If you’re always looking for things to do in Buenos Aires and love discovering all kinds of cultural events, you should know that Buenos Aires offers a cultural pass that lets you go to the movies, buy books, or enjoy a play at a discount, saving money on every outing. We’ll tell you how to apply for the cultural pass and what discounts you’ll have access to with it.
What is the Cultural Pass and how does it work
The Cultural Pass is a physical or virtual card created by the Government of the City of Buenos Aires that gives you a free balance, exclusive discounts, and free tickets, and it’s available to young people, students, teachers, and seniors. It basically works as a benefits card and a prepaid payment method. Discounts include special offers at participating businesses and institutions, access to special events, movie screenings, plays, and concerts, as well as discounts at bookstores and theaters.
Who can apply for the Cultural Pass in CABA
This cultural discount card is aimed at young people, students, and seniors. Check below to see if you meet the requirements for any of these categories:
Youth and Students
- Students in their 4th, 5th, and 6th years of public high schools in the City of Buenos Aires.
- Students in high school re-entry programs, vocational training, and teacher training.
- Youth between the ages of 16 and 19 in vulnerable situations.
- Students at private schools with zero tuition and 100% state subsidies.
- Regular students at the CBC of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).
Seniors
- People over 60 years of age who reside in the City of Buenos Aires.
- Retirees receiving a monthly pension of up to $600,000 (not including the year-end bonus).
Teachers
- Tenured or interim educators at public and private zero-tuition high schools with full subsidies in the City of Buenos Aires.
How much money is loaded onto the card and how is it used
Currently, the Cultural Pass for students works through semester-based credits that are periodically reloaded, with an annual maximum of $10,000. Through the Buepp app, you can check your transaction history, view your available balance, and pay directly by scanning the QR code at participating businesses.
Some important points:
The balance does not roll over. If you haven’t spent your balance within the stipulated time, the system may deactivate it due to inactivity. You have to use it!
- Even if you use up your entire balance, both the physical and virtual cards continue to function as credentials to access all the discounts.
Participating Businesses: Where You Can Use It
The Cultural Pass gives you access to a vast network of places where you can buy books, comics, study guides, and tickets. You’ll be able to use it atmajor bookstores like Yenny, El Ateneo, and Cúspide, as well as atpublishers and independent bookstores like EUDEBA and many neighborhood bookstores. If you’re interested in theater and movies, many venues in Buenos Aires’ commercial and independent circuits are participating.
Step-by-step: How to sign up for the Cultural Pass
The application process is completely free, and you can do it online or in person.
Online Registration (The Fastest Option)
- Log in to the City Government’s TAD (Remote Procedures) platform.
- Log in with your Clave Ciudad.
- Look for the “Cultural Pass Registration” application, fill out the form with your information, and upload the required documentation (ID and proof of enrollment as a full-time student or pay stub, depending on your situation).
In-Person Registration
If you prefer to complete the process in person or need assistance (ideal for seniors), you can visit the main service center located at the Casa de la Cultura, at 575 Av. de Mayo, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Once your application is approved, the program team will contact you to arrange digital access or the delivery of the physical card if you are a senior citizen.