Argentina is a South American country whose citizens are, in their great majority, descendants of Europeans – Italians and Spaniards, who came here centuries ago. In the Argentine society, family occupies a very important place, and people are trying to maintain a warm relationship with the entire family, even with its extended version. The head of the family is treated with great respect, but this status brings huge responsibilities. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, and in recent years Argentina has experiences migration of many Muslims.
Argentineans are direct and honest people, but also very diplomatic when they talk to a person. They are friendly and welcoming, so they have a natural openness to foreigners. Do not be surprised if, while a conversation with an Argentine, he touches you: it’s a common custom in this country.
If you’re invited inside a house of an Argentinean family, it’s polite to bring a gift for the host. An appreciated gesture is to offer a foreign beverage bottle, because the excise duty on foreign spirits is very high here. The only gift that you should never offer them is a pair of scissors. Dress well if you intend to make a visit: men should wear an elegant shirt and a tie, while women should wear a dress or a skirt. Argentines are not punctual, so it’s not a problem in case you are late 35-45 minutes to an event or on a date.
“The city that has it all”, that’s how is characterized the city by local authorities. Art, culture, history and shopping lovers may find a heaven in Buenos Aires. The city is called “Paris of Latin America” first of all because of the culture that floats on the street and second of all because of the connections with Europe. But, despite all the leaders of Europe that Argentina has had, the city manages to create its own flavor.
