Has anyone had to show their DNI or Passport while shopping at the Grocery Store in Buenos Aires?

[Avocado]

yeah, true, but i have had some people (once a week) ask where i'm from, etc., and help me when i'm trying to get cash-back unsuccessfully. the chinese tiendas 90% of the time can't even pronounce the word "Argentina" correctly, without a hard "G" - how long have they been living here and using the society, without even learning how to say Argentina in Spanish?

and if the locals hate the economy, but they voted for Massa like over half did in CABA, i'd blame...well...them 😛

You are a true disgrace of an expatriate. You are the epitome of an ugly American. You make fun of these Chinese and their ability to speak Spanish. These people are some of the hardest working people that are working day and night. We proudly welcome them in our country but we would like to see ugly Americans like you leave our country.

I read that you had problems understanding Spanish in a very touristy restaurant in Soho and you claim to speak Spanish for many years yet you mock the Chinese working very hard. Shame on you. I bit my tongue until I read your continued negative posts and speaking bad about my country. Half our country voted for Massa because we love our country. Please go home soon.

 

[Che Vos]

You are a true disgrace of an expatriate. You are the epitome of an ugly American. You make fun of these Chinese and their ability to speak Spanish. These people are some of the hardest working people that are working day and night. We proudly welcome them in our country but we would like to see ugly Americans like you leave our country.

I read that you had problems understanding Spanish in a very touristy restaurant in Soho and you claim to speak Spanish for many years yet you mock the Chinese working very hard. Shame on you. I bit my tongue until I read your continued negative posts and speaking bad about my country. Half our country voted for Massa because we love our country. Please go home soon.

YES!!! This guy a joke for us. He complain about $1.5 USD bread, he say he speak Spanish after 5 years studying but he can't understand waiter in popular touristy restaurant. Then he use bad words with people that give good advice. And now he make fun of the Chinese people in the store. I don't understand why these people with no money and complain all the time come to our country for complain about everything. It makes no sense to me.

I wish he go back home.

 

[Swowbird]

This must be fairly new. I have NEVER been asked to show my passport to purchase groceries in a supermarket. Never. The only place I have had to show my passport was at Western Union. i have used my US state ID and never had any issues.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

new. I have NEVER been asked to show my passport to purchase groceries in a supermarket. Never.

yeah, not sure, i forgot to come back and update this for Cordoba and Mendoza. and i just noticed the commie comments that i had muted - lol. for:

Cordoba, i only had to show my expired US driver license 20% of the time in supermarkets, but never in restaurants.

Mendoza now, i use ApplePay with a MasterCard or Visa US credit card for almost everything, and you can even add tips in most places! (unlike BsAs). i only get asked to show "documento" about 10% of the time in supermarkets. most vendors don't care, and i only sign 15% of the time on the store's receipt. i just use a fake DNI, my old passport number, or my old US license (seems most cashiers just want to document SOME kind of identity number).

Reddit talks about how it might be a law:

@Avocado ahahha i know this is from December but your comments always make me laugh - communists always are so certain of everything, and see the world in evil-vs-good dualities. the point remains: if you're living in Argentina and can't pronounce the country name in Spanish, because you refuse to assimilate, you are the asshole. and i'm not sure how you think someone who grew-up in the southwest USA where 50% speak Spanish, was certified in Spanish for 2 police departments in different states, worked for 2 years with Peruvians, lived in Mexico/Costa Rica/Guatemala/Spain for 4 months, posted his transcripts and degree on this forum, and have lived 10 months in Argentina in 3 provinces, renting a car multiple times and befriending locals who only speak Spanish, have negotiated several buying processes for houses with Spanish-only escribanias and real-estate companies, and solo accomplished getting my lady a DNI with Migraciones and ReNaPer...all that and you think i have just been, what, guessing?

asi es la mente de una peronista; no hay ningun monton de evidencia que puede convencerte que quizas TU eres el boludo aqui; tu equipo comunisto perdio...es posible que no llores 48 meses, para que Argentina puede mejorarse despues de tanto tiempo en familia K robando la gente. y ahora, con inflacion mas baja en mucho tiempo, todavia vas a continuar en creer que La Peluca Mala es "hombre malo" y tu equipo esta en el lado de los angeles...que rara vida.
why proudly welcome someone who doesn't want to assimilate? it's not that hard. i learned how to say Copenhagen when i was in Denmark for 3 days - it's the fun of traveling; learning languages, speaking with locals, being open to new ideas. you unconditionally support the "poor Chinese victims" no matter what, yet you despise the majority of USA people who come here to improve the country and assimilate into the culture/society here. see how you are actually the hateful one? you hate groups of people; my criticism was about a specific person who was unable to pronounce the country's name (in English or Spanish) and they worked at a store here, so they have Residency/DNI/etc. and have been here for a long time. why do you think this person is a victim, and i'm some sort of evil "disgusting" oppressor? what a strange 'take'

i'm staying, buddy. get over it 😉 i always forget how stupid you are, until i un-Mute these threads and see you moronic drivel. do you have any actual criticisms, or just soundbites and marxist rhetoric? it's pretty boring. has anything change Dec2023-Sep2024, or are you still making us all dumber by being here on an Expat forum?

