A newsletter for expats in Buenos Aires

[Vince]

Really the cost of living in anywhere in Latin America beats the USA. I've been living in South America (mostly Brazil and Argentina) for the past 25 years and I don't think I could move back to the States now. I am too accustomed to the quality of life here. Not just price for housing but food and also have a full time maid 5 times a week. I am shocked each time I go back home how expensive it is. My siblings live in different parts of the USA and shocked how much they are paying for everything.

People can complain all they want about cost of living and increases but no way they can afford to move back to the USA. Maybe some other non-desirable city around the world but nothing that can match the quality of life here.

 

[Argentina Expat]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

 

[LongIslander]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

Sounds great! Will fill out the survey. Never can have too much info.

 

[Argentina Expat]

thanks, appreciate it!

 

[Betsy Ross]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

How do you source the people in it? Generally now mostly finding from word of mouth from friends that already use them. I guess if it was like a true Yelp like set up. So many flaky providers in BA that are not consistent or offer good service one time then terrible the next. Also the fear is with providers that are only providing services to expats I have found their prices tend to be higher than people that cater to locals. That is a big issue over the years I have seen.

 

[Vince]

How do you source the people in it? Generally now mostly finding from word of mouth from friends that already use them. I guess if it was like a true Yelp like set up. So many flaky providers in BA that are not consistent or offer good service one time then terrible the next. Also the fear is with providers that are only providing services to expats I have found their prices tend to be higher than people that cater to locals. That is a big issue over the years I have seen.

Exactly. I tend to try to find vendors or professionals that don't tend to work with a lot of expats. Case in point I made the mistake of giving my handyman's contact info to a few Americans that moved to BA. Then when I went to use him again his prices doubled more than what general inflation would cause it to go up. He was upcharging so many gringos that he didn't want to charge fair prices. You see that a lot with people that start working with expats and gringos.

 

[Argentina Expat]

How do you source the people in it? Generally now mostly finding from word of mouth from friends that already use them. I guess if it was like a true Yelp like set up. So many flaky providers in BA that are not consistent or offer good service one time then terrible the next. Also the fear is with providers that are only providing services to expats I have found their prices tend to be higher than people that cater to locals. That is a big issue over the years I have seen.

Great question.

A few ways:
- Facebook groups. Open a bunch of them, search for "Dentist" and then see what names keep showing up again and again.
- Whatsapp groups - same process as above.
- Personal experience - I've built up a network of people here so I can get a lot of recommendations naturally.
- User-submitted - if I build it, there will be an option for users to add other professionals they have experience as well
- Reddit - surprisingly, a lot of people ask for recommendations there (both English and Spanish)

I'm also open to ideas, I just had this brewing in my mind for a while now and I wanted to see if people are interested in it or not. I usually figure things out as I go along

 

[Argentina Expat]

Exactly. I tend to try to find vendors or professionals that don't tend to work with a lot of expats. Case in point I made the mistake of giving my handyman's contact info to a few Americans that moved to BA. Then when I went to use him again his prices doubled more than what general inflation would cause it to go up. He was upcharging so many gringos that he didn't want to charge fair prices. You see that a lot with people that start working with expats and gringos.

That is true, but I argue that a directory like this would end up being a net positive in the long term.

Case in point: My girlfriend needed to go to the hospital on the 24th of December. We first went to Hospital Fernandez (regarded as the best public one in the city), and we waited for an hour while the employees came to work (this is a 24/7 hospital btw). Honestly, it looked like a set from a horror movie.

If someone came with a serious injury, I shudder to think what would have happened.

We then went to a private hospital and got sorted out within an hour.

It was during this time I was thinking about having a list that I could quickly look up, filter by condition, and then know immediately where to go.

So while some providers may increase their prices, I think that would pale in comparison to all the good providers that would get more exposure (and expats who could avoid situations like we had).

 

[Wally]

Great question.

A few ways:
- Facebook groups. Open a bunch of them, search for "Dentist" and then see what names keep showing up again and again.
- Whatsapp groups - same process as above.
- Personal experience - I've built up a network of people here so I can get a lot of recommendations naturally.
- User-submitted - if I build it, there will be an option for users to add other professionals they have experience as well
- Reddit - surprisingly, a lot of people ask for recommendations there (both English and Spanish)

I'm also open to ideas, I just had this brewing in my mind for a while now and I wanted to see if people are interested in it or not. I usually figure things out as I go along

That is what I currently do now. Just look around on Reddit or FB groups (the only thing I use FB for).

