Is the Expat party in Buenos Aires coming to an end?

[Avocado]

Can you elaborate on what you mean by a significant discount? Regarding student loans, they are subject to the inflation rate (RPI), historically staying below 1% for several years. However, even if inflation and RPI increase, the loan remains proportionate due to the overall inflation of wages and property values. In response to the UK's elevated inflation, the RPI was capped below the inflation rate, ensuring a financial advantage. Regardless of the rate, monthly payments remain unaffected. The advisable early repayment strategy mainly applies to high earners, given the additional 3% applied between £28k and £50k (e.g., 1.8% at £38k).

Considering the dropout rate, if education were free, individuals would bear the cost. Moreover, many people possess degrees unrelated to their work or unnecessary for their professions. The existence of discounts (e.g., travel, social) and loans at virtually 0% interest with RPI parity, funded by taxpayers, adds another layer to the discussion.

This situation seems to suggest a desire for increased lifetime earnings, with the expectation that others will bear the financial burden.

Tim Joe,

Whether or not there's free university education, taxes are inevitable. If someone pursues studies and decides to discontinue, that's acceptable; at least they gained the experience without plunging into overwhelming debt that can lead to mental health issues and substance abuse, burdening taxpayers further. Where's the compassion? You sound cruel.

It's preferable for governments to utilize tax funds to directly enhance citizens' lives rather than supporting inhumane endeavors or extravagant ceremonies. You're contributing to those too, and I haven't heard your opinion on it. Even if a couple of individuals drop out of university, many more successfully complete their education, becoming engineers, scientists, medical professionals, etc., without drowning in debt. This is a positive contribution to society. While they may earn more, they reciprocate by paying back tenfold in taxes, completing the cycle and fully covering their education costs.

Why do some oppose straightforward, compassionate measures that cause no harm and only bring benefits? I can't comprehend such callousness. This narrow-minded, self-centered perspective is detrimental to everyone involved. You all sound like animals.

 

[Tim Joe]

Tim Joe,

Whether or not there's free university education, taxes are inevitable. If someone pursues studies and decides to discontinue, that's acceptable; at least they gained the experience without plunging into overwhelming debt that can lead to mental health issues and substance abuse, burdening taxpayers further. Where's the compassion? You sound cruel.

It's preferable for governments to utilize tax funds to directly enhance citizens' lives rather than supporting inhumane endeavors or extravagant ceremonies. You're contributing to those too, and I haven't heard your opinion on it. Even if a couple of individuals drop out of university, many more successfully complete their education, becoming engineers, scientists, medical professionals, etc., without drowning in debt. This is a positive contribution to society. While they may earn more, they reciprocate by paying back tenfold in taxes, completing the cycle and fully covering their education costs.

Why do some oppose straightforward, compassionate measures that cause no harm and only bring benefits? I can't comprehend such callousness. This narrow-minded, self-centered perspective is detrimental to everyone involved. You all sound like animals.

How can I be deemed lacking in compassion for suggesting those who can afford it contribute to higher education funding, especially when child poverty is on the rise in many countries.

Given that I'm facing character assassination for holding a differing opinion and find certain aspects of your argument to be illogical and offensive, I'll respectfully step back from this discussion. I find parts of your argument idiotic and just insulting.

 

[Canada Goose]

I have only been in Buenos Aires a few weeks but so far I think it's perfect and understand why so many of you Expats have chosen it to be your home.

I don't think the "party" will end. I believe the party will become much more enjoyable, despite a potential noticeable increase in prices. Nonetheless, it will still be considerably more affordable than in Canada where I am from or the US or Europe.

The introduction of the new system is expected to enhance the quality of life by compelling people to engage in production and exports, fostering competition in the domestic market. Argentina possesses ample resources for export that can generate income, but the existing policies made it less appealing for both export and import activities.

I thought about doing business here and when I approached many local manufacturers, they expressed pessimism, citing the impracticality of dealing with the prevailing currency policy, where all funds had to be transacted through bank transfers at the official rate. I anticipate the return of numerous western brands that had exited the country, while outstanding local brands may venture abroad (I personally know some major clothing brands, and they unanimously assert that opening stores abroad is currently unfeasible). Although Milei might not entirely abandon socialism, even minor adjustments could yield significant improvements. While the overall cost may rise compared to the present scenario, I believe the quality of life will also experience positive enhancements.

