Food & Drink My prices are out of control whine.

[Mart]

So I just got back from the supermarket where I bought a 1KG bag of coffee beans. Ristretto Cabrales - not exactly fancy. And I bought it in Moreno - not exactly fancy. At Carrefour - not exactly a fancy supermarket.

157 pesos! WTH. If I were in the US, I could buy a 36 oz bag of high quality coffee beans at Wegmans (sigh.. miss that store) for 12.99.

So lets compare. My coffee here (at the official rate) costs $35USD. At the blue rate, it becomes a "bargain" at $25 USD. And in the US - $12.99.

I'm just getting so burned out by shopping here. We buy at the cheap places (I spend a lot of time at Makro). We buy in bulk. We buy what is on sale. We cook at home. And I'm spending an absolute freaking fortune on food.

So tired of it all.... And if one more person tells me how cheap it is here, I'm going to show my food bills down their throat.

Let's see, today I bought (again with the exception of my Carrefour "splurge" - I did all my shopping at the cheap veggie stand, the super cheap granja, the discount pet store, etc).

Supermarket:
Coffee, 3 cans of raid = 230.50 pesos

Pet Food Store:
Cat food (15 kg) 131 pesos.

Vegetable Stand:
potatoes (big bag of the cheap papas negros), 2 kg of tomato, 1 kg of onion, 2 kg of apple, 1 kilo of lettuce, 1 kg of banana. 176 pesos

Granja:
1 maple of eggs (6 trays), 4 kg of chicken wings (bought on super sale at 8 pesos a kilo), 1.25 kg of bacon, 2 salamis, 2 bags of chips = 302 pesos (mayorista price)

So my shopping trip today cost me 839.50 pesos. For nothing fancy besides the coffee and I guess the bacon.

 

[ScotGown]

Coffee is imported so it moves with the dollar... to that you need to add the costs for getting the dollars to pay for imports, all the administrative costs to get the authorization to get the stuff out of the port, plus poor logistics and market power from the coffee importing firms in Argentina and there you go... coffee cost you a small fortune. I was last week in Brazil and brought very nice coffee (for Brazilian standards) for 6 dollars the kilo.

On the other hand, locally produced food in Argentina is still cheaper than France (my reference).

 

[Mart]

Well, it's a hell of a lot more expensive than my reference. new york city. So yeah, I have a problem with it.

And coffee is imported to the US as well.

 

[HuxLex]

I had the coffee debate with an Argentine a few nights ago. I told her how cheap it was in the United States, Ecuador, and Brazil (from my personal experience), and her defense was, "Well, this is Argentina."

Sigh.

In April when I was in Brazil, I bought 8 kilos of a brand called Pilao. I wouldn't say it's spectacular coffee, but it's good. $6.50 BRL for 500 grams at the time, with a 1 USD at 1.83 BRL (prior to the central bank devaluation). $3.55 USD. In 2011, when I was in Ecuador, similar story with imported Colombian coffee "Sello Rojo," which is fantastic coffee, in my opinion.

I don't understand why it's so expensive--and TERRIBLE--here.

 

[GraysPeack]

Not too long ago I read elsewhere that a guy (in the US) had dropped his bag of groceries spilling the coffee beans on the parking lot, losing all it´s contents.
I proceed to ask how much was it worth. The answer then was that a pound worth of coffee beans in the US equals the price of 1/4 K of Bonafide´s coffee here. Not the cheapest nor the most expensive stuff.

The guy stated he wanted to cry over the spilled beans. I told him I wanted to cry over the absurd price we pay for java over here. I think I made his day.

 

[earlyretirement]

I totally agree. We live in the USA and we spend less money on groceries than we did in Buenos Aires and we eat MUCH better, we don't wait in line 45 minutes, and we can get everything we can possibly want.

That's one of the best things I like about being in the USA again. Love love love the grocery store efficiency, options and prices.

 

[CheViejo]

I totally agree. We live in the USA and we spend less money on groceries than we did in Buenos Aires and we eat MUCH better, we don't wait in line 45 minutes, and we can get everything we can possibly want.