That is true, but I argue that a directory like this would end up being a net positive in the long term.

Case in point: My girlfriend needed to go to the hospital on the 24th of December. We first went to Hospital Fernandez (regarded as the best public one in the city), and we waited for an hour while the employees came to work (this is a 24/7 hospital btw). Honestly, it looked like a set from a horror movie.

If someone came with a serious injury, I shudder to think what would have happened.

We then went to a private hospital and got sorted out within an hour.

It was during this time I was thinking about having a list that I could quickly look up, filter by condition, and then know immediately where to go.

So while some providers may increase their prices, I think that would pale in comparison to all the good providers that would get more exposure (and expats who could avoid situations like we had).

I think in normal countries these directories can work. Here in BA things don't work like normal countries for the most part. I don't think anyone would want to go to public hospital. I heard the same thing they are scary! Think it can be handy. I have the same experience as Vince and Betsy. I never give out my contacts for things to expats because inevitably the same thing happens. The people jack up the rates and then become less dependable.

 

[Digital Nomad]

That is what I currently do now. Just look around on Reddit or FB groups (the only thing I use FB for).


I think in normal countries these directories can work. Here in BA things don't work like normal countries for the most part. I don't think anyone would want to go to public hospital. I heard the same thing they are scary! Think it can be handy. I have the same experience as Vince and Betsy. I never give out my contacts for things to expats because inevitably the same thing happens. The people jack up the rates and then become less dependable.

Funny my girlfriend says the same thing. I have noticed the same thing with introducing people to expats. It has always backfired on me. Case in point I had a good dependable maid that was really struggling. I wanted to help her out and ran into someone that was renting a place. I shared her contact info and then that person shared her whatsapp with a lot of people and now she raised her prices 2X and it is difficult for me to get her to clean and I'm the one that gave her contact info out.

I will never do that again.

 

[VINO]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

Think it can be good for higher end one time things like realtors, lawyers, doctors but I agree with the others that generally service type stuff the prices just skyrocket and then have to seek other places. Even places like co-working the prices can skyrocket where it doesn't make sense for locals and the businesses cater only to expats or tourists which does not make sense for people wanting to pay local prices. See this everywhere there are tourists and expats going. From beauty salons to getting my nails done. Obviously you see it in restaurants and cafes. Think that very quickly people will be looking for new places because prices will be expensive.

That is what I currently do now. Just look around on Reddit or FB groups (the only thing I use FB for).


I think in normal countries these directories can work. Here in BA things don't work like normal countries for the most part. I don't think anyone would want to go to public hospital. I heard the same thing they are scary! Think it can be handy. I have the same experience as Vince and Betsy. I never give out my contacts for things to expats because inevitably the same thing happens. The people jack up the rates and then become less dependable.

This ^^. I would probably use information but would not want to give it. Once I find someone good I try not to give out their info. I know it is selfish but every time I have it has backfired with prices skyrocketing.

Funny my girlfriend says the same thing. I have noticed the same thing with introducing people to expats. It has always backfired on me. Case in point I had a good dependable maid that was really struggling. I wanted to help her out and ran into someone that was renting a place. I shared her contact info and then that person shared her whatsapp with a lot of people and now she raised her prices 2X and it is difficult for me to get her to clean and I'm the one that gave her contact info out.

I will never do that again.

That has happened to me too! One thing that is different here vs other countries is usually there is more gratitude if someone helps you but here I have gotten burned several times helping someone only to have them not remember it. Same thing happened with a lady that was cleaning and cooking. I shared it with a few people to help her and it backfired.

 

[Blockchain]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

I'm sure people would like FREE. I would check it out but I would worry about the other thing people mentioned. I am not sure I would go to places targeted to expats. I went to get a haircut in Soho and it was like triple the cost of other places. Not sure if that was tourists. I didn't see tons of tourists in it when I went to get a haircut. It was all locals speaking Spanish but the area maybe made it inflated. I stayed in Soho part of my trip and then Recoleta and I much preferred Recoleta and the cost of everything went down once I got out of Soho.

