Living in a new country is always an adventure, and Buenos Aires has certainly been full of surprises! As I’ve adjusted to my new home, I’ve noticed a number of things that seem purrfectly normal to the locals but struck me as unique and fascinating. Here are ten of the most interesting things I’ve encountered during my time here:
1. Everyone uses Whatsapp
When I say everyone, I mean everyone. From doctors’ offices to restaurants, veterinarians to schools, this app is the go-to method of communication in Buenos Aires. The best part? It made it easy for me to use Google Translate to chat with locals. Also, Argetine’s love sending audio recordings over actual texts. So your conversation could look something like this.
2. Their largest bill has very little buying power
The highest denomination bill in Argentina is currently $1000 ARS Pesos, which is equivalent to just $2.59 USD (as of April 2023). That’s not a lot of buying power, especially when compared to our $10 and $20 dollar bills. So if you’re paying in cash for everything like we were, you’ll have to carry a ton of physical bills around with you. This image shows how 115 bills are needed to be valued at $300 USD.
3. Milk is in a bag
Milk comes in a bag. That’s right, a bag! I found it super inconvenient at first, but eventually got the hang of cutting a little hole in the corner and closing it up with a rubber band. I’m sure there’s a better system, but I never quite figured it out.
4. They do everything later
It’s not uncommon to see kids out at 7-8 pm. Gyms don’t open until 7 am. A lot of restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8 pm, and most people don’t head out until 9 or even 10 pm! Back in the States, I was in bed by 9 pm so this was something I had to adjust to. This was a huge change for me, but I have to admit, I love not having any post-dinner cravings because I eat so late.
5. Everyone drinks Mate
This herbal drink is everywhere in Buenos Aires. It’s a bit like opening a tea bag and pouring all the leaves into a cup, then adding hot water. People walk around with a thermos bottle and mate cup, sipping on the drink through a special straw that is designed to prevent you from drinking any leaves. I found the drink very bitter, definitely an acquired taste, but it’s a unique cultural experience that I would recommend trying!
6. There are a lot of female police officers
The second place we stayed was a block from a police station so I would often walk by it. They always had someone outside patrolling. Luke waved to a lovely police officer so we started chatting. She said it was very common for females to be police officers about 30%.
7. Not everything is cheap
While some things in Buenos Aires are certainly more affordable than in the US, there are many items that can be surprisingly expensive. Anything imported is usually where you see the increased price tag, and name-brand shoes and clothing are often cheaper back home. Electronics are also very expensive here.
Asics Gel Nimbus. The pair I found in Buenos Aires was $47,660 ARS. The current exchange rate is about $125 USD. You can find the same pair on the Asics website for $109.95.
If you were to look at the ratio for the minimum wage of US compared to Argentina it’s drastic.
US: Federal minimum wage is $1,473 for a month. Those sneaks are 7% of the minimum wage salary.
In Argentina: The minimum wage is about $105,000 per month. The sneakers are 45% of the monthly minimum wage.
8. Public transportation is great
We didn’t rent a car during our time in Buenos Aires, so we relied on public transportation to get around. We also didn’t have a car seat for Luke so we couldn’t take taxis. The bus or train was often the best option for us, and Google Maps made it easy to figure out the best route. The Sube card system also made traveling seamless, as it could be used on trains, buses, and the subway.
9. The city is super pet friendly
If you’re a pet lover, you’ll feel right at home in Buenos Aires. Pet shops are everywhere, and you’ll see people walking their dogs all over the city, some with no leashes. Just watch out for the occasional dog poop on the sidewalk! This image is a screenshot of the neighborhood we stayed in (Villa Urquiza), and there are 11 pet shops less than a mile area.
It was common to see dog walkers with 5-10 dogs! Unlike the US, neutering dogs is not common in Argentina.
10. Restaurant culture is slower paced
If you’re a seasoned diner in the United States, you’re likely accustomed to being in and out of restaurants within a swift 60 to 120 minutes. In fact, many restaurants in the US implore customers to finish their meals quickly, discouraging any form of “camping” out. But if you find yourself dining in Buenos Aires, prepare to leave your sense of urgency at the door. The locals, savor every bite and sip, reveling in the social aspect of dining. It’s not uncommon to stay put long after your meal is over, engaged in lively conversation and fully immersed in the moment. And don’t expect the check to arrive unannounced – you’ll need to flag down your server to settle the bill. This unhurried approach to dining may be foreign to some, but for those willing to embrace it, it can be a truly satisfying experience.
I loved reading this! One thing I admire is the slower paced dining experience. I have heard that about other countries too.
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