Argentina: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Argentina
In Argentina, business greetings are typically warm and friendly. A handshake with eye contact is the norm, and in more informal settings, a light kiss on the cheek may be exchanged, even between men and women. Addressing people by their titles and surnames is polite until invited to use first names. Business attire is generally formal and conservative, with dark suits and ties for men and elegant business wear for women.
Personal relationships are important in Argentine business culture. Meetings often start with small talk about family, sports (especially football), or current events before getting down to business. Rushing into business discussions is considered impolite. Taking the time to build trust and rapport is key.
Punctuality is appreciated, but meetings may not always start on time. It is advisable to bring printed materials and business cards, which should be offered with the Spanish side facing up. Presentations should be clear, well-structured, and professional. Argentines appreciate detailed information but also value flexibility in negotiations.
Business meetings may extend to lunches or dinners, where more relaxed conversations take place. It is customary to allow the host to initiate business discussions. When dining, it is polite to wait for a toast before drinking, and offering a reciprocal invitation if you are hosted is considered good etiquette.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 09:00 to 18:00.
Economy
Argentina has one of the largest economies in Latin America, characterised by a mix of agriculture, industry, and services. The country is rich in natural resources, with a strong agricultural sector that makes it a leading global exporter of soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef. The Pampas region, with its fertile plains, plays a significant role in this output.
Argentina also has robust automotive, pharmaceutical, textile, and food processing industries. The Vaca Muerta shale formation also positions Argentina as a potential leader in oil and gas production.
Nonetheless, the services sector accounts for the largest share of GDP, with tourism, finance, and technology playing important roles. Buenos Aires, in particular, is a hub for creative industries and start-ups.
Argentina's economy has faced periodic volatility, marked by high inflation, currency fluctuations, and periods of recession. Despite challenges, Argentina offers significant opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, agriculture, and tourism. The country's highly educated workforce and abundant natural resources are key advantages.
GDP
US$646.1 billion (2023).
Main exports
Soybeans and derivatives, cereals, beef, wine, and automotive products.
Main imports
Machinery and equipment, refined petroleum, natural gas, vehicles, chemicals, and consumer goods.
Main trading partners
Brazil, China, the USA, and the European Union.
Keeping in Touch in Argentina
Mobile Phone
Argentina has a well-developed mobile network with good coverage in cities, towns, and tourist areas. The main mobile operators are: Movistar, Personal, and Claro.
SIM cards ("chip") can be easily purchased at airports, mobile shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores. To buy a prepaid plan ("prepago"), you'll need your passport for registration. Many prepaid plans can be topped up ("recarga") at kiosks or online.
Coverage is good in urban areas, but signal strength can be limited in remote regions like Patagonia and the Andes. In rural areas, it's advisable to check coverage maps and consider using offline maps for navigation.
Internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public places, often free of charge.
Media
The major daily newspapers include Clarín, La Nación, and Página/12, offering national and international news.
Television is popular in Argentina, with free-to-air channels such as Canal 13, Telefe, and América TV, broadcasting a mix of news, entertainment, and telenovelas. Cable and satellite TV are widely available, providing access to international channels. The country also has a strong radio culture, with stations like Radio Mitre, La 100, and AM750 being well-regarded for news, music, and sports coverage, especially in rural areas.
The internet is widely accessible, and many Argentines rely on social media, news websites, and streaming services for information and entertainment. Online news outlets such as Infobae, TN, and Perfil are highly popular. While Argentina generally maintains press freedom, the media landscape is dominated by a few large corporations, which can influence media perspectives.
