Life in Cordoba

Transportation in Cordoba

Driving in Cordoba is on the right, with overtaking on the left. However, expat drivers should be especially vigilant when driving in the city as driving laws are not routinely enforced and many people drive aggressively, ignoring red lights and speed limits. Some of the roads in Cordoba are in poor condition and suffer from large potholes, which can be problematic with the large amounts of heavy traffic that the city experiences.

Cordoba has a handy bus system that is easy to navigate. The bus routes are categorized into letters and colors. Bus fare in the city is 18 ARS for a single journey and journeys can be paid for in coins or with a city-wide travel smart card. There are also a number of affordable yellow taxis, which charge around 50 ARS for a 15 block journey. A popular mode of transportation to avoid the hassle of heavy, slow moving traffic is cycling.

Culture and Leisure

Due to its large number of universities and educational institutions, Cordoba has earned the nickname; La Docta. Thanks to the city’s huge student presence, Cordoba is one of the liveliest and most culturally exciting destinations in Argentina. The legendary nightlife of Cordoba is well worth getting involved with, as atmospheric bars and energetic tango playing nightclubs fill the city center almost every night.

For a more laid back way to get to know Cordoba, simply take a stroll through the historic streets. The region boasts some of the most impressive sightseeing opportunities in the country and for this reason; Cordoba was awarded the title of Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2006. One of the most iconic cultural places to visit is Sarmiento Park, the largest public park in central Argentina. This park is a picturesque place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy scenic views such as the Duck Lake. It is also home to the Ferreyra Palace, a monumental mansion and arts museum that dates back to 1912. Ferreyra Palace contains 12 exhibit halls, a sculpture garden and an auditorium that houses 120 people.

Safety and Security

Cordoba is a quite a safe city. Living in Cordoba is mostly trouble free as the city has an average crime rate, however, there are issues of petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching and expats should always be cautious. English speaking foreigners should avoid speaking English loudly in crowded streets and busy places such as buses, as this will attract thieves and scam artists. It is also essential to hold on to handbags carefully, keep valuables like jewelry and cameras out of sight at all times, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. As well as this, expats should avoid walking alone at night. Villa el Libertador, Alto Gracia and Santa Isabel are widely considered to be the most dangerous districts in Cordoba. These areas in particular should be avoided when alone and after dark. The police in the city are easy to reach and fast to respond, in case of an emergency they can be contacted by dialing 100.