@Che Vos as usual you're just a parrot account for the above silliness. i've already addressed your strange claims, so just to be clear: no one wants you here on an Expat forum, and you contribute nothing.

i think it's okay to complain about shitty aspects of specific cultures. this is a forum for Expats in BsAs, and if everyone paints this rosy picture that Argentina is completely friendly to outsiders, people won't plan accordingly. the problem with today's internet culture for me is that most of the loud minority think any criticism is a complete destruction of the culture/civilization. it just isn't; and most of us are choosing to be in Argentina, so it's not like we don't criticize our homelands WAYYY more when the topic arises.

and these things aren't static. with a new government, more Expats/tourists, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-globalizing world, aspects of culture can change, and they should in some ways. i would never go back to Paris because of how rude so many people were. compared to Greece, where people had great service and were open to tourists learning the language, why would i go to a place with shitty locals and an influx of North-African muslims who travel in packs? these things have a domino-effect. not that my perspective is going to change Argentina, but in Cordoba i was struggling with printing a form for Migraciones, and a tech-support business owner printed 2 pages for free, and he wouldn't take money. he said, 'i've traveled to Europe without English, and i know how hard it is, so i always try to help people since i appreciated being helped when i was traveling'

this is the way.

 

[Digital Nomad]

yeah, not sure, i forgot to come back and update this for Cordoba and Mendoza. and i just noticed the commie comments that i had muted - lol. for:

Cordoba, i only had to show my expired US driver license 20% of the time in supermarkets, but never in restaurants.

Mendoza now, i use ApplePay with a MasterCard or Visa US credit card for almost everything, and you can even add tips in most places! (unlike BsAs). i only get asked to show "documento" about 10% of the time in supermarkets. most vendors don't care, and i only sign 15% of the time on the store's receipt. i just use a fake DNI, my old passport number, or my old US license (seems most cashiers just want to document SOME kind of identity number).

Glad you're not having to use your ID all the time. I just use my DL and that always works at the grocery store. No one asks me in the restaurants at all.

 

[TonyTigre]

@StatusNomadicus, when someone is working and providing a service, they are "contributing to the society", not just "using the society." Yes, they work at a store, one that you walked into willingly and can exit without making any purchases. Do you think the prices at that store would be the same if all the workers there can speak better Spanish? Do you think they would be working there if they speak better Spanish? Do you know anything about their educational background? The number of hours they have to work each week? How difficult it is for an adult to pronounce certain words in another language especially when their native language is very different. Try learning Chinese, especially Cantonese, and see how well you do.

In a democratic society, we can choose how we spend our time and effort as long as it's not illegal, and we try to respect each other's choices. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to call someone a "commie" while defending your demand that others spend their time and effort into pronouncing a word in a way that doesn't offend you?

 

[Betsy Ross]

@StatusNomadicus, when someone is working and providing a service, they are "contributing to the society", not just "using the society." Yes, they work at a store, one that you walked into willingly and can exit without making any purchases. Do you think the prices at that store would be the same if all the workers there can speak better Spanish? Do you think they would be working there if they speak better Spanish? Do you know anything about their educational background? The number of hours they have to work each week? How difficult it is for an adult to pronounce certain words in another language especially when their native language is very different. Try learning Chinese, especially Cantonese, and see how well you do.

In a democratic society, we can choose how we spend our time and effort as long as it's not illegal, and we try to respect each other's choices. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to call someone a "commie" while defending your demand that others spend their time and effort into pronouncing a word in a way that doesn't offend you?

I don't mind if someone doesn't speak perfect Spanish. I share your thoughts @TonyTigre as long as they are contributing to society here and doing an honest day's work.

 

[milo]

This must be fairly new. I have NEVER been asked to show my passport to purchase groceries in a supermarket. Never. The only place I have had to show my passport was at Western Union. i have used my US state ID and never had any issues.

It has always been customary that when making an in-person purchase at any store, not just supermarkets, you had to present your ID or another form of identification along with your card. However, that changed in March of this year. Starting March 12, two fundamental changes were implemented for credit and debit card payments: first, it’s no longer necessary to present an ID or any other document to verify identity; and second, cards can only be handled by the customer, never by employees. While it’s understandable that merchants are having a hard time adjusting to this new measure, many still ask for IDs at the time of payment, it’s a necessary change.

