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Digital Nomad Guide to Argentina | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Mar del Plata, Argentina

Digital Nomad Life in Argentina

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Argentina is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Argentina are Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Bariloche. Digital nomads like living in Argentina because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,500 in Argentina. The culture of Argentina is a mix of Latin American, European, and Indigenous influences. It is known for its passionate people, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. Argentina is also home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Iguazu Falls, and the Patagonian steppe.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How do I meet people in Argentina?

When we asked people living in Argentina about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"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," explained one expat living in San Rafael, Argentina.

"Expats in Argentina often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural activities. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as to attend meetups and networking events," said one person in Argentina.

What is life like in Argentina?

When we asked people living in Argentina what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life here definately revolves around family and friends. Socializing is a big part of Argentine life. Siestas offer families and friends the opportunity to eat together and you'll still see families wandering the streets for an ice cream at 1 in the morning. Sport plays a heavy part in life here, cycling is very popular as are sporting events like Triathlons. Rafting, kayaking, and hiking attract lots of people at weekends. There are also a speedway track and motor racing track, which get a lot of use. There are a number of museums in town along with a cinema and outdoor theatre," said one expat who made the move to San Rafael.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Argentina can be quite enjoyable. The country offers a vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and a relatively low cost of living. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country's diverse cities, from the bustling capital of Buenos Aires to the colonial towns of the north. The country also offers a wide range of activities, from skiing in the Andes to exploring the vineyards of Mendoza. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent healthcare system and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals," explained one foreigner living in Argentina.

Where should I live in Argentina?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Argentina is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as ZonaProp, Alquileres, and Mercado Libre are popular resources for finding rental properties in Argentina. Additionally, classifieds such as El Clarin and La Nacion are great sources for finding apartments and houses for rent. It is also possible to find a place to live by asking around in the local community or by contacting a real estate agent," explained one expat living in Argentina.

What do I need to know before moving to Argentina?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Argentina, they said:

"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," said one person in San Rafael.

"Before retiring in Argentina, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Spanish, as it is the official language of the country. Additionally, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as prices can vary significantly from city to city. It is also important to understand the local healthcare system and to make sure that any necessary medical treatments are covered. Finally, expats should research the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into their new home," said one expat who made the move to Argentina.

What do people appreciate most about the culture in Argentina?

"Expats in Argentina appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is full of music, art, and literature. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are always willing to help out and make newcomers feel welcome. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of traditional and modern flavors. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, and stunning beaches," explained one expat living in Argentina.

"Learning from other lifestyles and letting locals teach you where to go and what to see," said one person in Buenos Aires.

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Argentina?

"Slang language, city life in general after living for years in the suburbs, learning the different ideas of what is rude and polite, different safety measures and a whole other kind of common "street" sense to develop," explained one expat living in Cordoba, Argentina.

"Expats in Argentina often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy and paperwork can be difficult to navigate for those who are not familiar with the system. Furthermore, the Argentinean way of life can be quite different from what expats are used to, and adjusting to the local customs and traditions can be a challenge. Finally, the cost of living in Argentina can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one person in Argentina.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Argentina for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Argentina for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. You will also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a criminal background check. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a valid return ticket," said one person in Argentina.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Argentina?

We asked people in Argentina if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Argentina. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid discussing politics or religion in public, as these topics can be sensitive. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be aware of the local language. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local tipping etiquette, as it can vary from place to place," explained one person living in Argentina.

"I used translate for I would like to hook up with you...i.e. Meet with you. I needed the word hook up. When I used it, my friend said who do you want to [email protected] wrong word!!! So be careful of translate app," said one expat in Mendoza.

What are healthcare services like in Argentina?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Argentina, they replied:

"As a newcomer, one of the first things you should do is buy international heath insurance that can be used at any private facility in the country. They are options for private insurance that can be bought from an individual private hospital but then if they do not have the equipment needed you will have to pay out of pocket to go to another facility. So with an international health policy you can be treated anywhere you choose. This is the type of policy I have. It also covers me anywhere else in the world and I have chosen to have the US option as well. The insurance is affordable and COMPREHENSIVE. If you have a medical condition, bring your doctors notes and copies of your prescriptions," said one member in Buenos Aires.

"Healthcare services in Argentina are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of good quality. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee. Expats in Argentina typically use the public healthcare system, as it is often more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats may opt for private healthcare if they are able to afford it," explained one expat in Argentina.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Argentina?

"Argentines are lovely people but they are mercilessly exploited by the people they elect to govern them. If you can stay away from politics, life for an expat - especially when married to a local - is very good. There is a very rich literary, artistic and theatre culture which most other cities elsewhere would envy - bar London and New York, of course. I am retired and married to a local so most of the bureaucratic problems wash over me but if you have to earn a living here, the tax and employment legislation can be a nightmare. My advice to an individual, coming on their own would be to do their homework very thoroughly indeed. Someone coming to work for a local corporation should be very sure of exactly what they are coming into and should ask for practical help in getting started with accommodation etc etc. Someone coming to work for the multinational company that already employs them elsewhere should insist that the company sets things up for them from the get-go. So much time and frustation in finding out the local way of doing things is the ONLY way of doing things can be avoided by planning and preparation - and if you can get somebody already on the ground to do that for you so much the better," said a member in Buenos Aires .

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Argentina, as well as the vibrant culture and friendly people. They also enjoy the country's diverse landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic coast. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in living in Argentina to be a challenge. Additionally, the country's infrastructure can be unreliable at times, making it difficult to get around," explained one person living in Argentina.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Mar del Plata, Argentina

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Contribute to Argentina Network Contribute
Help others in Argentina by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Argentina.

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