@Argentina Expat thanks for doing this. How were sales of your paid guide that you made? Was there much interest in that at all? I think expats anywhere are probably miserly. I have some friends in Mexico and they are some what I call brokemads.

 

[Jenn]

Quick question:

Would you guys be interested in a free directory for expats in Argentina?

Listing services and businesses catering to the expat community here (anything from lawyers, realtors, and doctors, to hair salons, barbershops, gyms, coworking spaces, etc.)

(Think like Yelp, but specialized in services for expats in Argentina.)

I'm running a survey to see if people are interested in this - if enough people say yes I'll build it out within the next few weeks.

The survey is here: https://tally.so/r/mYpQ0q - if you have 2 minutes to spare and are interested in this, I'd appreciate you filling it out

Thanks!

Did you say free? Love me some free stuff.

That is true, but I argue that a directory like this would end up being a net positive in the long term.

Case in point: My girlfriend needed to go to the hospital on the 24th of December. We first went to Hospital Fernandez (regarded as the best public one in the city), and we waited for an hour while the employees came to work (this is a 24/7 hospital btw). Honestly, it looked like a set from a horror movie.

If someone came with a serious injury, I shudder to think what would have happened.

We then went to a private hospital and got sorted out within an hour.

It was during this time I was thinking about having a list that I could quickly look up, filter by condition, and then know immediately where to go.

So while some providers may increase their prices, I think that would pale in comparison to all the good providers that would get more exposure (and expats who could avoid situations like we had).

Wow! Hope your gf is ok. Is she ok? Curious why you went to a public hospital first? Are prices that much lower for public vs. private? Did you leave because of the long wait time? How much did you have to pay at the private hospital? And what did they do?

 

[Argentina Expat]

I'm sure people would like FREE. I would check it out but I would worry about the other thing people mentioned. I am not sure I would go to places targeted to expats. I went to get a haircut in Soho and it was like triple the cost of other places. Not sure if that was tourists. I didn't see tons of tourists in it when I went to get a haircut. It was all locals speaking Spanish but the area maybe made it inflated. I stayed in Soho part of my trip and then Recoleta and I much preferred Recoleta and the cost of everything went down once I got out of Soho.

@Argentina Expat thanks for doing this. How were sales of your paid guide that you made? Was there much interest in that at all? I think expats anywhere are probably miserly. I have some friends in Mexico and they are some what I call brokemads.

sales were ok, but nothing to write home about honestly. This is why I was thinking of the directory model, I found this one in the Czech republic that seems to be working well: https://www.expats.cz/directory so I thought about creating that for Argentina.

Did you say free? Love me some free stuff.


Wow! Hope your gf is ok. Is she ok? Curious why you went to a public hospital first? Are prices that much lower for public vs. private? Did you leave because of the long wait time? How much did you have to pay at the private hospital? And what did they do?

She's ok now, thanks for asking! We went to the public one first because it was Christmas Eve (24th) and not a lot of stuff was open - and apparently, this hospital was 24/7 and regarded as one of the best ones in the city. However we waited for one hour and there were almost no staff on duty - it was quite surreal to see. We then went to a private hospital we found (can't remember the name, in Villa Crespo I think) and paid around $50 for a consult with a specialist. Luckily, she just needed some meds and now she's doing great

However, and this might be useful to others - always call and check prices and multiple private hospitals. We thought we needed to get an extra scan/something, and one hospital quoted us $550 while the other quoted us $340! Exactly the same service. So it pays to shop around and try to get the best price. These were not expat-oriented places either, no one spoke English and we were the only foreigners there.

 

[Vince]

sales were ok, but nothing to write home about honestly. This is why I was thinking of the directory model, I found this one in the Czech republic that seems to be working well: https://www.expats.cz/directory so I thought about creating that for Argentina.


She's ok now, thanks for asking! We went to the public one first because it was Christmas Eve (24th) and not a lot of stuff was open - and apparently, this hospital was 24/7 and regarded as one of the best ones in the city. However we waited for one hour and there were almost no staff on duty - it was quite surreal to see. We then went to a private hospital we found (can't remember the name, in Villa Crespo I think) and paid around $50 for a consult with a specialist. Luckily, she just needed some meds and now she's doing great

However, and this might be useful to others - always call and check prices and multiple private hospitals. We thought we needed to get an extra scan/something, and one hospital quoted us $550 while the other quoted us $340! Exactly the same service. So it pays to shop around and try to get the best price. These were not expat-oriented places either, no one spoke English and we were the only foreigners there.