"Two fundamental changes to payments with credit, debit, and prepaid cards will come into effect as of Tuesday, March 12: on the one hand, it will no longer be necessary to present an ID or other document to prove identity; and also the cards can only be handled by the customer, never by employees. In the case of a payment in a restaurant, for example, the POS machine must approach the table, instead of the waiter taking the card from the customer."

Nuevas medidas para pagos con tarjetas de crédito y débito: qué cambia esta semana | No será necesario el DNI

La resolución de la Secretaría de Comercio busca minimizar la posibilidad de robos virtuales y estafas con los plásticos en comercios.

www.pagina12.com.ar

 

[Uncle Wong]

It has always been customary that when making an in-person purchase at any store, not just supermarkets, you had to present your ID or another form of identification along with your card. However, that changed in March of this year. Starting March 12, two fundamental changes were implemented for credit and debit card payments: first, it’s no longer necessary to present an ID or any other document to verify identity; and second, cards can only be handled by the customer, never by employees. While it’s understandable that merchants are having a hard time adjusting to this new measure, many still ask for IDs at the time of payment, it’s a necessary change.

"Two fundamental changes to payments with credit, debit, and prepaid cards will come into effect as of Tuesday, March 12: on the one hand, it will no longer be necessary to present an ID or other document to prove identity; and also the cards can only be handled by the customer, never by employees. In the case of a payment in a restaurant, for example, the POS machine must approach the table, instead of the waiter taking the card from the customer."

Nuevas medidas para pagos con tarjetas de crédito y débito: qué cambia esta semana | No será necesario el DNI

La resolución de la Secretaría de Comercio busca minimizar la posibilidad de robos virtuales y estafas con los plásticos en comercios.

www.pagina12.com.ar

If they aren't asking for ID's are they still asking for ID #'s? I bought a few things while I was in BA and they always asked me for my "document #". I just gave my driver's license and that worked but for locals if you don't have to hand your ID's will they still ask for your ID #?

 

[Uncle Wong]

@StatusNomadicus, when someone is working and providing a service, they are "contributing to the society", not just "using the society." Yes, they work at a store, one that you walked into willingly and can exit without making any purchases. Do you think the prices at that store would be the same if all the workers there can speak better Spanish? Do you think they would be working there if they speak better Spanish? Do you know anything about their educational background? The number of hours they have to work each week? How difficult it is for an adult to pronounce certain words in another language especially when their native language is very different. Try learning Chinese, especially Cantonese, and see how well you do.

In a democratic society, we can choose how we spend our time and effort as long as it's not illegal, and we try to respect each other's choices. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to call someone a "commie" while defending your demand that others spend their time and effort into pronouncing a word in a way that doesn't offend you?

I'm a first generation American. My parents were from China. They were both very educated but they didn't speak English well when they came to the USA. They had some pretty crappy jobs when they first arrived to the US. Agree with you @TonyTigre that no one should be judged by how well they speak a language. I was told many of these Chinese that have the corner stores work an insane # of hours in the hopes they can someday get their own store. Not sure if this is true or not.

Any one that is working hard can't be faulted. Not sure about all this talk about communists but I don't think anyone on this forum has promoted communism. At least not that I have read. Maybe I missed some posts.

 

[milo]

If they aren't asking for ID's are they still asking for ID #'s? I bought a few things while I was in BA and they always asked me for my "document #". I just gave my driver's license and that worked but for locals if you don't have to hand your ID's will they still ask for your ID #?

No! They shouldn’t even ask for your ID number; you only need to present the card. In some stores, they still ask you to sign the receipt and provide your ID number or passport, but you no longer have to show it or mention it.

 

[Vero]

@StatusNomadicus, when someone is working and providing a service, they are "contributing to the society", not just "using the society." Yes, they work at a store, one that you walked into willingly and can exit without making any purchases. Do you think the prices at that store would be the same if all the workers there can speak better Spanish? Do you think they would be working there if they speak better Spanish? Do you know anything about their educational background? The number of hours they have to work each week? How difficult it is for an adult to pronounce certain words in another language especially when their native language is very different. Try learning Chinese, especially Cantonese, and see how well you do.

In a democratic society, we can choose how we spend our time and effort as long as it's not illegal, and we try to respect each other's choices. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to call someone a "commie" while defending your demand that others spend their time and effort into pronouncing a word in a way that doesn't offend you?

Well said. Argentina is fortunate that a vast majority of immigrants we have coming here are hard workers. Seems like a different scenario in the States where many are resorting to violence and crime. Most from Venezuela that are here work hard. Most Bolivians work hard. They may not be educated or skilled but they are selling fruit or items on the sidewalk and trying to make honest wages.

