Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Share Your Experiences with Culture Shock

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Buenos Aires

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

No just learned on the fly . Not much to learn Buenos Aires rivals the best european cities and is a thriving big city metropolis

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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

Already knew spanish. Always best to know some basics to get around although many spoke english and were very helpful and knowledgeable about US customs and ways

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

Yes of course some anxiety should be expected but keeping an open mind and trying new things and learning from new experiences is sometimes better than learning from any book. Locals in Buenos Aires are very nice and willing to help.

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How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

Once I got the hang of things no problems. Many things in common with the locals. Warm friendly giving people.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

When you travel you must adjust to the host country. Dont expect evry body to cater to a close minded way you may have. It all depends on where you are traveling China and Buenos Aires are not the same but be polite and you will get the same in return . locals always want to demonstrate there local ways to you because they are proud of what they have to offer in there lifestyles. Let them show you there ways and don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone and try new things and make up your own mind what you like and don't like

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

A bit of home sickness in the beginning but it all depends on your attitude when you get off the plane. You will learn and grow and may not want to leave. One day at a time is te best attitude to have spread your wings slowly and take it in a little at a time. Don't try to adjust in one day

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Learning from other lifestyles and letting locals teach you where to go and what to see

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Adjusting to a new way of living

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

Check out the Bidets something not found in US. LOL

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

You will find people are more like you than you think

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Comments about this Report

guest

Aug 12, 2011 00:11

Really good.... May I ask what would be ideal salary for comfortable life in BA?

guest

Dec 29, 2011 08:53

Having lived in BA for almost 9 years, I think tht my thought are considerably different than those of the person who answered the questions. I have visited almost 50 countries, was born in the U.S. and lived in Barcelona for 5 years , before moving to BA. I don't know if living in BA gives one a "cultural shock" or just a plain shock. Some comments, at random: There are no bread slicing machines in bakeries. I don't mean packaged super market bread. There are (generally) no scales for customer's use in the produce section of super markets. I have eaten in MANY restaurants. I can only think of 2 where the servce was pleasant. I think that the criteria for being hired for a job is answering yes to the question," do you want the job" The incompetence is shocking, particularly in stores. Customer service doesn't exist. The customer is always wrong. I will never forget seeing a woman entering a taxi with a baby in her arms. The driver behind the taxi (a private car)wouldn't stop blasting his horn. I wish I had had a rock to throw. What about inflation? Please don't speak English in a taxi. When drivers hear English, that's a sign for them to rip you off I ca't think of a single complimentary adjective to describe Porteños. The richer they or think they are, the worse they are.

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