Argentina Culture and Etiquette: A Traveler's Guide

A warm, expressive culture

Argentines are famously friendly, talkative and physically affectionate. Conversation is animated, personal space is small, and friendships form quickly. Understanding a few customs will help you blend in from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.

Greetings

• Even between men, the standard greeting is one kiss on the right cheek. A handshake is used only in formal or business first meetings.
• Use buenos dias, buenas tardes or buenas noches when entering shops or cafes.
• Argentines use vos instead of tu (so it's vos tenes, not tu tienes) and a distinctive sh sound for ll and y.

Mate: the national ritual

Mate (a herbal tea sipped through a metal bombilla) is shared from one gourd passed around the group. Etiquette matters:

• Don't touch or stir the bombilla, just drink and pass it back.
• Finishing the gourd (a slurping sound) is polite, not rude.
• Say gracias only when you've had enough and want to stop the round.

Food and dining

• Dinner is late, often 9 to 10 pm; restaurants may not fill until 10.
• The asado (barbecue) is a social institution; the asador who grills is honored, so compliment the meat.
• Don't rush a meal. Lingering at the table, called sobremesa, is part of the experience.

Tipping

• In restaurants, leave around 10% in cash, as tips often can't be added to card payments.
• Tip cafe waiters small change, and round up for taxis.
• A cubierto (cover charge for bread and table service) is normal and is not a tip.

Dos and don'ts

• Do learn a little about football; passion for Boca, River and Messi runs deep.
• Don't call the Malvinas the Falklands, a politically sensitive topic.
• Do arrive 15 to 30 minutes late to social invitations; punctuality is loose socially but expected for business.
• Don't confuse Argentines with other Latin Americans; national pride is strong, with European, Italian and indigenous roots.
• Do dress smartly in cities; Argentines value good presentation.

Stay connected in Argentina

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