Argentina Etiquette and Tips

Argentina: Fitting in While Traveling

Your trip to Argentina will be most pleasant. The countryside, the people and the general attitudes are very accommodating. Business is done in a friendly manner although they can and will argue a point if they feel it necessary. Since Argentina is in the southern hemisphere the climates are reversed of those in North America - winter in America is summer in Argentina.

If you're a tourist of Argentina you'll enjoy beautiful mountains, refreshing lakes, warm breezes along with glaciers and waterfalls. The basic language of the region is Spanish but in large cities many of the people speak English along with other languages. Out of the more than 35 million residents of Argentina, more than half live in and around Buenos Aires.

The streets of Argentina are safe, for the most part, but petty crime exists in any country. Buenos Aires offers various means of travel like subways, radio taxis and limos. Credit cards are accepted in most major cities. ATM's are conveniently placed and give you a choice of currency type. Ten percent is the normal tipping amount for restaurants, hotel staff and clerks.

Local holidays take place in January and February so business people may want to avoid these months. Yearly holidays are January 1, May 1, May 25, July 9, and December 25. Holidays which fall on different days of the year include Sovereignty Day, Flag Day, San Martin's Death, and Columbus Day.

Most government offices are open from eight a.m. to five p.m. Malls and other stores are usually open from ten a.m. to ten p.m. and often, 7 days a week. Banks are usually open from Monday through Friday from around ten a.m. to three p.m.

In Argentina it's almost impossible to do business unless you've been formally introduced by a third party. Office hours vary since some business people work from very early until late, but with breaks that last an hour or more. Appointments can be postponed if decision-makers are extremely busy and you're not on the priority list. And if the appointment isn't postponed don't be alarmed if the person you're meeting are 15 minutes late, but you should plan to be on time.