Buenos Aires Cultural Tips

Dos and Don´ts

EYE CONTACT: Don´t be intimidated when Argentines look you directly in the eye in public places or by the way Argentine men stare at women.

BBQ ROLES: If you are invited to an asado (an Argentine BBQ), know that if you are aman, you can just sit back and relax. The women will set the table and prepare salads, snacks and desserts. The men are in charge of the meat and averything that goes on the grill.

NATIONAL PRIDE: Argentines are proud of their countrym their people and their customs. Be patient, bacause anyone you meet likely will ask you where are you from, why you´ve come to Argentina, what you think of their country, if you think their women are beautiful, if you think the meat is good and wich soccer teamm you root for.

RSVPs: Don´t expect a quick response to an invitation (to eat, to go out, etc). Argentines are very informal, especially young people, and will often respond ar the last minute -if at all.

TEA ETIQUETTE: If you are drinking mate (a traditional tea-like drink), always drink the mate you are served. If you say gracias (thank you) it means you don´t want to be served anymore.

KISSING: It´s very common for the Argentines, especially women, to greet and bid farewell with a kiss. No matter how many people are at a party or friendly get-together, the most appropiate thing to do when you arrive is to greet each person with a kiss. Men can shake hands  but female friends often give each other a kiss, a hug, or a pat in the back.

NICKNAMES: Argentines often use nicknames that recall physical traits. Don´t be surprised os offend if you have dark features (skin, hair, eyes, etc) and people cll you negro (black). They often use nicknames like gordo/a (fat), flaco/a (sckinny), etc.

National Geographic