That's one of the best things I like about being in the USA again. Love love love the grocery store efficiency, options and prices.

If you are suggesting to us that the quality of life is better in the US because one may visit an industrial super-sized super-market to buy industrial chemical-infested fruits and vegetables and corn syrup infused processed food product to consume in one's home then, frankly, I'll pass on your US dream.

It appears one of nicest parts of living in the US for you is spending your time on a computer visiting right here those of us in BsAs, letting people 5000 miles from you know how great your life is now that you left BsAs. Go USA. Cin-cin!

BsAs' charming side is exactly the opposite of what you who went to earlyretirement in the US describe as living la vita loca or la dolce vita in the US.

Let me remind you that avoiding the supermarket in favor of the local carniceria and verduleria is a daily pleasure of living life in BsAs. Finding an ugly tomato in BsAs versus the perfect GMO tomato in the US is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Seeing the cheese cut in front of me and the beef butchered and ground in front of me is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Smelling the freshly baked bread wafting through the streets is the pleasure of life here. Waiting in line with my neighbors for ravioli and tortellini is the pleasure of life in BsAs.

For those who prefer super-sized industrial food product full of corn syrup and chemicals all of which can be purchased in under 5 minutes and have you consuming in 7 minutes then it is true that bsAs is not the place for you.

The good life is in how we perceive things.

 

[earlyretirement]

If you are suggesting to us that the quality of life is better in the US because one may visit an industrial super-sized super-market to buy industrial chemical-infested fruits and vegetables and corn syrup infused processed food product to consume in one's home then, frankly, I'll pass on your US dream.

It appears one of nicest parts of living in the US for you is spending your time on a computer visiting right here those of us in BsAs, letting people 5000 miles from you know how great your life is now that you left BsAs. Go USA. Cin-cin!

BsAs' charming side is exactly the opposite of what you who went to earlyretirement in the US describe as living la vita loca or la dolce vita in the US.

Let me remind you that avoiding the supermarket in favor of the local carniceria and verduleria is a daily pleasure of living life in BsAs. Finding an ugly tomato in BsAs versus the perfect GMO tomato in the US is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Seeing the cheese cut in front of me and the beef butchered and ground in front of me is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Smelling the freshly baked bread wafting through the streets is the pleasure of life here. Waiting in line with my neighbors for ravioli and tortellini is the pleasure of life in BsAs.

For those who prefer super-sized industrial food product full of corn syrup and chemicals all of which can be purchased in under 5 minutes and have you consuming in 7 minutes then it is true that bsAs is not the place for you.

The good life is in how we perceive things.

No, I'm saying the quality of life is better because of the millions of other reasons out there.

I'm not saying I don't love Argentina and many things about Argentina but the supermarkets and the prices at the supermarkets aren't one of them. And that was the point of this thread.

Please spare us your rants.

I own a company and office in Argentina, I have employees in Argentina, I have family and friends in Argentina, I own properties in Argentina. I still spend time in Argentina.

I think that still gives me the right to post my opinions about the place. No problem at all if you want to pass up on the USA dream.

But please spare us the diatribe.

 

[earlyretirement]

No, I'm saying the quality of life is better because of the millions of other reasons out there.

I'm not saying I don't love Argentina and many things about Argentina but the supermarkets and the prices at the supermarkets aren't one of them. And that was the point of this thread.

Please spare us your rants.

I own a company and office in Argentina, I have employees in Argentina, I have family and friends in Argentina, I own properties in Argentina. I still spend time in Argentina.

I think that still gives me the right to post my opinions about the place. No problem at all if you want to pass up on the USA dream.

But please spare us the diatribe.

