About porkah

Currently Lives:

xxx, xxx, United Kingdom

Citizen of:

United Kingdom

Some Forum Posts:

Argentina: IT Positions in Bs As:

Potentially looking at moving there but really worried about job prospects. I am a senior Windows Engineer and thus used to a reasonably comfortable standard of living so, as well as this, I would need to be sure of job security (so maybe in Government position ?). I speak not bad Argentine-Spanish, and currently undertaking a higher inremediate Spanish course. Would be grateful if someone could give me an idea of prospects. I am mid 40s. Muchas gracias companeros.

Argentina: Argentina - Need a Wedding Planner:

We arranged everything for ourselves with the help of her friends and family and, as well as being economical, we were able to dictate how and when things happened. The wedding night itself is spectacularly entertaining, and we had our reception in a beautiful antique bar in the buzzing barrio of San Telmo - was very romantic ! If you are interested, I may be able to answer specific questions, if not, I hope you have a truly special day.

Argentina: Financing a property purchase:

Hi all Have been reading the posts with a great deal of interest and it looks as if there may be some very good and reliable advice available here on this topic. I have no problem with also contacting people directly by e-mail (if preferred) and then maybe (if deemed a good idea) in posting a summary of the advice ? Our problem is this. We have limited capital and are looking to invest in purchse of a property (preferably in Cap Fed but also checking Lomas and surrounding). We are able to obtain the finance here in a UK bank, but how do we then translate this into a purchase in Argentina - and prefeably a cash purchase which invariably includes a discount ? We understand that there are not direct links between banks in UK and Argentina, and even if it were possible to "transfer" money, if you are buying privately, it is very unusual for the seller to actually have a bank account (this information is from a portena so I accept is the case). So to summarise, we will have a cash amount in a UK bank, which we do not want to pay massive amounts to convert and transfer the currency, but is is obviously not practicable (or even legal ?) to bring the money in on your person - tantamount to lunacy I would say ! We would also like to have the chance to buy with cash there if possible, and avoid paying the 5% agency fees. Thanks to all who take trouble to respond. This is a pretty urgent requirement now ! Porkah

Argentina: Websites about Bs As:

If you post in ONE message in this forum exactly what information you are aiming to obtain from the websites, I have a native contact there and they will be able to supply me with relevant.com.ar links. This usually means they will be in Spanish (Latin American not usually Platense), but some have translations to English. In any case, it has been my experience that by learning to speak the language, one is welcomed openly there - although many places DO have English speakers. Saludos

Argentina: Safe Barrios in Gran Buenos Aires:

I have visited a few times and also been to some of the areas you mention in more affluent times. The last time I was there, there were many reports of muggings and kidnapping in these areas, but it would appear that people are still wearing items of value which would signify this affluence and therefore make you a target. As a foreigner, you will also receive little sympathy from the pickateros should you try to venture into the city on a day they have decided to stop trains, metros, or rutas. I believe the second respondant hit the nail on the head - closed barrios. I would not personally consider moving to Gran Bs As unless I was located in a closed barrio. Also, I would be very reluctant to use my own car to go anywhere, probably would resort to using "known" taxi companies. It IS sad that these measures are now necessary, but you have to remember that (in many cases) through no fault of their own, these people do not have money to feed even their own children. Faced with this adversity, it is not difficult to understand the desperation of the robbers, and the fact that the value of human life has decreased to such a level as to be almost irrelevant. To them, the facts are simple, you can afford to feed your children and they cannot - kill or be killed. I have not included the last para to scare you or to evoke sympathy for this plight, but to help you to realise what you are up against, and therefore make the apprpriate decisions with as much relevant information as you can have. Saludos y espero que hagas la decision correcto

Argentina: Spanish & Cultural Awareness:

Also important to use books which explain how the Latin Spanish is different to Castillano - particularly cojugations using "vos" instead of tu, and the fact that you (plural) is always ustedes over there. There are also many different words in use to those used by Spanish, but most you can work out what is being said. He contrado que cuando tengas que hablar en espanol, aprendes mucho mas que en las clases espanol aqui y ademas esta mas interesante a ver tu propio nivel. (espero que lo sea correcto). Que tengas una buena vida alla

Argentina: Contracts from UK:

Can anyone suggest any companies which might be offering ideally long term contracts from UK in the IT sector, to go and work in Buenos Aires. I am in the advanced process of learning Spanish and have a good understanding and liking of the life and customs there. Thanks for ANY help or advice

Argentina: Contemplating a move to Argentina and need some help.:

Depending on who you listen to, unfortunately the country seems to be getting worse, and with the election of the new Bs mayor, it is likely that expenditure on the infrastructure there will reduce further (he apparently prefers to spend on free concerts and cultural events). The streets now are full of the signs of disrepair and dog muck - very sad state compared to 7 years ago. The tubes and autopistas are cut somewhere almost daily by the picateros, and inflation is sky-high. In the height of summer you may well find yourself without air-conditioning and or water, and violent crime is spiralling. OK that is the bad side. The good side is that due to the exchange rates, almost everything (including property) is very cheap, and cost of living though high for natives, is a fraction of what we are used to. The people are immensely friendly, and will usually at laest try to speak English, but would recommend you learn enough Spanish to at least be conversational. Although sometimes a little impatient, you will usually be appreciated if you attempt the local lingo. The meat is to die for, and there are many foodstuffs there which we would never be able to try. Alcohol is immensely cheap (champagne and wine especially), but the Argentines tend not to drink very much (at least those I have met), and don't lhave respect for people who appear to. In general, the people are very well educated and stick to groups of people with similar interests and education levels. Travel is very cheap and you could probably use taxis all the time and still feel it is economic. Cheaper options are the subte, and the flat fare buses. Like any country, common sense is a pre requisite when travelling in Bs As. If you like architecture and a high degree of culture, you will probably feel you found some secret entrance to heaven itself ! Dollars are NOT accepted in all places, and if you have to convert from Euros to pesos, you will be charged twice (Euro-Dollar-Peso). Internet access available in all locations I have visited. Smokers pay equivalent of about 50p for packet of Phillip Morris or Marlborough. Travel within Argentina is very cheap on the plentiful Micros, but relatively expensive by aeroplane. In eneral I would recommend anyone to go visit and make their own minds up, but to think very carefully now before consifdering emigration. Probably contraversial, I have told it how I have found it. Ojala que lo disfruten !!

Argentina: Expat Info?:

Hi Alex Looking at property now - your $75,000 will get you a very decent property at the moment, but why stick to Belgrano or Recoleta - no subte at Recoleta. I would suggest you take a trip over there for a couple of weeks and get the Clarin property pages, then just mark off a few and go see them. We have looked at proprty in Almagro/Caballito and Boedo/San Telmo which can be had for around $35-40K but they ARE on the up now. Main thing to think of with a flat is what expenses you have to pay on top. Que tengas beuna suerte

Date Joined:

5/8/2004

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