Culture and Etiquette in Argentina

Argentina’s mores reflect its overwhelmingly European ancestry, and, apart from getting used to the late dining hours, most travelers from the West will have little trouble fitting in.

Society generally displays a pleasing balance between formal politeness and casual tolerance. When it comes to dress, Argentines take great pride in appearance, but in bigger cities, you will see examples of many different styles and sub-cultures. Particularly outlandish clothing might raise eyebrows out in the provinces, but probably no more than it would in rural areas of most countries. One area of etiquette that will probably be new to you is the very Argentine custom of drinking mate, which comes with its own set of rules, but foreigners will be given lots of leeway here, as in other areas of social custom – a faux pas is more likely to cause amusement than offence.

Rules, regulations and bureaucracy

Argentines’ rather cavalier attitude towards rules and considerations of health and safety is probably the biggest culture shock many foreigners have to deal with; the most obvious example of this is the anarchy you’ll see on roads, but you will also likely come across things such as loose wiring in hotels or wobbly cliff-top fencing. A complaint will probably get you no more than a shrug of the shoulders, though there are signs of a change in attitudes. Many visitors actually find the lack of regulations liberating.

Another difference is the Kafka-esque bureaucracy that you will encounter if you’re in the country for any length of time – when obtaining a visa, say, or picking up a parcel from the post office. Do not lose your temper if faced with red tape – this will hinder rather than help.

Sexual harassment and discrimination

Women planning on traveling alone to the country can do so with confidence. Some machista attitudes do persist but the younger generation is shedding gender differences with alacrity and few people will find it strange that you are traveling unaccompanied. You will probably find you are the target of comments in the street and chat-up lines (called piropos) more frequently than you are accustomed to, but those responsible will not persist if you make it clear you’re not interested. Such attentions are almost never hostile or physical, and awareness of the harm verbal harassment causes is improving.

The #MeToo movement is called by both the English name and the Spanish translation Yo También. It went viral in 2018 with the hashtag #MiráCómoNosPonemos after actress Thelma Fardín’s accusations against her colleague Juan Darthés. The phrase can be translated as “look at what you do to us”. In 2024 he was found guilty of the 2009 assault at the center of her accusations.

Greetings

When greeting people or taking your leave, it is normal to kiss everyone present on the cheek (just once, always the right cheek); some men may also emphasize their masculinity by slapping each other on the back, or clasp hands then bump fists. Shaking hands tends to be the preserve of conservative businessmen or very formal situations, though some Argentines may offer a hand rather than a cheek if they know you’re foreign; if in doubt, watch the locals.

Drinking and smoking

Argentine attitudes to drinking tend to be similar to those in southern Europe: alcohol is fine in moderation, and usually taken with food. Public drunkenness occurs more frequently among the young than it used to, though equally a group of friends might make a litre of beer last all night. Smoking is fairly common among all sexes and classes, although it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public areas throughout the country.

Shopping

You will find no real tradition of haggling in Argentina, although you can always try it when buying pricey artwork or antiques. Expensive services such as excursions and car rental are also obvious candidates for bargaining, while hotel rates can be beaten down off-season, late at night or if you’re paying in cash (en efectivo). But try and be reasonable, especially in the case of already low-priced crafts or high-quality goods and services that are obviously worth every centavo.

Tipping

Tipping is not widespread in Argentina, with a couple of exceptions. It’s normal to give hairdressers and beauticians a five to ten percent tip and you should add a gratuity of ten percent to restaurant bills if service is not included. Note that a service charge is not the same as the ambiguous cubiertos charge you might see on your bill; this literally means “cutlery”, and is there to cover a bread-basket and tap water. It isn’t charged everywhere and can vary depending on the establishment. It is another, slightly sneaky, way for restaurants to earn a bit extra. Unofficial assistants who hang around taxi ranks to open and close doors also expect a small amount, as do hotel porters and the people who load and unload long-distance bus luggage.