I read this on another forum. I thought it was spot on target. It said, "Argentina IS and always will be the country with the MOST Potential".

 

[Pink Panther]

I have only been in Buenos Aires a few weeks but so far I think it's perfect and understand why so many of you Expats have chosen it to be your home.

I don't think the "party" will end. I believe the party will become much more enjoyable, despite a potential noticeable increase in prices. Nonetheless, it will still be considerably more affordable than in Canada where I am from or the US or Europe.

The introduction of the new system is expected to enhance the quality of life by compelling people to engage in production and exports, fostering competition in the domestic market. Argentina possesses ample resources for export that can generate income, but the existing policies made it less appealing for both export and import activities.

I thought about doing business here and when I approached many local manufacturers, they expressed pessimism, citing the impracticality of dealing with the prevailing currency policy, where all funds had to be transacted through bank transfers at the official rate. I anticipate the return of numerous western brands that had exited the country, while outstanding local brands may venture abroad (I personally know some major clothing brands, and they unanimously assert that opening stores abroad is currently unfeasible). Although Milei might not entirely abandon socialism, even minor adjustments could yield significant improvements. While the overall cost may rise compared to the present scenario, I believe the quality of life will also experience positive enhancements.

I read this on another forum. I thought it was spot on target. It said, "Argentina IS and always will be the country with the MOST Potential".

And two-time President of Argentina, Hipólito Yrigoyen said, "No temo tanto a los de afuera que nos quieren comprar, cómo a los de adentro que nos quieren vender"

...which translates as "I'm not so afraid of those on the outside who want to buy us, as I am of those on the inside who want to sell us."

 

[earlyretirement]

Yeah and things were so perfect and going so sell under Massa! This is hilarious. You all act as if Argentina was on a great trajectory under Massa and all the others. I thank my lucky stars I don't have to worry about rent or moving and have a place to live. Some of you expats come across as cry babies and opportunistic that want to see Argentina and its citizens suffer all so you can eat cheap steak.

Probably the only good thing about Argentina getting more expensive is seeing many whiny expats complaining about their expensive Airbnbs having to go back to the cold expensive wasteland that is the USA now. And the really funny thing is that Trump will most likely be President for when you all have to go back. Ha!

I agree that Massa supporters are in denial that no matter what Argentina is in as bad a condition as it is because of Massa, Kirchner and their ilk. THEY put the country into the mess it is. Milei won't have all the answers and this mess will take time to get sorted out. It will most likely get worse before it gets better. Massa fans seem to want their cake and eat it too. Life doesn't happen that way.

Buenos Aires will definitely get more expensive. Make no mistake of that. There was a mass exodus of expats when Argentina got expensive before and something tells me that many expats will need to go back to the USA once Argentina gets more expensive. The smart ones bought real estate and own vs. renting. The funny thing is most of these people that were complaining about Trump will go back to the USA with Trump as President again.

I agree. I also am renting and it's very painful. Milei says he will change the law and I hope the long term rental market gets working again. There is almost NO rentals on the market now. People like me are doomed from having to deal with corrupt owners and landlords that keep raising prices. It's not fair. Milei will be bad for Argentina. I see more police in the street with more of an attitude. The people used to control and have power and the police were scared but I notice now the police with smug attitudes feeling like they own the place now. Am I alone?

Avocado,

You are wrong on this. Owners aren't "corrupt" for wanting to raise prices. An owner should charge as much as they can charge and keep it full. It's just supply and demand 101. I own a lot of properties around the world and it's not my job to give charity to my tenants. I do a lot of other charity in many ways but my job as a property owner is to charge as much as I can and stay keep my occupancy rates up. We don't live in a system of communism.

Those of us that worked hard and were smart buying real estate should be rewarded.

 

[FuturoBA]

When anyone says things are getting expensive what does that mean?? Does that mean as a single person you used to be able to live off of 1k or 1.5k per month and now expecting it to be 2 or 2.5k?? Or if things go from 1k to 1.3k that's a 30% jump in relative terms but in absolute terms 300 per month, while not nothing wouldn't be a deal breaker. I can see with a family budgeting 3k and a 30% increase to 4k, then yes things are getting expensive. It's about how much things are increasing in terms to income and why buying now is the smartest plan to keep one of the largest costs(housing) as stable as possible.

