How to adapt to the culture in Buenos Aires
When some people tell their friends they are moving to Argentina, "Say what?" is the usual first response. When you tell them about your new home, they want to come also. But before you set your feet in Buenos Aires, here are some tips for adjusting to the local culture.
The capital of Argentina is splendid and boasts a 19th-century architectural style. A vibrant metropolis, the city has an endless list of activities to experience.
Culture and religion in Buenos Aires
A variety of different ethnic groups makes Argentina's culture unique and this also applies to Buenos Aires. Influenced by Spanish, Italian and other European backgrounds, many people describe modern Argentina as a “hodgepodge of European meets American Indian.” The unique blend gives Argentina its cultural flair.
Despite the original residents dominating Argentina were native Indian, when European settlers arrived they pushed the country to be Roman Catholic. The national calendar observes Catholic holidays and the current pope is Argentine.
Embracing the local culture
Argentines tend to be direct and blunt. They can be warm people once they get to know you, but cold and stand-offish until them. Argentines recognise very little personal space. In America, the general rule of thumb is about an arm's length between people when they speak. In Argentina, personal space often shrinks to about the length of one's open hand.
Invited to dinner? Be sure to dress well and arrive 30-45 minutes after the invitation states. No one is on time in Argentina and being late is normal. Bring a small gift for the host.
Must-dos when moving to Buenos Aires
Everyone who comes to Argentina will have their own ‘must-do' itinerary. The most mentioned include:
Take a glacier trip
Argentina boasts some of the largest glaciers in South America with many in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier National Park. Pinpointing the best to visit is difficult with over 300 from which to choose.
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls makes a natural border between Argentina and Brazil. With over 275 different falls, Devil's Throat stands at 80 meters and is the second tallest cascade in the world (Victoria Falls in Africa is #1).
Penguins
Hundreds of thousands of penguins flock to Southern Argentina yearly to chow down on the plentiful fish supply before getting ready to migrate.
El Chalten
El Chalten combines small-town authenticity with world-class hiking trails. Folded into the foothills at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, El Chalten lies on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Wine Country
At the opposite end of Argentina is Argentina's wine region. The 5th largest wine producer in the world, Argentina's wine can't be missed.
Salta & Jujuy
Neighbouring towns which fit like hand and glove, the Andes topography and South America's most impressive landscapes combine to make this region popular with visitors and citizens.
Bariloche
Settled in the Andes Mountains' foothills, Bariloche boasts local brews, regionally made chocolate and scenic hikes. As it is difficult to pick just one, stay awhile and enjoy them all.
Beagle Channel
The Channel offers the only waterway access to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the jumping-off point for Antarctica.
Visit an Estancia
Argentina grew rich on its agricultural output so a visit to a traditional rach can provide insight into the gaucho's livelihood — and often the opportunity to join in.
