Culture and Customs in ARGENTINA

Visiting a foreign country means mixing with a new culture. Every culture has its own etiquette, protocol and customs. Here you will find some tips about culture and customs in Argentina

                                      
                                                             An important element of the local culture revolves around dress. The dress code in Argentina is fairly formal and Argentinians take pride in their appearance and efforts are made to look presentable at all times. Fashion is considered important and the latest European styles are usually worn. In restaurants, it is common for men to wear a suit and tie for the occasion.

                                                            If shopping for clothes in Argentina, you will find that clothes are typically marked as ‘small’, ‘medium’ or ‘large’. However, you may on occasion find European measurements. It may be useful for you therefore, to gain an understanding of European clothes measurements prior to visiting Argentina if it is possible that you will be shopping for clothes.

Etiquette in Argentina:                                   

                                                             Etiquette is polished in Argentina and the people are typically very polite. Efforts should be made to reflect the same levels of politeness and adhere to local customs where possible.
                                                             As an example, men should always remove headwear when entering offices or other formal establishments in Argentina and say ‘con permiso’ (excuse me) upon entry. First encounters in such establishments are typically followed by a shaking of hands. 
                                              

Giving money to Beggars in Argentina:
                                            
                                                             When giving money to beggars in Argentina, it is advised not to give money to children. Personal discretion should then be used in determining whether or not to give money to adults. As in all countries, there is a tendency for tourist rich areas to attract individuals who are not genuine beggars. It is wise therefore to look and see whether locals are giving individuals money prior to deciding whether or not to do so yourself.

Safety in Argentina: 

                                                             The same safety tips apply in Argentina as apply anywhere in the world. It is comforting that, although crime is on the rise in large cities in Argentina, it is typically lower than in cities in other countries with equitable population numbers. Key tips however to help guard your security in Argentina include the following:
                               
Don’t leave any valuables on show in your car when your car is unattended and when driving, ensure that all the car doors are locked.
Do not walk around the city with your money / passport clearly visible.
Do not show large amounts of cash when making purchases.
Do not walk alone in deserted areas late at night.

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Facts and Statistics

Location:  South America, borders with Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km

Capital:   Buenos Aires

Climate:  mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Population:  39,144,753 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other non white

groups 3%

Government:  Republic

Language in Argentina

Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani and Quechua.

Argentinean Society & Culture

Europeans or Latin Americans?

. Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed.

. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.

Argentinean Family Values

. The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence.

. The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this comes a responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc and to maintain personal and family honour.

. Honour is in all respects the be all and end all and it routinely affects day-to-day life at home, in the community and in business.

Religion in Argentina

. The Argentine constitution guarantees religious freedom.

. Roman Catholicism acts as the official state religion.

 Expressive Communication Style

. Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remain tactful and diplomatic.

. Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion and sentimentality.

. In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.

 General Etiquette and Customs
Meeting Etiquette

. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first.

. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will suffice.

. Maintaining eye contact indicates interest.

. In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering.

. When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to dinner at an Argentine's home bring a small gift for the hostess.

. Since taxes on imported spirits are extremely high, a bottle of imported spirits is always well received.

* Currency - the currency of Argentina is known as the Peso (ARS).

* Dialling Code - the international dialling code for Argentina is +54.

* Time - Argentina is -3 hours GMT.

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