I do admit that Argentina has positive aspects about it. But part of the "good life" to me means:

- Not having to look over my shoulder when I'm using my Iphone or Ipad out on the street

- Being able to cross the street at a random street knowing full well that if the light is green and I have a walk signal that I most likely won't get hit by a car

- Being able to get a package without expecting to get extorted into paying some phantom tax

- Going to my favorite restaurant and not having the restaurant price change each week

- Having a 99% probability that the car 3 lanes over to my left won't try to turn right at the next light (or generally have 99% of the drivers being HORRIBLE)

- Having dinner with my wife without her having to put her purse between her legs during the ENTIRE dinner

- Going to the grocery store and being able to find what I want when I want

- My HOA fee stays the same each year rather than go up 20%+ a year like my condo fee has done in Buenos Aires

- Being able to fire an employee if I catch them stealing from me without the fear they will sue me

- Being able to buy dollars at the going exchange rate or have the comfort and safety that funds I have on deposit will be protected

- Comfort of knowing my Internet won't go out for days on end

- Not having to pay 21% IVA on everything I buy

- Being able to EASILY return something in the store if it doesn't work (most stores will accept returns up to 30 days after you purchase it)

- Actually getting someone that works in a store to help you and generally good customer service in most stores

- When I get a quote on a job that I need not having to worry about someone trying to cheat you on the price

- I don't have to worry about public transportation going on strike for days/weeks on end (or dying in some antiquated trains in the event of an accident)

- Don't have to worry about random restrictions/controls popping up each week that are totally crazy

- Taking comfort in knowing IF I had to go to a random police station for something they would actually be helpful

- Being able to buy electronics that aren't inflated 300%

- Being able to get great Mexican/Chinese/Japanese/Indian/Greek/ You fill in the blank food at restaurants very easily and very affordably (Or going to a restaurant and actually seeing more than salads, pasta, pizza, meat on the menu)

- I can use my nice camera wherever I want without worrying about possibly getting stabbed from someone trying to steal it

- Not having to worry about giving my employees a 25% to 30% mandatory raise each year

- When I go to the office I don't have to worry about protestors blocking the road on a weekly basis

- I don't have to worry about people making change when I pay for something in the store or a "no moneda" sign.

- Nice fact actually seeing some diversity and actually seeing people of color every day

- The buses here don't have black billowing soot/smoke coming out and the air quality is 1000 X better

- Not having to pay cash for a place to buy here and not having to show up at closing with $100 bills (I can pay for my property over 15 or 30 years at a cheap interest rate)

- People that actually understand what the word "ethical" means

- When people mail me a letter I actually get it in a few days vs. weeks/months/never

- Not having my electricity or gas bill go up 250% overnight

- I don't have to worry about my car window getting smashed at the stop light from a motorcycle thief

- Being able to get my dishwasher or washing machine fixed without some random part taking 3 months or more to get into the country


These are just things I can think of in 5 minutes. I can add many many more. I do agree "good life" is all subjective.

 

[ZenoCoseno]

I do admit that Argentina has positive aspects about it. But part of the "good life" to me means:

- Not having to look over my shoulder when I'm using my Iphone or Ipad out on the street

- Being able to cross the street at a random street knowing full well that if the light is green and I have a walk signal that I most likely won't get hit by a car

- Being able to get a package without expecting to get extorted into paying some phantom tax

- Going to my favorite restaurant and not having the restaurant price change each week

- Having a 99% probability that the car 3 lanes over to my left won't try to turn right at the next light (or generally have 99% of the drivers being HORRIBLE)

- Having dinner with my wife without her having to put her purse between her legs during the ENTIRE dinner

- Going to the grocery store and being able to find what I want when I want

- My HOA fee stays the same each year rather than go up 20%+ a year like my condo fee has done in Buenos Aires

- Being able to fire an employee if I catch them stealing from me without the fear they will sue me

- Being able to buy dollars at the going exchange rate or have the comfort and safety that funds I have on deposit will be protected

- Comfort of knowing my Internet won't go out for days on end

- Not having to pay 21% IVA on everything I buy

- Being able to EASILY return something in the store if it doesn't work (most stores will accept returns up to 30 days after you purchase it)

- Actually getting someone that works in a store to help you and generally good customer service in most stores

- When I get a quote on a job that I need not having to worry about someone trying to cheat you on the price

- I don't have to worry about public transportation going on strike for days/weeks on end (or dying in some antiquated trains in the event of an accident)

- Don't have to worry about random restrictions/controls popping up each week that are totally crazy

