The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina - Travel. Move. Live. (2024)

Why move to Argentina?

Why would you want to move to and live in Argentina? Was the response I got, when I told friends I was moving to Argentina, together with a raised eyebrow and quizzical expression.

Ironically, I was moving because people kept asking me “Why don’t you move to Argentina? You’d love it.”

At the time I was living in Amsterdam , restless and tired. Tired of the endless rain, excessive tourism and cramped spaces. I wanted to live in a city with flavour. Who doesn’t want a life with flavour?

What can I say, Argentina has flavour. Every body at the time in the Netherlands was talking about it. Two friends own a house there. The future king of the Netherlands just married an Argentine, other four friends had just come back from their trip to this magical wonderland.

All these conversations inspired me to buy a book on Argentina, and I was hooked and enchanted within the first few pages.

The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina - Travel. Move. Live. (1)

Most Magical Place in the world

What is not to like about the idea of spending time in the ‘ Paris ’ of Latin America. A nation of polo playing horse fanatics and real-life gauchos (local cowboys).

A country where soccer is the religion and BBQ is the national cuisine. A country whose history is weaved so densely and dramatically you could carve it with a knife.

The country has the wild expansive plains of La Pampa, the mountains and lakes of Patagonia, the deserts up in Santa Fe and Salta. As well as the uber magical city of Buenos Aires. If it could bring tears to the eyes of Evita and millions that hear the song, it may be worth checking out.

Within weeks a trip and dry run, was booked. Could, would or should I live there.

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Is Argentina worth moving to?

Doing a dry run, whenever you are planning a move abroad is recommended.

When you spend time in a country for a trial run it’s definitely not a holiday. It’s a working vacation.

You’ll spend your time researching the best areas to live. The quality of life versus the costs of living (rent/ groceries), salaries, safety and the political climate.

It’s a great opportunity to make time to meet with locals as well as expats living there so you get real stories of the everyday challenges from both sides.

Of course, also enjoy what the country offers from polo games, top restaurants and hotel pool, deciding where to live also means checking out the perks.

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Researching the Move to Argentina

Luckily, researching Buenos Aires was easy; it is an exceptionally large city, so sources of information are also available in English, such as BA timesa local online newspaper.

There are also plenty of opportunities to meet locals and expats at places like Gibraltar the English pub in San Telmo, at embassies, expator internations events.

Argentina has its own active online expat forum baexpat.com where you can delve deeper into the types of challenges you may encounter. Along with relevant solutions, or meet like-minded individuals.

TIP:keep a healthy perspective on forums, ignore the trolls. Take it with a ita healthy sense of detachment, and it’ll become a helpful resource.

Originally, I planned an 8-week dry run, which I extended 4 times. And ended up there for an incredible 6 months.

While there, I really wanted to get an idea of what it would be like to work in a city with 3 million inhabitants. So, I spent some of my time volunteering at BABS (British Aged Care in Buenos Aires).

It was here I had the opportunity to meet people who’d lived in Argentina for over 80 years. And trust me when I say, there is nothing like listening to first-hand stories of a countries history.

On my second day in Buenos Aires, I stumbled upon and fell in love with Puerto Madero. A small island, next to the city and is secured by the naval police.The suburb is a refuge from the hustle and bustle, it is quiet, spacious and safe.

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It was also here that English built the warehouses on the harbour in the early1900’s, while they were building the railroads. These recently renovated warehouses add a timeless charm and are home to some of the cities best restaurants, shops and cafes.

San Telmo markets are still within walking distance, and the rest of the city is also just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Final conclusion, after 6 months dry run?

Honestly, when I first arrived in Buenos Aires, I was shocked at the populous state of what seemed a dirty city. However, it won me over hour by hour, day by day. By my 3rd week, I was looking into potential job opportunities and any which way that I could stay long-term.

I stayed until my savings ran dry, and I had no options but to go home.

After 6 months, I left Argentina, heartbroken, devastated and determined to return.

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Can you, easily move to Argentina?

How you migrate to a country depends largely on the country. In Argentina, you have a few options to choose from:

  1. Get company/ employer to sponsor you
  2. Set up a company
  3. Marry and Argentine

My plan was to go with the first option. So, I meet with anyone I could via contacts, friends, LinkedIn, peers in my industry.

Including the Ambassador, at my countries embassy, and went to lunches that were put on by the local Dutch and English Chamber of Commerce.

Many countries will have an embassy or a local chamber of commerce who assist with cross-border trade advice and networking.