 

[BuySellBA]

When anyone says things are getting expensive what does that mean?? Does that mean as a single person you used to be able to live off of 1k or 1.5k per month and now expecting it to be 2 or 2.5k?? Or if things go from 1k to 1.3k that's a 30% jump in relative terms but in absolute terms 300 per month, while not nothing wouldn't be a deal breaker. I can see with a family budgeting 3k and a 30% increase to 4k, then yes things are getting expensive. It's about how much things are increasing in terms to income and why buying now is the smartest plan to keep one of the largest costs(housing) as stable as possible.

HI FuturoBA,

Much all depends on your quality of life you want to live. Most people throw out statistic of how much locals make but locals do NOT live like the majority of expats. Many expats we know live in really nice places in expensive areas like Recoleta or Palermo. Vs. many locals and employees of our company live far outside of Buenos Aires where it's cheaper like Quilmes and commute in to work.

Real estate is very cheap now in inflation adjusted dollars. We are buying real estate almost daily for our investors. For a world capital city the calibre of Buenos Aires it's very cheap. Buenos Aires beats EVERY city as far as quality of life in any country in Latin America and most places around the world. Buenos Aires is ranked by The Economist Magazine as one of the best cities around the world for digital expats. - https://buysellba.com/news-/-media/...buenos-aires-as-top-choice-for-digital-nomads

Real estate and rentals are going to keep getting more expensive. We see many expats that don't own desperate as there aren't as many things on the long term market and more and more owners of long-term rentals are figuring out they can make a TON renting out on Airbnb. Most of all the good quality Airbnbs are all full. Our friends manage collectively over 250+ Airbnb units and they are all very full with full occupancy.

The CEO of our company recently was in town 2 weeks ago and he had to stay all the way up in Belgrano to get the quality 2 bedroom luxury Airbnb. Everything in Palermo was all booked. Same as Recoleta.

No one knows how expensive things will be but EVERYONE agrees it's dirt cheap now and prices are heading up. We don't know ANYONE that doesn't believe that prices are all heading up.

 

[Darksider415]

When anyone says things are getting expensive what does that mean?? Does that mean as a single person you used to be able to live off of 1k or 1.5k per month and now expecting it to be 2 or 2.5k?? Or if things go from 1k to 1.3k that's a 30% jump in relative terms but in absolute terms 300 per month, while not nothing wouldn't be a deal breaker. I can see with a family budgeting 3k and a 30% increase to 4k, then yes things are getting expensive. It's about how much things are increasing in terms to income and why buying now is the smartest plan to keep one of the largest costs(housing) as stable as possible.

This is one of the reasons I went ahead and jumped on a 2-year contract before the elections, at a cost I think is reasonable to both my landlord and I.

I’m already seeing Airbnb prices going up in my casual browsing, and our old place, without air conditioning, is listed on Airbnb for over $1k/month in Villa Crespo.

 

[BuySellBA]

This is one of the reasons I went ahead and jumped on a 2-year contract before the elections, at a cost I think is reasonable to both my landlord and I.

I’m already seeing Airbnb prices going up in my casual browsing, and our old place, without air conditioning, is listed on Airbnb for over $1k/month in Villa Crespo.

Yes you were VERY wise Darksider415. Those prices are going to keep going up. We are doing long term rentals where we can make MUCH more renting short-term. For example, the apartment that we gifted to @Portenha we were netting over $2,200 US per month just doing short-term rentals. But we wanted someone to enjoy our home and take good care of it. That was one of the first apartments we purchased in Buenos Aires after the crash in 2002. In the olden days after the crash we were netting about $3,000 US per month for it. We were charging $150 US per night and it was full about 26/27 days a month. It more than paid for itself over many times over.

Then the CEO's mother in law lived in it for many years. She loved that place. The location is unbeatable for every day living. EVERY rental guest loved it. We removed it after his mother-in-law moved in but it had over 300 reviews on Airbnb. All were 5 stars. The same doorwomen, Kela has lived in the building for 20 years.

