Argentina: Expectations vs Reality?

Like many people who are about to leave to a foriegn country, before I left for Argentina I had so many fairytales images of the country in my head. When I arrived some of these turned out to be accurate and others were completely false. Here I’ll go through some of the common stereotypes that many foriegners place on Argentina and explain which are accurate and which are just misconceptions…

Expectation:

Tango shows everywhere you go

Reality:

This really depends on where you are. In Buenos Aires, there are quite a lot of Tango shows and places where you can learn how to dance the Tango however it is a lot more subtle that I expected. When foreigners travel to parts of Buenos Aires such as La Boca (which is a massive tourist attraction) a huge misconception is created as here there are Tango shows in every restaurant and people dancing in the streets. Regular life in Buenos Aires is not like this!

Expectation:

The Argentinian diet = meat, wine and even more meat

Reality:

This is definitely accurate. The Argentine culture places high importance on meat and wine. Everywhere you go in Buenos Aires you will see restaurants with a parrilla (their version of BBQed meat) offering possibly some of the tastiest steak you will taste. They have definitely perfected the art of steaks. Meanwhile, wine is always on the menu when you go out for dinner, mainly Malbec which is made in Mendoza, so prepare yourself to drink up!

Expectation:

Hot weather. Always!

Reality:

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Argentina is such a vast country that you will see all climates if you go travelling through it, including tropical sunshine up towards the north all the way to Antartic chills in the south . I had quite a shock when I arrived in Buenos Aires in September and I realised leaving my big winter coat behind in England was a bit mistake! Like most other countries, you will experience all 4 seasons in Buenos Aires.. including winter!!

Expectation:

The feeling of danger

Reality:

This aspect is something that is has been exaggerated. Of course, there are some areas which you are advised to steer clear of but this is the same in all countries and cities.It is still important to be weary walking in the streets alone at night and take care with your more expensive belongings.However, all-in-all Argentina is not a dangerous country and it has welcomed more and more foreigners in past years that the crime rate is not as reduced significantly than what it once was.

Expectation:

Friendly people

Reality:

Correct! The people here are so relaxed and welcoming to foreigners. They make you feel very at home in their country. It is not unlikely that you get chatting to Argentines beit it in a restaurant, a bar or in a taxi! They are all friendly and interested in what you have to tell them. Many are curious about foreign countries and are intrigued to know why you have chosen to come to Buenos Aires, so I recommend you prepare an answer for type of question in advance!