Sydney these days . There is much more chance to be stuck in traffic in Sydney Australia than in Buenos Aires which since its inception was well planned with its massive avenues and roadways creating good traffic conditions.
8. The cost of living in Sydney Australia is much cheaper than 5 years ago due to the devalued australian dollar . While food and drinks are cheap . rental prices for quality are very expensive costing three times more than Buenos Aires . Taxis and all services are at least double the cost of Buenos Aires . Living in Argentina for those who have us dollars ( as long as you do not buy clothing or electronics) is at least half the price of Sydney Australia .

Was this your first time in Sydney? I haven't spent the last 7 weeks there, but lived there for six months previously.

Just reflecting on some of your observations.

1. Taxi drivers: I have a dim view of these in most cities to be honest, but just cannot stand them here (BA). Sydney was more a meh experience, not the worst and not the best. The number one thing I expect from a taxi driver is that they know where they are going, and so often in Buenos Aires they do not. It's the base of their job and they fail at it, which means they are not good at their job. The industry is run like a mafia in all cities and it is with a little delight that I see Uber having the taxi industry caught with its finger in its ass.

By the way, you said in your second post that taxi drivers here have knowledge of the city that's "second to none". I think London would like a word. This is part of the problem with your posts, your penchant for hyperbole. I live by Velez Sarsfield football stadium, which doubles as the main stadium concert venue in the city, has major roads running either side into Provincia (Rividavia and Juan B. Justo), and a major Carrefour supermarket next to it. Taxi drivers often need directions to my house, which is across the road from this stadium. If that's "second to none" navigation, geez.

In terms of conversation, personality. I don't really care about this, but they are generally polite and/or silent. I value the latter more, but polite is certainly better than rude.

2. Sydney has homeless, drunk, etc. on the streets for sure. It's interesting that you think BA does not. It sounds like maybe you lived in a bubble here. It does seem like you spent most of your time in Buenos Aires in certain barrios and most towards the center of the city, is that true? I live in Versalles, so spend a lot of time in Devoto, Villa del Parque, Liniers, Flores, as well as places nearer the center. Your experience of taxi drivers and homeless drunks, does not tally with the situation in other barrios.

3. I mean isn't Argentina kind of famos for having terrible customer service? You're saying they are more courteous. The accent thing is neither here nor there, not sure even why you would discuss that as it's rude at best.

4. Food. Very limited choice in Buenos Aires, although I would say the best restauraunts here are better than those in Sydney. However, in terms of availability of cuisine, different tastes, brands in supermarkets, etc. Sydney wins hands down.

5. Yes, I agree Argentina is generally more agreeable as that part of Australia can get opressive in terms of heat/humidity. Can't argue with those beaches though.

6. Yes, BA is definiately more affordable. In fact, I find it amazing that I rent in a major global capital city a three-bedroom apartment in a secure building and parking space for around $400 a month ($500 with expenses). I couldn't even rent a one bedroom for that price in some regional cities in the UK.

7. Traffic can be a pain in the ass here, esepcially when getting into the center. However, I think this is a problem in all cities so is kind of a moot point.

8. Agree in general. Sure, heading to a supermarket here can be an eye-opener when you compare prices (especially brands). But for staples like meat and vegetables, it's generally cheaper here. Public transport is much cheapers in BA, and rent as mentioned. Public utlities too, even though people grumble about the increases.

Edit to add, I would choose to live in BA over Sydney (well, I did). That said, there are some places in Australia I would choose in an instant over BA. Sydney was the worst place I lived in Australia.

 

[perry]

Was this your first time in Sydney? I haven't spent the last 7 weeks there, but lived there for six months previously.

Just reflecting on some of your observations.

1. Taxi drivers: I have a dim view of these in most cities to be honest, but just cannot stand them here (BA). Sydney was more a meh experience, not the worst and not the best. The number one thing I expect from a taxi driver is that they know where they are going, and so often in Buenos Aires they do not. It's the base of their job and they fail at it, which means they are not good at their job. The industry is run like a mafia in all cities and it is with a little delight that I see Uber having the taxi industry caught with its finger in its ass.

By the way, you said in your second post that taxi drivers here have knowledge of the city that's "second to none". I think London would like a word. This is part of the problem with your posts, your penchant for hyperbole. I live by Velez Sarsfield football stadium, which doubles as the main stadium concert venue in the city, has major roads running either side into Provincia (Rividavia and Juan B. Justo), and a major Carrefour supermarket next to it. Taxi drivers often need directions to my house, which is across the road from this stadium. If that's "second to none" navigation, geez.

In terms of conversation, personality. I don't really care about this, but they are generally polite and/or silent. I value the latter more, but polite is certainly better than rude.

2. Sydney has homeless, drunk, etc. on the streets for sure. It's interesting that you think BA does not. It sounds like maybe you lived in a bubble here. It does seem like you spent most of your time in Buenos Aires in certain barrios and most towards the center of the city, is that true? I live in Versalles, so spend a lot of time in Devoto, Villa del Parque, Liniers, Flores, as well as places nearer the center. Your experience of taxi drivers and homeless drunks, does not tally with the situation in other barrios.

3. I mean isn't Argentina kind of famos for having terrible customer service? You're saying they are more courteous. The accent thing is neither here nor there, not sure even why you would discuss that as it's rude at best.

4. Food. Very limited choice in Buenos Aires, although I would say the best restauraunts here are better than those in Sydney. However, in terms of availability of cuisine, different tastes, brands in supermarkets, etc. Sydney wins hands down.