To label someone a communist is very harsh to me. Half my friends and even family I would consider are Peronists. They have a different opinion than some of mine but I would never label them a communist for their beliefs.

 

[Avocado]

@Avocado ahahha i know this is from December but your comments always make me laugh - communists always are so certain of everything, and see the world in evil-vs-good dualities. the point remains: if you're living in Argentina and can't pronounce the country name in Spanish, because you refuse to assimilate, you are the asshole. and i'm not sure how you think someone who grew-up in the southwest USA where 50% speak Spanish, was certified in Spanish for 2 police departments in different states, worked for 2 years with Peruvians, lived in Mexico/Costa Rica/Guatemala/Spain for 4 months, posted his transcripts and degree on this forum, and have lived 10 months in Argentina in 3 provinces, renting a car multiple times and befriending locals who only speak Spanish, have negotiated several buying processes for houses with Spanish-only escribanias and real-estate companies, and solo accomplished getting my lady a DNI with Migraciones and ReNaPer...all that and you think i have just been, what, guessing?

asi es la mente de una peronista; no hay ningun monton de evidencia que puede convencerte que quizas TU eres el boludo aqui; tu equipo comunisto perdio...es posible que no llores 48 meses, para que Argentina puede mejorarse despues de tanto tiempo en familia K robando la gente. y ahora, con inflacion mas baja en mucho tiempo, todavia vas a continuar en creer que La Peluca Mala es "hombre malo" y tu equipo esta en el lado de los angeles...que rara vida.
why proudly welcome someone who doesn't want to assimilate? it's not that hard. i learned how to say Copenhagen when i was in Denmark for 3 days - it's the fun of traveling; learning languages, speaking with locals, being open to new ideas. you unconditionally support the "poor Chinese victims" no matter what, yet you despise the majority of USA people who come here to improve the country and assimilate into the culture/society here. see how you are actually the hateful one? you hate groups of people; my criticism was about a specific person who was unable to pronounce the country's name (in English or Spanish) and they worked at a store here, so they have Residency/DNI/etc. and have been here for a long time. why do you think this person is a victim, and i'm some sort of evil "disgusting" oppressor? what a strange 'take'

i'm staying, buddy. get over it 😉 i always forget how stupid you are, until i un-Mute these threads and see you moronic drivel. do you have any actual criticisms, or just soundbites and marxist rhetoric? it's pretty boring. has anything change Dec2023-Sep2024, or are you still making us all dumber by being here on an Expat forum?

I say to you many times I not communist but you continue to attack me and label me as a communist. Why? You criticize the hardworking Chinese working hard in the store because their Spanish not perfect. I don't understand you mentality.

I don't care if you stay in my country as long as you respect everyone that is working hard here and follow rules. I believe and continue to believe that the country is getting worse and not better. Poverty rates continue to go up each day. Things were always bad. I do not debate you on that but the point is things are getting worse each day for majority of Argentine people. Making poor and small middle class pay for almost all of this turn around is not the solution. Not this way.

I am happy to see many corruption ending. Peronists don't like to see corruption either. We just want to live happy and honest life and be able to afford live in our country. This is not the way to do things the way things are going. Every day I talk to more and more people that regret their vote for Milei.

I have been in Argentina all my life. You here only a few months. You will see soon people are tired and angry. I don't mind that you are in my country. What bothers me is you know nothing about my country but you pretend to believe you understand Argentina and what we have suffered for so many years.

The crazy thing is many of the same people that got Argentina in this mess like Caputo and Sturzenegger are back doing the same thing and going to burden us even more than they did with Macri.

 

[LongIslander]

@StatusNomadicus, when someone is working and providing a service, they are "contributing to the society", not just "using the society." Yes, they work at a store, one that you walked into willingly and can exit without making any purchases. Do you think the prices at that store would be the same if all the workers there can speak better Spanish? Do you think they would be working there if they speak better Spanish? Do you know anything about their educational background? The number of hours they have to work each week? How difficult it is for an adult to pronounce certain words in another language especially when their native language is very different. Try learning Chinese, especially Cantonese, and see how well you do.

In a democratic society, we can choose how we spend our time and effort as long as it's not illegal, and we try to respect each other's choices. Isn't it a bit hypocritical to call someone a "commie" while defending your demand that others spend their time and effort into pronouncing a word in a way that doesn't offend you?

Agree with this. I split my time between New York and Buenos Aires. Earlier this week an owner of a restaurant was yelling at a food delivery worker. Was shocking to see just because the worker didn't speak English. The worker was there helping the restaurant owner deliver food to his customer yet he was yelling at him. I don't understand or agree with this logic.