What Argentina Travel Etiquette Should You Follow While Abroad?

When visiting Argentina, you don’t want to fall into the stereotype of “the ugly American!” Even the most well-meaning tourist can give offense by not learning a few of the dos and don’ts in Argentina. While you may not become an expert on Argentina’s customs before your trip, it doesn’t hurt to take a quick look at some of the cultural differences that can help you have a better cultural exchange with the local people that you meet, and a more enjoyable trip overall. Come along with us as we explore Argentina traveling tips for your first visit to this incredible South American country.

3 Key Ways to Show You Understand Argentina’s Culture

The key to understanding the people of Argentina is twofold. One, always remember that they are very proud of their country and culture, and like to be seen as cosmopolitan and progressive. Two, even though Argentina is a South American Country, 85 percent of the population originates from Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Poland, and the Middle East. This means Argentines tend to identify more with Europeans than with their South American counterparts.

Before diving into a list of Argentina traveling tips, there are three key things to remember:

• Learn some basic Spanish! Although Argentines are cosmopolitan and are used to international travelers, learning some basic phrases shows respect for the people and land you are visiting.
• Be mindful of punctuality – and make sure to arrive late. While this sounds counterintuitive, arriving 30-60 minutes late for a social event is a mark of politeness. Arriving on time is considered rude.
• Learn the art of “bussi bussi.” Like Europeans, Argentines greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Mastering the art of giving – and receiving – a bussi bussi is one quick way to show you’re paying attention to Argentina travel etiquette.

Of course, etiquette do’s and don’ts in Argentina go far beyond the quick tips mentioned above. Keep reading if you want to learn how to embrace the local culture like a true Argentine.

Tip #1: OK is not OK!

 The first rule of thumb to learn when traveling in Argentina is a big one – OK is not OK! That is, the word “okay” is acceptable to use in conversation, but the hand gesture for “okay” or the thumbs up sign is considered vulgar. In fact, you could even go so far as to say many Argentines would consider it an expletive. Avoid making this gesture to ensure you don’t breach Argentina travel etiquette!

Tip #2: Vanity will get you … everywhere!

Argentines place a lot of value on being clean and neat. If you don’t want to stand out while traveling, opt for something a little more fashionable than hiking pants – especially while visiting a city like Buenos Aires. However, as a whole, Argentines are conservative. This means that while they like to be fashionable, a more modest or conservative approach is more acceptable – even while checking out the nightlife in big cities like Buenos Aires.

Tip #3: Bussi Bussi Culture

In Argentina, a kiss on the cheek, or beso, is a common greeting, and is used between friends, family, and even acquaintances. This kiss is typically a light touch of the cheeks between two people. Argentinians greet each other this way regardless of gender, and this is a common practice for both hello and goodbye. Unlike European countries where two (or three) kisses are more common, an Argentine “bussi bussi” only involves one “kiss.” This greeting is deeply ingrained into the Argentine culture, and it is considered rude to refuse a kiss as a greeting. If you’re not sure of the “bussi bussi” do’s and don’ts in Argentina, simply observe how others are greeting each other and follow their lead.

Tip #4: Keep Your Elbows Off the Table

Before your trip to Argentina, it’s a good idea to read up on acceptable table manners. Meals are a highly ritualized and important part of daily life, and table manners are scrupulously observed. If you want to make a good impression, the following Argentina travel tips are important to observe in restaurants as well as at a host’s table:

• Do not yawn at the table! No matter how late in the evening dinner is served, yawning at the table is taboo and is considered almost unforgivable.
• No blowing noses or clearing throats. These simple acts are considered rude and off-putting, whether you are in a restaurant or a private home.
• Eat pizza with a knife and fork! Unlike in America, the proper way to eat pizza (and all other food not clearly labeled as finger foods) is with a knife and fork.
• Meals are for socializing! Avoid business talk or other taboo topics at the table.

It’s also worth noting that the idea of “to go” is foreign to most Argentines. It is considered rude to eat coffee or a sandwich while walking and/or in public. Instead, a coffee break or snack break is just that – a break, in a restaurant or café. Even a simple treat should be savored while sitting down!

Tip #5: Futbol es Vida!

No matter where you go in Argentina, you can’t escape fútbol – and not American football. Soccer! Soccer is king in Argentina, and everyone you meet will have an opinion about the national team as well as their local team. From Messi to Maradona, brushing up on the beautiful game is a solid piece of advice for those interested in Argentina travel etiquette. At the very least, knowing enough to reference Maradona’s “hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup will earn you respect with local footballers.

The Art of Small Talk in Argentina

One of the most important Argentina traveling tips to observe when you meet locals is what topics of conversation are acceptable – and what topics are not. Argentines, as a whole, are a conservative people, and often adhere to a strict set of guidelines when interacting with casual acquaintances. This means that some topics of conversation are off limit, while others are welcome and a good way to learn more about the country (and people) you are visiting. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts in Argentina to have handy when it’s time to make small talk.

Welcome Topics of Conversation	Conversations to Avoid
Any topic having to do with Argentine art, theater, movies and opera.	Criticizing or joking about Argentine culture and traditions.
Sports, such as futbol (soccer), U.S. style football is called “futbol Americano.”	Personal questions and inquiries about family until you have become better acquainted with them.
Your international travels and the area of Argentina you’re visiting.	Praising Argentina’s neighbors, particularly Chile. Argentina has fought wars with all of neighboring countries.
Restaurants, food and wine in Argentina.	Negative comments about Argentina’s government, cities, or Argentina’s sports teams.
The beauty of local parks and gardens.	Religion in Argentina.
Compliments are always welcome!	Politics in Argentina.

Let The Experts Guide You Through the Do’s and Don’ts in Argentina Travel!

One of the best ways to experience Argentina is to book a small group tour with a travel guide like Gondwana Ecotours. Gondwana’s professional guides are familiar with Argentina’s culture and people, and can offer expert Argentina traveling tips to help you have a truly in-depth, one-of-a-kind experience. From the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires to the foothills of the Andes, there’s no better way to experience Argentina and get to know its people than with a guide from Gondwana Ecotours!