5. Yes, I agree Argentina is generally more agreeable as that part of Australia can get opressive in terms of heat/humidity. Can't argue with those beaches though.

6. Yes, BA is definiately more affordable. In fact, I find it amazing that I rent in a major global capital city a three-bedroom apartment in a secure building and parking space for around $400 a month ($500 with expenses). I couldn't even rent a one bedroom for that price in some regional cities in the UK.

7. Traffic can be a pain in the ass here, esepcially when getting into the center. However, I think this is a problem in all cities so is kind of a moot point.

8. Agree in general. Sure, heading to a supermarket here can be an eye-opener when you compare prices (especially brands). But for staples like meat and vegetables, it's generally cheaper here. Public transport is much cheapers in BA, and rent as mentioned. Public utlities too, even though people grumble about the increases.

Number one you seem to have a habit of putting people into boxes . I happen to be a Australian and was born in Sydney and know every suburb of this huge city .

Sydneysiders can be very gregarious friendly people but also you can find aggressive in your face people due to the very heavy drug and alchohol use prevalent in that city . I believe that Sydney has the highest personal drug usage in the world and this is certainly a lot more noticeable walking around Surry Hills , Darlinghurst. Pyrmont , the central business district . In middle class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires it is very rare to find these type of behaviours . I have lived in Palermo and Barrio Norte and very rarely encounter homeless drug addicts agressively harassing me for some change . This was very common in Sydney .

Regarding the taxidrivers in Buenos Aires 99% know the city well and most are pleasant cultured people . Yes you can get the occasional dickhead but considering how many taxidrivers there are they are superb .

Regarding customer service yes in Sydney its very efficient but I found it all so robotic and false. Everyone rushing you to finish a meal as to empty your table for the next customer . Yes customer service in departament stores was very good in David Jones and Myers .
I missed the Buenos Aires service in restaurants which comes across as more sincere and less intrusive . Nothing is worse than rushing to eat a meal as is the case in Sydney where money is king .

I actually missed the argentinian accent after a few weeks in Sydney . There are some beautiful accents here in the country from Entre Rios to Missiones which is the most attractive accent of Argentina . Lunfardo the dialect of Buenos Aires is also very colourful .

The Sydney of today is completely different to the Sydney of 40 years ago where life was paradise . Multiculturalism has destroyed the city and created ghettos all over. I felt that its original identity has been completely obliterated and changed to one of crass commercialism and materialism
Yes Sydney is a beautiful city but one that is also lacking a soul .
I much prefer Hobart Tasmania, Wellington New Zealand, Arequipa Peru , Iquitos Peru .

I could never go back to living in Sydney no matter what happens to the Argentinian economy . Australia does have great towns and smaller cities though and I would highly recommend Hobart Tasmania . Newcastle New South Wales , and Brisbane Queensland..

Regarding the australian bogan accent its not known to be sophisticated .

 

[Ceviche]

you have been drinking the argentina koolaid for far too long i think perry

and i think your opinion of taxis here is extremely generous.

I agree with his opinion on Txis of BA. I use taxis all over the world. BA taxis are most well mannered, polite.

 

[Ceviche]

I would highly recommend Hobart Tasmania . Newcastle New South Wales , and Brisbane Queensland..

Brisbane is my favourite city in Australia.

 

[wineguy999]

...There are some beautiful accents here in the country from Entre Rios to Missiones which is the most attractive accent of Argentina...

The accent in San Juan is beautiful as well - incredibly musical.

 

[sts7049]

Number one you seem to have a habit of putting people into boxes . I happen to be a Australian and was born in Sydney and know every suburb of this huge city .

Sydneysiders can be very gregarious friendly people but also you can find aggressive in your face people due to the very heavy drug and alchohol use prevalent in that city . I believe that Sydney has the highest personal drug usage in the world and this is certainly a lot more noticeable walking around Surry Hills , Darlinghurst. Pyrmont , the central business district . In middle class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires it is very rare to find these type of behaviours . I have lived in Palermo and Barrio Norte and very rarely encounter homeless drug addicts agressively harassing me for some change . This was very common in Sydney .

Regarding the taxidrivers in Buenos Aires 99% know the city well and most are pleasant cultured people . Yes you can get the occasional dickhead but considering how many taxidrivers there are they are superb .

Regarding customer service yes in Sydney its very efficient but I found it all so robotic and false. Everyone rushing you to finish a meal as to empty your table for the next customer . Yes customer service in departament stores was very good in David Jones and Myers .
I missed the Buenos Aires service in restaurants which comes across as more sincere and less intrusive . Nothing is worse than rushing to eat a meal as is the case in Sydney where money is king .

I actually missed the argentinian accent after a few weeks in Sydney . There are some beautiful accents here in the country from Entre Rios to Missiones which is the most attractive accent of Argentina . Lunfardo the dialect of Buenos Aires is also very colourful .

The Sydney of today is completely different to the Sydney of 40 years ago where life was paradise . Multiculturalism has destroyed the city and created ghettos all over. I felt that its original identity has been completely obliterated and changed to one of crass commercialism and materialism
Yes Sydney is a beautiful city but one that is also lacking a soul .
I much prefer Hobart Tasmania, Wellington New Zealand, Arequipa Peru , Iquitos Peru .

I could never go back to living in Sydney no matter what happens to the Argentinian economy . Australia does have great towns and smaller cities though and I would highly recommend Hobart Tasmania . Newcastle New South Wales , and Brisbane Queensland..

Regarding the australian bogan accent its not known to be sophisticated .

i agree with your thoughts on the first video... i could listen to her talk all day!