Argentina

Smart Talk

The Dirty War and the "disappeared" of the 1970s, definitely still a deep trauma in the nation's psyche, are not to be referenced casually.

The Peróns, whose legacy is much debated. You never know how an Argentine will feel about them.

The Falklands War may seem like an amusing '80s footnote, even to Brits-but certainly not to the nation that lost.

The economic crises of the past several years, for which many hold the International Monetary Fund and American policies responsible.

Lumping Argentina in with all of Latin America (many Argentines believe that they stand apart from the rest of the continent).

Diversionary Topics - Argentina as unique within the continent; its prosperous past (if not present). And most middle-class people have therapists and love to talk about them.

Tipping Etiquette

Listen Up

Basic Phrases Essential For Your Travels

Hello

Hola (informal); buen día (not buenos días) for “good day,” buenas tardes for the afternoon, and buenas noches after 8 p.m. (since the day ends two hours later in Argentina). On social occasions, even businesspeople kiss after the first meeting. “Just one kiss, right cheek to right cheek,” Vanessa Guibert-Heitner of Limitless Argentina specifies. “Not two like in Europe or—God forbid— three, like in Brazil.”

Good-bye

Chau or hasta luego.

Thank You

Gracias works fine.

Excuse Me

Disculpe for most situations. In case of a major mess-up: ¡Perdón! Le pido mil disculpas (“a thousand pardons!”). Say con permiso to pass someone or ask a question.

Help Me

¿Me podría ayudar?

Please

Por favor.