Country
Background
In 1976, threatened by terrorism and
hyperinflation, most Argentines were
relieved when the military seized power.
Stability was restored at the cost of
human rights.
The junta ceded power to an elected
government in 1983.
Today the Republic of Argentina is
once again a democracy. Its military
junta stepped down after the
country’s loss to Great Britain in the
1982 Falkland Islands War.
Spanish is the official
language.
90 Percent of the population considers
itself Roman Catholic. Jews and
Protestants account 2 percent each.
About 85 percent of Argentines are European
descent, primarily Spanish or Italian. Indians,
mestizos, and blacks together make up only 15
percent of Argentina's 33 million people.
Visitors are expected to be punctual. However, do not be
surprised if your Argentine counterpart is late. In general, the
more important the person, the more likely it is that he or she
will keep you waiting.
Note that social occasions have different rules. Even North
Americans are expected to be thirty to sixty minutes late for
dinner or parties; to show up on time would be impolite. But
be on time for lunch and for events with a scheduled starting
time, such as the theater.
When it is important to know if your Argentine counterpart
expects promptness, you can ask, “¿En punto?” (on the
dot?).
Argentine executives may put in a very long day, often
lasting until 10:00 p.m. An 8:00 p.m. business meeting is not at
all unusual.
Do not be surprised if it takes
you several trips to accomplish
your goal.
Each decision must be approved
by many people.
Personal relationships are far
more important than corporate
ones.
Business meals are popular and are usually held in
restaurants; offers to dine in Argentine homes are relatively
infrequent.
Business lunches are uncommon outside of Buenos Aires,
since most people go home to eat lunch.
Argentines do not usually discuss business over meals; meals
are considered social occasions.
You will be offered something. Accept something to drink,
even if you don't want it. Argentines do not put milk in their
coffee, so it will probably not be available.
 When dining, keep your hands on the table, not in your lap.
To indicate that you are finished eating and have had
enough, cross your knife and fork (with the prongs down) on
your dinner plate.
Argentina serves some of the best beef in the world; expect
to see a lot of it at meals.
Argentina is three hours behind
Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T.-3).
Except when greeting close friends, it is
traditional to shake hands briefly and
nod to both men and women.
Close male friends shake hands or
embrace upon meeting; men kiss close
female friends. The full embrace (abrazo)
may entail a hug, a handshake, and
several thumps on the shoulder, ending
with another handshake.
Most people you meet shouldbe
addressed with a title and their surname.
Mr. = Señor.
Mrs. = Señora
Miss = Señorita
Most Hispanics have two surnames: one
from their father, which is listed first, followed
by one from their mother.+
The Argentine people converse at a
closer distance.
Maintaining eye contact is very
important.
Sit only on chairs, not on a ledge, box,
or table.
Eating in the street or on public
transportation is considered impolite.
Dress is very important for making a good impression
in Argentina.
Business dress in Argentina is fairly, conservative: dark
suits and ties for men; white blouses and dark suites or
skirts for women.
Women should not wear shorts, except when invited
to a swimming pool.
Indian clothing is for Indians; don’t adopt any native
costumes, no matter how attractive. The same goes for
gaucho outfits.
Don’t forget that the seasons in South America are the
reverse of those in North America.
As in any country, any gift given should be
of high quality.
Avoid giving knifes; they symbolize the
severing of a friendship.
Electronic gadgets like pocket
calculators are popular.
Avoid bringing leather gifts.
If you are invited to an Argentine home,
bring a gift or flowers, imported
chocolates, or whiskey. Bird-of-paradise
flowers are highly prized.