Glad she is ok. That is always stressful. I assume she had no insurance? Still seems like a decent price although relatives tell me all the prices of things are going up without insurance. I have kids so have to go with coverage while in BA.We are in the USA now and prices are much higher here.

 

[Argentina Expat]

Glad she is ok. That is always stressful. I assume she had no insurance? Still seems like a decent price although relatives tell me all the prices of things are going up without insurance. I have kids so have to go with coverage while in BA.We are in the USA now and prices are much higher here.

thanks! yeah no insurance. The price is ok, it seems to be the average for an initial consult now.

I'm just on random travel insurance that covers me up for a year (ends up being $30/month and covers up to $30k)

 

[Wally]

thanks! yeah no insurance. The price is ok, it seems to be the average for an initial consult now.

I'm just on random travel insurance that covers me up for a year (ends up being $30/month and covers up to $30k)

Glad your novia is ok. What travel insurance company do you use @Argentina Expat Is it recommended?

 

[Argentina Expat]

it's from my home country so not really relevant to 99% of people. I'm not sure how it is with Americans, but I think most Europeans can get 1 year travel insurance like this for like $300-$500 bucks per year (various coverage). The downside is that I need to go back once a year to renew it (can't start a new year outside the country... I think)

 

[Wally]

it's from my home country so not really relevant to 99% of people. I'm not sure how it is with Americans, but I think most Europeans can get 1 year travel insurance like this for like $300-$500 bucks per year (various coverage). The downside is that I need to go back once a year to renew it (can't start a new year outside the country... I think)

Got it. Thanks. Yes there are various companies that sell travel insurance. Was just wondering but I was looking for my sister that is American.

 

[earlyretirement]

That is true, but I argue that a directory like this would end up being a net positive in the long term.

Case in point: My girlfriend needed to go to the hospital on the 24th of December. We first went to Hospital Fernandez (regarded as the best public one in the city), and we waited for an hour while the employees came to work (this is a 24/7 hospital btw). Honestly, it looked like a set from a horror movie.

If someone came with a serious injury, I shudder to think what would have happened.

We then went to a private hospital and got sorted out within an hour.

It was during this time I was thinking about having a list that I could quickly look up, filter by condition, and then know immediately where to go.

So while some providers may increase their prices, I think that would pale in comparison to all the good providers that would get more exposure (and expats who could avoid situations like we had).

I hope you're girlfriend is ok. I've only been to a public hospital once. When I got married in Buenos Aires they required a bloodtest and you had to go to a public hospital. I'm not sure if they still require that but the public hospital was terrible. There were people lined up all over. We had OSDE and always went to the private hospitals and they are really great. I would avoid public hospitals if you can.

it's from my home country so not really relevant to 99% of people. I'm not sure how it is with Americans, but I think most Europeans can get 1 year travel insurance like this for like $300-$500 bucks per year (various coverage). The downside is that I need to go back once a year to renew it (can't start a new year outside the country... I think)

Something that people might want to consider is this Amex Platinum US Dollar Currency card. The bank is in the UK but I have had this card for 25 years. It's great! The insurance is incredible on it. The card is only $550 USD per year but the travel benefits are out of this world good. I just have the card for the insurance benefits. I can't tell you how many tens of thousands in benefits I've gotten with it over the past 25 years.

I think anyone from Europe can get it and not sure about Americans as I know banks these days don't want US customers. But I have bank accounts in the UK so maybe it was easier to open but I have recommended to other expats and they have thanked me for the great benefits!

They have paid for delayed luggage. On one trip I got $2,500 USD for 2 days of delayed luggage for me and my family. One trip to the USA while I was living in Buenos Aires I had to take my kids to the emergency room in 2 ambulances. Like a $25,000 medical bill and they paid everything. Tons of money in hotels for flight delays even weather-related. It's the best travel insurance card I know. Really insanely good.

The Platinum International Currency Card

Find out more about our Platinum International Currency Card from American Express and receive all the benefits the Platinum Card has to offer. Apply online.

www.americanexpress.com