With a fully booked agenda, there was only one objective and that was to find work. While I didn’t get a job, I did meet great people and got a wealth of advice and insight on the business landscape.

Legally moving to Argentina

The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina - Travel. Move. Live. (6)Being that my best option would be to find a company to sponsor me, the reality is that this is easier said than done. Despite my meetings, lunches and endless cups of coffee, I didn’t manage to find a sponsor in Argentina.

Language can be a real challenge when attempting to move to acountry. If you are not fluent; it’ll be hard to put you to work or compete with local job seekers.

Like many other countries, for a company to sponsor a foreigner can be a costly process. One that includes fees, lawyers and paperwork. Companies will hire you if you have specific expertise.

Or you can also try to get a job for an international company in your own country and apply to be relocated abroad.

Good Luck comes in Many Forms

Flying back to the Netherlands with a tissue in one hand and hope in the other. Expecting that it would be a near impossible task to find a company in the Netherlands to sponsor me to work in Argentina.

As luck would have it, a company that I knew just happened to be opening shop in Argentina. And within weeks, I had a job and was planning my move, as well as that of the company.

Friends I’d met, helped advise me on an appropriate salary, as the company would be giving me a local contract instead of an international one.

In a country like Argentina, excessive inflation rates need to be taken into account. Eventually, with the contract signed, everything else was put in motion. The real business of moving could begin.

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Finally, Moving to Argentina

It was my 8th international move, so as ever practice makes perfect. My flat in Amsterdam was easily rented out via expatica.com.

The bureaucracy in Argentina like most Latin countries is phenomenal; the amount of paperwork and documentation required was second to none.

I am eternally grateful that the company’s local lawyers assisted me with my working visa and the importation of my goods. This is one move that I would not have wanted to do on my own.

As with anywhere, signing up for the utilities was not fun at all. This was when a good friend gave me advice that served me throughout my time in Argentina and beyond:

‘When dealing with an issue: don’t start a fight or get angry. NEVER back down or accept no for an answer’.

The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina - Travel. Move. Live. (8)Great strategy to put into practice everytime I was told no. Whether it was for a bank account or electricity connection. I just planted myself down, and let them know I’d be there until we resolved it.

It is incredible how many miracles happen when you have all parties working on a solution.

After the move and a chaotic dance of organizational mayhem. The paperwork was done and I had a new office, a new apartment and a new life. I could finally start living the ‘vida loca’.

Living the Dream in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires isn’t a walk in the park, although there are some great parks to walk in. The government is both crazy and corrupt, inflation is off the scale and life can feel like a bit of a roller coaster. Depending on the day, time and place.

The city is busy, polluted and in the last few years, the economic challenges have resulted in an ever-increasing crime rate. You need to live with both feet on the ground and be aware of how you walk and travel in town.

Despite all of this, it is one of the most incredible cities to live in. Whatever you feel like doing, you can. Whether it’s tango at 2 amor front row seats at the Polo in November, or catching the boat to Colonia for the day.

There is a suburb for every mood, be it shopping in Palermo, dinner in China town, after work cocktails in Recoleta. Bike riding around Puerto Madero or a visit the famous Sunday markets in San Telmo.

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In the words of the worlds greatest writer who is Argentine:

The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina Click To Tweet

It was all of this that made me love every minute of my crazy, wild, temperate and magical time there.

Yes, dreams can also end between a crazy government and the need for change, so I did eventually leave Argentina.Yet in retrospect, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Just like the song, ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’, the truth is I never really left. The magic of the country lives on in my heart and lovingly etched in my memory.

Resources:

BA Expats
Online English paperBA times
Volunteer opportunities via GoAbroador local South American website
List of foreign Embassies in Argentina
Walrus booksEnglish Bookshop
English Pub: Gibraltar
Meet locals and practice your Spanish via Conversation Exchange or Toastmasters

Further reading, see why November is the ideal time to visit and what to do while there check out this post.

My top reading list for before, during or instead of your visit here.

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A few photos are my own, the others are shared with much gratitude to these other wonderful photographers:

Eduardo SánchezonUnsplash

Sasha • StoriesonUnsplash

Nacho RochononUnsplash

The Reality of Moving and Living in Argentina - Travel. Move. Live. (2024)

FAQs

Is moving to Argentina a good idea? ›

Argentina has an excellent visa just for retirees, the Pensionado Visa. The lifestyle and cost of living are also big plus points for retirees. The vibrant Expat community and the range of recreational and cultural activities available make Argentina an excellent choice for your retirement.

