Argentina
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Social & Business Customs
Food
Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink and eating out is an experience in itself. But be warned: Argentine's tend to dine very late (9PM is considered early). Famed for the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat‑eater's dream and a visit to a parrillada restaurant should be on a visitor's to‑do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have a veggie option and salads are widely available. The country's Italian heritage is evident in the popularity of pizza and pasta eateries throughout the country. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires, while North American and European style dishes are available in large hotels and tourist areas.
Drink
Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value. Many international beers are available but local brand Quilmes is eternally popular. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina, and there are many fine local varieties. Mate is a national institution in Argentina (like tea is to the English). Made from dried yerba leaves, mate is served in a gourd and is shared between friends.
Nightlife
Argentines like to party and even the smallest of towns in rural areas have late night bars and discos. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a center for South American clubbing, boasting line‑ups of world famous visiting and home‑grown DJ's. Things rarely get going until midnight and the music keeps pumping until well after daylight. Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. There are many theaters and concert halls, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras. There are casinos throughout Argentina.
Shopping
Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, possibly of even being the best shopping city in Latin America. Plush shopping centers are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. Leather goods are a good buy and can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas.
Shopping Hours
Mon‑Fri 9AM‑8PM, Sat 9AM‑1PM. In the outskirts and provinces, they tend to close at midday.
Social
The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. When invited to somebody's house it is quite common to take a homemade dish or dessert. Dinner is usually served between 9PM‑10PM. Avoid casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Dress is not usually formal, though clothes should be conservative away from the beach. Formal wear is worn for official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants.
Business
Business cards are usually given and businesspeople expect to deal with someone of equal status. Punctuality is expected by visitors. Literature is in Spanish, although many Argentine businesspeople speak English as a second language.
Office hours: Mon‑Fri 9AM‑12N and 2PM‑7PM.
Mobile phone and Internet
Mobile phone roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies, but phones must be tri‑band. Coverage is good in most parts of the country, but may be lacking in remote and mountain areas. Internet is available in most towns and cities in locutorios (phone centres) and internet cafés. Many estancias and rural areas are cut off from both internet and telephone access. Wi‑Fi Internet Access is increasingly found in upper range hotels.
