adminee
From: United States
5/10/2011 09:06 EST
If there was one thing that you wish you had known about living in Argentina before you arrived and started to settle in, what would it be?
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TomP
5/10/2011 10:13 EST
My wife and I have lived in Mendoza and San Rafael, Argentina for three years and there are two things I wish I had known when coming from America.
We have learned to live with these two one time irritants and now when confronted with them just shrug and say, "Oh well".
The first is long lines, lines at the Bank, lines at the grocery store, lines at the utility company. Argentines are rarely impatient and never seem to complain to the management. And in three years I have never seen management hire more employees to speed things up.
The second is an acute lack of "Customer Service". Whether you are at a one person fruit stand or in a fancy Mall, employees have not been trained in the sales philosophy that the "Customer is always right". In Argentina it would be the Customer is a necessary part of the sales equation only if convenient for the company and its employees offering goods and services. I could give examples but they are too numerous to list here.
My wife and I love Argentina and we have learned to take books along with us for those long waits and we no longer expect any particular level of customer service. If an employee is friendly, competent, and efficient we feel lucky. I am not saying Argentines working in the service sector are inefficient, incompetent and unfriendly, just don't expect it. And forget about "Upsale" like a McDonalds, trying to sell you extras is not in the Argentine mentailty.
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sherylzeunert
5/12/2011 10:52 EST
Yes and yes!!! I totally agree with Tom. My husband and I have only been here 6 months. The long lines and lack of American type of customer service are the 2 things that drive us nuts. Also, crossing the street is very different here than in the US.
Our trip is ending soon and we are really sad to be leaving Argentina. We will miss it and definitely will be back. But, I look forward to efficient lines, good customer service and crossing the street without fear of getting run over.
Sheryl
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Harveeeee
5/17/2011 19:56 EST
When I lived in Argentina I was robbed 5 times. Virtually every time I bought something they tried to short change me. The inflation rate is about 30%, it has been for years and there is no sign of getting better. If you buy a product and go back 2 weeks later most likely it will be more. Alot times the raise is 25% not gradually. If you do any kind of business in Argentina expect to be cheated. I got to the point where I didn't believe anyone because I was lied to so much. Very sad. Argentina is a beautiful country too bad I can't say that for most of its people.
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TomP
5/17/2011 22:14 EST
Wow, somber statements and I am not denying that they are factual but they certainly do not reflect my experience over the last three years.
Also, when I live in NYC I suppose if I focused on the bad experiences they would be quite numerous.
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