What is the lifestyle like in Argentina? ›

Lifestyle. Argentines are well known both for a conceited attitude and a spontaneous, loving, and affectionate nature. Most Argentines like to 'live in the now,' having become accustomed to dealing with social and, especially, economic uncertainty.

Is Argentina a good place to live for expats? ›

It's a wonderful place to call home. Argentina is a welcoming country for expats. It is so diverse that it's possible for everyone to find a place to fit in whether you want a secluded mountain home or an apartment in a bustling metropolitan city! Here's a list of the best places to live in Argentina.

Is it easy to live in Argentina? ›

A Welcoming Expat Destination

Argentina is a nation of intriguing contrasts—it's chilled-out and friendly but also innovative and progressive. It values age-old traditions but embraces technology and boasts a modern infrastructure. It offers a high-quality lifestyle but is still wonderfully affordable.

How much money do I need to retire in Argentina? ›

How much money do you need to retire in Argentina? Argentina has a meager cost of living, and for this reason, it is desirable as an expatriate retirement destination. Prices may vary from location to location, but it is entirely feasible and possible to live comfortably in the country for less than USD 1000 per month.

What do I need to know before moving to Argentina? ›

5 things you should know before moving to Argentina
  • #1 Argentine Spanish is nothing like the Spanish you learned at school. ...
  • #2 The exchange rate is a good topic for small talk. ...
  • #3 You'll frequently be ask where you're from. ...
  • #4 Changing prices are part of everyday life. ...
  • #5 You need to understand football.
29 Oct 2019

Is Argentina a safe place to live? ›

As one of the safest nations on the continent, Argentina is a great place to live and wildly popular with ex-pats. Ranking higher than the rest of South America, and much of the US, on peace, safety, and security, it's an even better place to live than it is to visit.

Is Argentina cheap to live? ›

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,491$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 414$ without rent. Cost of living in Argentina is, on average, 55.42% lower than in United States. Rent in Argentina is, on average, 85.09% lower than in United States.

What is the safest place to live in Argentina? ›

10 Safest Cities in Argentina
  • Buenos Aires.
  • Salta.
  • Cordoba.
  • Puerto Iguazu.
  • Mar del Plata.
  • Mendoza.
  • Ushuaia.
  • La Plata.

What are the pros and cons of living in Argentina? ›

Pros and Cons of Living in Argentina – Summary Table
Pros of Living in ArgentinaCons of Living in Argentina
4. Education4. Imports and electronics
5. Friendly people5. Distance
6. Low cost of living6. Taxes are high
7. Natural wonders7. Everyone is late
5 more rows

Do they speak English in Argentina? ›

English is not very widely spoken in Argentina, with around 15% estimated to speak it at a basic level, and 6% estimated to be fluent in English. The official language is Spanish, followed by Italian with around 1.5 million speakers.

Why do people move to Argentina? ›

Argentina has overcome its unstable political and economic past, and its steady economy and peaceful political state make it a very attractive expat destination. People from almost 80 different countries can enter Argentina without a visa, provided that they are staying for a period of under 90 days.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Argentina? ›

Buying Basics

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Argentina, except for homes in rural areas and along the border. (This property doesn't fall into either of those categories, Ms. Reissis Etchegoin said.) But foreign buyers must obtain a tax number, typically with the help of a notary.

Can foreigners live in Argentina? ›

All individuals wishing to settle in Argentina must apply for a residence permit. Foreigners are automatically considered settled in Argentina upon entry under an entry permit and visa. If applicable, they are then able to obtain their national identity document from the civil registry.

Do you need a car to live in Buenos Aires? ›

Buenos Aires is not a place where you need a car. We don't advise that you drive yourself unless you're heading out of the city. If you must rent a car, contact one of the international rental companies at either airport or one of those listed below. Most hotels can also arrange car rentals.

How long can US citizen stay in Argentina? ›

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must obtain visas prior to arrival. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan, or other visas.

How much is the cost of living in Argentina? ›

Cost of Living and Housing

Currently, $1 is worth about 37 pesos. According to numbeo.com, the cost of living in Argentina is 50% to 60% less than in the U.S. All told, you can expect to live comfortably on $1,500 per month. If you were particularly economical, you could expect to get by on about $1,000 per month.

Is healthcare free in Argentina? ›

The Public Healthcare Sector in Argentina

The Argentinian public healthcare system is free for everyone. And by everyone, we don't just mean the locals. Expats and tourists can also make use of the government-funded programs. Inpatient and outpatient care is completely free.

