Best networking practices in Buenos Aires
Have you ever been to a place where you saw mannerisms, characteristics or gestures that either shocked or confused you? This is common when going to a nation with a different culture than what you are used to. It is crucial, as an expat, to adjust to that country's traditions instead of insisting that its nation adjusts to you. Here's a small starter guide to the networking etiquette in Buenos Aires.
Greetings in Buenos Aires
People in Buenos Aires always greet one another with a kiss which occasionally is stretched into a hug — it all depends on how well you know the person.
It is polite to introduce yourself to a group instead of waiting for the host to do it, and yes, everyone should get a kiss — men included, even if you are a man.
Add “mucho gusto” (nice to meet you) or “encantada” (enchanted) to the greeting.
Please, Thank you and You're welcome
Argentines (never say ‘Argentinians') are polite — extremely so — and laid back at the same time. Still, they place good manners above everything else — somewhere between church and soccer.
Don't be afraid to say please, thank you or you're welcome whenever you can. A little kindness goes a long way in Buenos Aires.
The dress code in Buenos Aires
Argentines, in general, or more formal and conservative in how they dress. “More” than who? Mainly Americans who don't think anything of wearing shorts, knee-high black socks, thong sandals and a loud, flowery shirt when dining out.
Women, who want to avoid the extra ‘attention,' should dress modestly as do the locals. Men often wear suits to work, but still manage to look good and dress well even when not working.
A good rule of thumb is to dress depending on the occasion. If you're not sure, just watch what others are wearing
Hand gestures
Do you know how to keep an Argentine quiet? Tie their hands. True to their Italian background, Argentines use hand gestures to communicate with others.
Maybe the most common hand gesture is swiping one hand under their chin. The gesture means the speaker has nothing left to say.
There are way too many hand gestures to describe, so just keep an eye out and be sure to ask if you are not sure of the meaning.
Relationships in Buenos Aires
Anyone who has dated an Argentine can attest to the many cultural differences.
The topic of relationships in Argentina is too broad to cover in a small space, but generally, remember cultural differences may create misunderstandings — even with the cross-cultural lovebirds are saying the same thing.
However, the differences can contribute to a deeper level of communication, so be patient, ask questions and be mindful of the other's culture.
