Summary: What can you expect from Argentines if you move to Argentina? Here is a great multi-perspective article on what you'll encounter in an incredible, multi-cultural country.

Warm, macho and seductive - these are some of the qualities that expatriates name Argentines. Here are some anecdotes and testimonials about a 100% Argentine experience!

An incredible capacity for improvisation

I was at a house of one of my Argentine friends in the countryside. It was Sunday night and there were still a lot of people there. But nobody minded - they simply asked how many people they should set the table for. "Fer is coming with three friends, so we're going to be... twenty-five." The response from the owner of the house: "Ok, in the worst case scenario, if we're missing anything, "pedimos," (we'll ask for their pardon). The famous "pedimos," the simplest solution for all problems. I know that if this happened in France, there would be much more stress. (Paulina, France)

Everything is easy!

I was invited to dinner at my friend's house, and some people arrived... at midnight! Inconceivable for a British person - I would be offended if people arrived late to a dinner at my house! And the most surprising thing is that everyone takes it so well, even my friend who had prepared the great dinner. I have the impression that nothing is serious here, everything is so easy and fluid among the people. (Steven, England)

Night owls...

When I first arrived I didn't understand that the schedules were so late. My friends wouldn't call me to go out before 1 a.m. and, especially in the beginning, they would be waking me up! Now, I'm used to it, but the other day, when I went to dance tango, I saw that many middle-aged couples were also dancing until very late night hours, and it was Monday! This amazes me. (Emilie, France)

Always having change

At first, when the kiosk asked me for exact change, I gave away all my coins with pleasure.

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About the Author LivingInArgentina.com is an online publication devoted to expats in Argentina. It covers business, travel and everyday affairs and is published in English, French and Spanish.

First Published: May 21, 2009