How much does a car cost in Argentina? ›

Argentina: mid-sized car cost in Buenos Aires 2018-2019

In 2019, the average cost of a mid-sized car in Buenos Aires amounted to approximately 16,407 U.S. dollars, down from 21,394 U.S. dollars a year earlier.

Is US Social Security taxed in Argentina? ›

Social Security in Argentina

Employees in Argentina pay a 17% tax on their wages for social security. Meanwhile, employers pony up an average 25.5% for social security taxes. All resident Argentinean nationals and expatriates with more than two years residency in the country are subject to the tax.

What are the pros and cons of living in Argentina? ›

Pros and Cons of Living in Argentina – Summary Table
Pros of Living in ArgentinaCons of Living in Argentina
4. Education4. Imports and electronics
5. Friendly people5. Distance
6. Low cost of living6. Taxes are high
7. Natural wonders7. Everyone is late
5 more rows

Is Argentina expensive to live? ›

The cost of living in Argentina is $576, which is 1.62 times less expensive than the world average. Argentina ranked 150th out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 88th best country to live in. The average salary after taxes in Argentina is $448, which is enough to cover living expenses for 0.8 months.

What is a good salary in Argentina? ›

How much is average wage for high skilled employees in Argentina? Average wages for high skilled employees in Argentina increased to 20500 ARS/Month (292.164 USD/Month). The maximum level was 20500 ARS/Month and minimum was 13300 ARS/Month. Data published Yearly by Wageindicator Foundation.

Can a US citizen move to Argentina? ›

All individuals wishing to settle in Argentina must apply for a residence permit. Foreigners are automatically considered settled in Argentina upon entry under an entry permit and visa. If applicable, they are then able to obtain their national identity document from the civil registry.

What do I need to know before moving to Argentina? ›

5 things you should know before moving to Argentina
  • #1 Argentine Spanish is nothing like the Spanish you learned at school. ...
  • #2 The exchange rate is a good topic for small talk. ...
  • #3 You'll frequently be ask where you're from. ...
  • #4 Changing prices are part of everyday life. ...
  • #5 You need to understand football.
29 Oct 2019

Can a foreigner buy a house in Argentina? ›

Buying Basics

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Argentina, except for homes in rural areas and along the border. (This property doesn't fall into either of those categories, Ms. Reissis Etchegoin said.) But foreign buyers must obtain a tax number, typically with the help of a notary.

How safe is living in Argentina? ›

Yep, it's safe to live in Argentina. Violent crime is rare. And though Buenos Aires is more well-known for petty theft, living outside of the capital is going to make things a lot safer.

Can you live on $1000 a month in Argentina? ›

Many expats and retirees manage to live quite comfortably on $1000 to $1,300 per month, and couples on around $1,500 to $1,800 a month. Cheap rent provides a big boost to Argentina's affordability, especially for those who choose to reside outside the more popular tourist districts.

Does Argentina have free healthcare? ›

The Public Healthcare Sector in Argentina

The Argentinian public healthcare system is free for everyone. And by everyone, we don't just mean the locals. Expats and tourists can also make use of the government-funded programs. Inpatient and outpatient care is completely free.

How much does a car cost in Argentina? ›

Argentina: mid-sized car cost in Buenos Aires 2018-2019

In 2019, the average cost of a mid-sized car in Buenos Aires amounted to approximately 16,407 U.S. dollars, down from 21,394 U.S. dollars a year earlier.

Can I buy a house in Argentina? ›

To own property in Argentina, a foreigner needs to have a CDI (equivalent to a tax ID number in the United States, Canada, and Europe). Foreigners are only permitted to buy property in this region if they can prove it will benefit the local community.

What are the most common jobs in Argentina? ›

Not surprisingly, the most common jobs in Argentina are in education and teaching, particularly ESL and TEFL positions. Native English speakers are always in high demand, and those with solid credentials will find higher paying teaching jobs in Argentina. Hospitality & Tourism.

Is Argentina a friendly country? ›

Argentines are friendly, curious, and engaging. Not to mention beautiful! Argentines have a strong sense of community so it's common to see people chatting on the street corner or in cafes.

What is the easiest country to immigrate to? ›

Easiest Countries to Immigrate To
  • New Zealand.
  • Australia.
  • Spain.
  • Paraguay.
  • Germany.
  • Montenegro.
  • Czechia.
  • Thailand.

Do they speak English in Argentina? ›

English is not very widely spoken in Argentina, with around 15% estimated to speak it at a basic level, and 6% estimated to be fluent in English. The official language is Spanish, followed by Italian with around 1.5 million speakers.

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