We don't just think about money in our business. As evidenced by many free stays we gift to people. We love our clients and we know they love us. Heck, with most of our rental guests that rent long-term we don't even charge a damage deposit as we know they will take care of any damage.

Villa Crespo is an ok area but gentrifying quickly. We find Recoleta to be a real neighborhood with everything close by.

 

[Jeep]

The youth that voted for Milei will be taught a lesson.

Many young individuals acquire valuable lessons through confronting formidable challenges, and this principle extends to certain older individuals too. Nevertheless, I anticipate that Milei's abilities might be constrained in the initial two years, and perhaps persistently throughout the entire term.

 

[Pink Panther]

The youth that voted for Milei will be taught a lesson.

Many young individuals acquire valuable lessons through confronting formidable challenges, and this principle extends to certain older individuals too. Nevertheless, I anticipate that Milei's abilities might be constrained in the initial two years, and perhaps persistently throughout the entire term.

Certainly, that is indeed true. However, when the well-being and livelihoods of an entire nation and its 47 million people are in jeopardy, that is not the appropriate moment for learning on the job.

 

[Jeep]

Certainly, that is indeed true. However, when the well-being and livelihoods of an entire nation and its 47 million people are in jeopardy, that is not the appropriate moment for learning on the job.

Well, majority rules in a democracy, but that doesn't mean they are correct. Often, they are wrong, as will probably be the case with putting Milei in power

 

[Betsy Ross]

Well, majority rules in a democracy, but that doesn't mean they are correct. Often, they are wrong, as will probably be the case with putting Milei in power

All you Peronists and Massa lovers had plenty of opportunities to do the right things. But they didn't. They screwed up Argentina and here we are today.

Was electing Javier Milei a gamble? Sure, maybe and failure remains a possibility. But with the inept and corrupt Massa, it was a certainty. He and his corrupt ilk cronies have already ruined Argentina. It couldn't have gotten much worse. They have been raping and pillaging Argentina for decades.

 

[Jeep]

All you Peronists and Massa lovers had plenty of opportunities to do the right things. But they didn't. They screwed up Argentina and here we are today.

Was electing Javier Milei a gamble? Sure, maybe and failure remains a possibility. But with the inept and corrupt Massa, it was a certainty. He and his corrupt ilk cronies have already ruined Argentina. It couldn't have gotten much worse. They have been raping and pillaging Argentina for decades.

It's a significant risk, and the probability of failure is high.

Real change will only occur when individuals recognize that they are the architects of their own destinies, not the government. Relying on the government for anything is not the solution.

 

[Larry]

I hold the belief that all governments are corrupt, and I refrained from voting for any of them. I find it absurd that people are so naive to think that an outsider with Milei's history could be the ultimate savior. However, I question the potential cost of such a scenario. The strategy of divide and conquer, as seen in many societies, involves giving with one hand while taking with the other. This could transform Argentina's landscape into something unrecognizable. I have a strong intuition about what lies ahead, and it certainly doesn't align with people's expectations.

 

[VINO]

Every president in every country in his/her first term is learning on the job.

They let Massa practice during the campaign. That didn't turn out so well.

They've been wrong for most of the last 80 years, and they've been so wrong lately that it has led to where we are now. Let's hope this time that they were right with Milei. I don't think Argentina had any other option than to try someone new. Massa and his cronies were corrupt thieves.

 

[Jeep]

Every president in every country in his/her first term is learning on the job.

They let Massa practice during the campaign. That didn't turn out so well.

They've been wrong for most of the last 80 years, and they've been so wrong lately that it has led to where we are now. Let's hope this time that they were right with Milei. I don't think Argentina had any other option than to try someone new. Massa and his cronies were corrupt thieves.

They are going from bad to worse in their decision making process.

 

[VINO]

They are going from bad to worse in their decision making process.

And how do you know that? How do you measure it? What facts are you going from?

 

[Jeep]

And how do you know that? How do you measure it? What facts are you going from?

You will find out soon. I measure it by my intuition and hunch.

 

[Canada Goose]

You will find out soon. I measure it by my intuition and hunch.

LOL. So you have a crystal ball that can see the future? Your "hunch". LOL. What did your hunch say about the past few decades or even the last few years and Massa as Economic Minister? You thought that went sooo well?