- Taking comfort in knowing IF I had to go to a random police station for something they would actually be helpful

- Being able to buy electronics that aren't inflated 300%

- Being able to get great Mexican/Chinese/Japanese/Indian/Greek/ You fill in the blank food at restaurants very easily and very affordably (Or going to a restaurant and actually seeing more than salads, pasta, pizza, meat on the menu)

- I can use my nice camera wherever I want without worrying about possibly getting stabbed from someone trying to steal it

- Not having to worry about giving my employees a 25% to 30% mandatory raise each year

- When I go to the office I don't have to worry about protestors blocking the road on a weekly basis

- I don't have to worry about people making change when I pay for something in the store or a "no moneda" sign.

- Nice fact actually seeing some diversity and actually seeing people of color every day

- The buses here don't have black billowing soot/smoke coming out and the air quality is 1000 X better

- Not having to pay cash for a place to buy here and not having to show up at closing with $100 bills (I can pay for my property over 15 or 30 years at a cheap interest rate)

- People that actually understand what the word "ethical" means

- When people mail me a letter I actually get it in a few days vs. weeks/months/never

- Not having my electricity or gas bill go up 250% overnight

- I don't have to worry about my car window getting smashed at the stop light from a motorcycle thief

- Being able to get my dishwasher or washing machine fixed without some random part taking 3 months or more to get into the country


These are just things I can think of in 5 minutes. I can add many many more. I do agree "good life" is all subjective.

What happened to 'spare us the diatribe' ?

 

[earlyretirement]

What happened to 'spare us the diatribe' ?

Hey I couldn't resist when they talked about "quality of life" and trying to infer that I was implying it was only because of the WONDERFUL options in the supermarkets here.

There are literally hundreds of reasons why I deem "quality of life" better. I don't consider what I wrote diatribe. Just simple things that I immediate appreciate everyday here vs. Argentina.

Again, I'm not saying that Argentina is all bad at all because it's not and there are many things to appreciate there.

I agree with the other comments about the food options. There are fantastic options with places like Whole Foods, as well as various Farmers Market's that they have a few times each week. Some cities here have a different farmer's market every day of the week in a different area and this food is very organic.

Also, to the poster that posted that the USA is as dangerous as Argentina. My simple answer is "no it's not". Although it does sound like she/he had some bad luck in Washington DC.

And it's laughable if same poster is trying to claim that drivers overall in the USA are as bad as Buenos Aires. LOL. Now that really made them non credible with a comment like that.

I don't think there is anything wrong pointing out negative things about a country that you love. You should be able to open your eyes and accept them and talk about them.

 

[SerchMinm]

Food: I don't know how anyone who lives in BA can deny that a very large amount of the food sold in supermarkets is low quality and full of artificial / chemical ingredients. How on earth this myth that food is more wholesome in Argentina developed I have no idea. I have yet to meet a "foodie" who did not find procuring good, fresh ingredients in BA a real challenge. A walk though supermarkets like Whole Foods (and that is only one), by contrast, is a real pleasure.

CRIME: I think the difference is that a lot of crime in the US takes place in the impoverished inner city whereas in BA it happens everywhere all the time. I feel safer almost anywhere in Manhattan than I do in the best parts of BA. I know so many people who have been robbed in BA that I can hardly begin to count. I hardly know anyone in the US who has had the same experiences. Well I am sure there will be people who challenge this but I believe my Argentine friends would agree. In fact the daughter of a friend who is studying at Columbia Univ (not exactly a great area) commented that she felt a LOT safer there than in Recoleta.

 

[earlyretirement]

Food: I don't know how anyone who lives in BA can deny that a very large amount of the food sold in supermarkets is low quality and full of artificial / chemical ingredients. How on earth this myth that food is more wholesome in Argentina developed I have no idea. I have yet to meet a "foodie" who did not find procuring good, fresh ingredients in BA a real challenge. A walk though supermarkets like Whole Foods (and that is only one), by contrast, is a real pleasure.

