Expat Advice: Living in San Rafael, Argentina
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
San Rafael
How long have you lived there?
13 Months
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
There's a small but very friendly group of about 40 expats - so there's always someone to take you for a game of squash at the squash club or tennis at the tennis club. Weekends are usually spent having an asado with friends in either Valle Grande or Los Reyunos where you can also go rafting, hiking, camping, paragliding or just swim in the lakes and rivers. Then there's always Scottish dancing at Mike Stewarts! There are plenty of gyms and martial arts establishments to join, it's a very outdoors, fit lifestyle.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Not in the least diverse! Well over 90% catholic and well over 95% of European descent. The main employment in the area at the moment is in agriculture, but tourism is rapidly gaining a hold. People here are pretty relaxed about everything. Their reaction to people pretty much depends on your own attitude.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Agriculture and tourism. There are opportunities in export if you have the right contacts, most foriegners here at the moment are either working on their own farms or have set their own businesses up. Because of the resurgence of the Argentine economy there are some fantastic opportunities if you're prepared to work. English teachers are always in demand.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Learn Spanish before you come. Lack of Spanish won't stop you from achieving anything, but you'll miss out on some fantastic social situations. Other than that, be ready to eat some fantastic steaks and drink some incredible wine.
Moving to Argentina soon?
More Expat Advice about Living in Argentina
Write a Comment about this Expat Report
Comments about this Report
guestThe expat community in San Rafael is not a good one. Most of the expats don't socialize. There is a rife gossip mill and spreading rumors seems to be the the most popular hobby among them. Most of the expat asados I went to involved drunk malcontents that talked trash. I was amazed at the rotten lies that I learned were said about me behind my back. If you think you are going to have a great expat social life in San Rafael you're dreaming...
kevdonHave you any info on which is the best tools for learning Spanish that's not overwhelming
TomPSan Rafael is a quaint city, much slower than Mendoza and far fewer good restaurants but retail businesses are improving and growing. My wife and I have lived in Mendoza and San rafael for nearly four years as we have a 108-acre vineyard development in San Rafael. My wife speaks excellent Spanish, I do not but from day one we decided to do everything according to the "Rules" mandated by the Argentine Government, for example paying an extra 23% on top of wages for our vineyard workers for benefits and paying a painful 21% IVA tax on every post, wire and grapevine we plant. We have an Argentine CPA who, fortunately for me, is bi-lingual. We know many foreigners who cut corners, paid cash under the table with no benefits and the horror stories abound. Argentina is a 100% pro-labor country especially if it becomes a contest of You" v. "Them" in a court of law or a labor hearing about how you cheated an employee. We have as many Argentine friends as ex-pats in San Rafael and Mendoza. It is true many Argentine say "Kiss, kiss, we must have lunch" and you never hear from them until perhaps the next social function where you run into them. But also have many Argentine friends where we have shared holidays, meals, events and outings. We know several ex-pats in San Rafael and it seems many lack cohesion or the desire to have and participate in an Ex-Pat Club like in Mendoza where there are regular meetings, lunches, dinners and events. Many of our ex-pat friends do not see the need for an Ex-Pat Club to meet other ex-pats and that is how my wife and I feel. Besides knowing and socializing with many Argentines we have friends from Canada, Sweden, Holland, France, Peru, Chile Paraguay, Uruguay and of course a dozen states in the USA. Bluntly, Argentina is no longer cheap and that includes San Rafael. Back in 2007 when my wife and I first visited Buenos Aires at many a cafe you could order a meal that started with a glass of wine, an entree of chicken or beef, bread, salad, french fries, coffee and desert for AR 12 Pesos or about US$4.00. Today that same meal will cost AR 40 Pesos or nearly US$10.00. However, at the same time the AR Peso has gone from 3.02 per USDollar in 2007/2008 to the present day AR 4.35 per USDollar so if you have USDollars like Social Security or income from the US the USDollar has become nearly 45% stronger. For my wife and I Argentines are friendly and helpful but as in the USA you need to watch what you do regarding business. Don't pay in advance for work or goods promised to be performed or delivered. Don't accept the very first price you hear, get competing estimates. Don't rely on verbal agreements, have your Escribano draft a simple contract translated from your English version into Spanish. And if and when you venture forth to buy a home, vineyard, orchard or land, have a new Survey ordered and review it, have an Agronomist complete a soil's report and condition report of the vineyard, grove, orchard etc. you are considering. And have the Title searched by the Escribano before you close or put up a large deposit that you may find extremely difficult if not impossible to get refunded. The few US hundreds you spend here can save you tens of thousands.
TomPDoes an Ex-Pay Club still exist in San Rafael? If so, what day and time does it meet? Thank you
hiechuckI have lived in San Rafael 8 years and find the expat community fantastic! At my home we meet every Sunday for Bocce ball and a pot luck dinner.anywhere from 13 to 34 people come and we have a good time. I see most of them throughout the week for social events. We have had a couple of gossip mongers throughout the years and we quickly un-invite them. The climate is wonderful, the local people are very nice and helpful. You can get along without much Spanish, many people speak some English and are very willing to help you.
hiechuckThis guy has the right idea. San Rafael is great but you only get back what you put out. Hopefully Kevdon is gone by now. We have many expat as well as Argentine friends
