Argentina - Culture, Etiquette and Business Practices

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Hola! Welcome to our guide to Argentina, the people, society, manners and business culture!

Perfect for anyone travelling to or doing business in Argentina.

 

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What will you Learn?

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You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including:

• Language
• Religion and beliefs
• Culture and society
• Social etiquette and customs
• Business culture and etiquette

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Festival goers having fun in La Lonja. Photo by Julián Gentilezza on Unsplash

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Facts and Statistics

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• 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; sub-antarctic in southwest
• Population: 45,195,774 (2020)
• Ethnic Make-up: White (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, Mestizo, Amerindian, or other non white groups 3%
• Government: Presidential Representative Democratic Republic

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Language in Argentina

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Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. The vast majority of Argentina speak Spanish as either their first or second language.  Where Argentinians speak a second language, they are more likely to speak Italian, German, English or French. 

• In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish.
• There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French.
• There are 35 known indigenous languages in Argentina, but only 13 of these are officially listed. These languages include Tehuelche, Guarani, Chorote, Pilaga, Wichi, Quechua, Nivacle, Toba, Mbya and Mapuche. Many of these indigenous languages are spoken in specific regions or areas of Argentina.

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Argentina's roots in cowboy culture can be seen in their passion for the modern day game of polo. Photo by Meg Jerrard on Unsplash

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Argentinian Society & Culture

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Spain colonised Argentina 400 years ago and it was not until 1816 that the country won its independence. Argentina is now a diverse multicultural mix of people of principally Spanish and Italian descent, coupled with a small number of the population who are direct descendants of one of the many indigenous groups.

 

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.
  
  

Argentinian 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.
• Other world religions, notably Islam, are gaining a foothold within the country during the last ten to fifteen years.

 

Expressive Communication Style

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

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Etiquette and Manners in Argentina

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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.
• Do not give knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
• Gifts are opened immediately.

 

Dining Etiquette

• If you are invited to an Argentine home:
• Dress well. Men should wear a jacket and tie. Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse.
• Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than invited for a dinner party. Arriving on time is not the norm.
• Telephone your hosts the following day to thank them.

 

Watch your Table Manners!

• Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
• Table manners are Continental - hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Do not begin eating until your hosts invite you to do so.
• Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
• Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
• It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
• Pouring wine is beset with many rituals and cultural taboos. If at all possible, avoid pouring wine.

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'Asado' (grill/BBQ) is taken very seriously in Argentina. Photo taken in Mendoza by DEBY RODRIGUEZ on Unsplash

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Business Culture and Etiquette in Argentina

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Relationships & Communication

• Argentina is a relationship-driven culture, so it is important to build networks and use them.
• Argentines maintain and use an intricate network of family and friends to call upon for help, favours or assistance.
• If a favour is done for you, you will eventually be called upon to re-pay it.
• Name-dropping and nepotism do not have the negative connotations as it has in the West and can be used to your advantage.
• Above all Argentines like to do business with people they know and trust.
• They prefer face-to-face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing, which are seen as impersonal.
• Once a relationship has developed, their loyalty will be to you rather than to the company you represent.
• Looking good in the eyes of others is important to Argentines. Therefore, they will judge you not only on what you say, but also on the way you present yourself.
• Avoid confrontation. Argentines do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect.
• It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority.
• When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.
• Be alert for nuances and hidden meanings.
• It is a good idea to repeat details, as you understand them to confirm that you and your business colleagues are in agreement.

 

Business Meeting Etiquette

• Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, preferably by e-mail or telephone.
• Avoid January and February, which are their vacation times; the middle weeks of July, which is when many go skiing; and during the two weeks before and after Christmas.
• You should arrive on time for meetings, although the person you are meeting may not be punctual.
• In some older, more bureaucratic organizations, the more important the person you are meeting, the longer they keep you waiting.
• Do not immediately begin discussing business. Small talk helps establish a rapport.
• The person you are meeting with may accept telephone calls and attend to other business while you are there.
• Have all printed material available in both English and Spanish.
• Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.

 

Business Negotiations

• Argentines expect to deal with people of similar status.
• Hierarchy is important. Decisions are made at the top of the company. Business moves slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic.
• Decisions often require several layers of approval.
• Argentines have a difficult time disagreeing, so do not think that things are going well simply because no one is challenging what you say.

 

What to Wear?

• Business attire is formal and conservative, yet stylish.
• Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
• Women should wear elegant business suits or dresses.
• Good quality accessories are important for both sexes.
• Dress well if you want to make a good impression.

 

Business Card Etiquette

• Business cards are given without formal ritual.
• Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.
• Present your business card so the Spanish side faces the recipient.

 

Management Style

• Read more about this on our page about the Management Style in Argentina

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Read More About Argentina

• Place Name Disputes Everyone in Global Business Should Know About  (See Point 3 re: Argentina)
• 10 Culturally Different Valentine's Celebrations Around the World   (See point 7 re: Argentina)

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