CRIME: I think the difference is that a lot of crime in the US takes place in the impoverished inner city whereas in BA it happens everywhere all the time. I feel safer almost anywhere in Manhattan than I do in the best parts of BA. I know so many people who have been robbed in BA that I can hardly begin to count. I hardly know anyone in the US who has had the same experiences. Well I am sure there will be people who challenge this but I believe my Argentine friends would agree. In fact the daughter of a friend who is studying at Columbia Univ (not exactly a great area) commented that she felt a LOT safer there than in Recoleta.

Exactly, I'm not sure either how this misconception that food is so wholesome in Argentina got started either. I just didn't find that to be the case while living there many years. And many times going into a supermarket I'd spot disgusting literally rotting vegetables. Of course we'd get veggies at the corner stands but the variety just wasn't there like other countries.

As far as crime. I'm NOT worried about getting killed in Argentina OR the USA so I think people that throw out statistics like that are a bit disingenuous. What most people worry about is just basically walking down the street and having to worry about getting mugged or the homes getting broken into.

Sure the USA has crime just like most other major cities around the world but I will argue with anyone that most major cities in the USA are generally safe compared to a city like Buenos Aires. Anyone that really tries to honestly try to argue that any typical metropolitan area in the USA is as dangerous as Buenos Aires is deluded. And I say that with all respect.

 

[PhilipDM]

If you are suggesting to us that the quality of life is better in the US because one may visit an industrial super-sized super-market to buy industrial chemical-infested fruits and vegetables and corn syrup infused processed food product to consume in one's home then, frankly, I'll pass on your US dream.

It appears one of nicest parts of living in the US for you is spending your time on a computer visiting right here those of us in BsAs, letting people 5000 miles from you know how great your life is now that you left BsAs. Go USA. Cin-cin!

BsAs' charming side is exactly the opposite of what you who went to earlyretirement in the US describe as living la vita loca or la dolce vita in the US.

Let me remind you that avoiding the supermarket in favor of the local carniceria and verduleria is a daily pleasure of living life in BsAs. Finding an ugly tomato in BsAs versus the perfect GMO tomato in the US is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Seeing the cheese cut in front of me and the beef butchered and ground in front of me is the pleasure of life in BsAs. Smelling the freshly baked bread wafting through the streets is the pleasure of life here. Waiting in line with my neighbors for ravioli and tortellini is the pleasure of life in BsAs.

For those who prefer super-sized industrial food product full of corn syrup and chemicals all of which can be purchased in under 5 minutes and have you consuming in 7 minutes then it is true that bsAs is not the place for you.

The good life is in how we perceive things.

When I go to a grocery store in the states, I see a massive array of delicious cheeses from all over the world. When I go to a Queseria here I see 4 or 5 kinds of bland tasteless crap in in varying consistencies.

 

[earlyretirement]

When I go to a grocery store in the states, I see a massive array of delicious cheeses from all over the world. When I go to a Queseria here I see 4 or 5 kinds of bland tasteless crap in in varying consistencies.

Oh so true! Even mediocre grocery stores here have almost an entire aisle full of delicious cheese here in the USA. Wonderful varieties from all over.

Or go to a Whole Foods and forget about it! Amazing and so polite and friendly and you can sample whatever you want.

"Bland tasteless crap". LOL. I can't think of a better way to describe the cheeses there. To think a local would use that example of one of the positive things in Argentina vs. the USA I don't think is the best example.

Here in the USA, at the stores I go to, they cut the cheese in front of me as well and it actually is delicious and fresh!

And to be honest, even the steaks that I get here in the States is really delicious. I will admit Argentina has excellent steaks. Although several times at the supermarket there I have spotted packages with expired meats for sale. Probably because the vast majority of locals couldn't afford it.

I don't want people to think this is about bashing Argentina because it's not. I think people should be willing to admit the supermarkets here in the States, the freshness and variety of the food here is something to be embraced.

Also, even the restaurants there are more and more "farm to table" type restaurants popping up that have extremely fresh food. Absolutely delicious!

Again, I love Argentina and will continue to go there and spend time there probably until I die. But I have to call them like I see them on quality of life issues.