What was your most unexpected culture shock in Argentina?

[jesib]

When I moved here, I expected some differences, but there are still things that surprise me. What shocked you the most when you arrived?
I still can’t get used to the way they have breakfast. I don’t get how they don’t starve lol, they just have mate with some cookies. I always need my full American breakfast!

 

[Liam]

If there’s one thing I got used to quickly, it’s breakfast, mate with medialunas or pastries, and I’m not the only one lol. A lot of people talk about how delicious medialunas are! But what I still can’t get used to is having dinner so late.

 

[Radd]

When I moved here, I expected some differences, but there are still things that surprise me. What shocked you the most when you arrived?
I still can’t get used to the way they have breakfast. I don’t get how they don’t starve lol, they just have mate with some cookies. I always need my full American breakfast!

Exactly! Breakfasts here are so different. I need a lot of protein in the morning, and a medialuna or a piece of toast just isn’t enough for me, so that’s something I’m not willing to compromise on.
Another thing that really surprised me is how Argentinians get together anytime, any day, without much planning. They just spontaneously go out or meet up for what they call merendar (which was a totally new concept for me). Honestly, I loved that. They truly prioritize friendships and human connections, something that doesn’t happen as much in the U.S. People here love spontaneous hangouts, and anyone can invite you over at any moment. Back home, that would be unthinkable, we’re so structured that we end up missing out on life.

 

[Robert07]

Walking up to the bank and finding it closed at 3 PM was a shock! I know someone who works at a bank, and they told me that they serve customers until 3 PM, but then they close and keep working in the office. Still, that really surprised me!

 

[FuturoBA]

If there’s one thing I got used to quickly, it’s breakfast, mate with medialunas or pastries, and I’m not the only one lol. A lot of people talk about how delicious medialunas are! But what I still can’t get used to is having dinner so late.

When I arrive I think I'll just keep my watch set to my current time at on the CST time zone so dinners and bedtimes won't seem so late ha.

Another thing that really surprised me is how Argentinians get together anytime, any day, without much planning. They just spontaneously go out or meet up for what they call merendar (which was a totally new concept for me). Honestly, I loved that. They truly prioritize friendships and human connections, something that doesn’t happen as much in the U.S. People here love spontaneous hangouts, and anyone can invite you over at any moment. Back home, that would be unthinkable, we’re so structured that we end up missing out on life.

And the friendships and spontaneous get togethers is what I look forward to most. You're right about the US, it's been a while since I've been able to get even a few friends all together in any one place.

Walking up to the bank and finding it closed at 3 PM was a shock! I know someone who works at a bank, and they told me that they serve customers until 3 PM, but then they close and keep working in the office. Still, that really surprised me!

Ha sounds like some of that famous Argentinian laziness I keep hearing about.

 

[Larry]

When I arrive I think I'll just keep my watch set to my current time at on the CST time zone so dinners and bedtimes won't seem so late ha.

That is a good idea!

And the friendships and spontaneous get togethers is what I look forward to most. You're right about the US, it's been a while since I've been able to get even a few friends all together in any one place.

Yes that is one of the best things about here. Get together in a cafe with a moments notice. Of course now it is harder to do that since it is so expensive. But we still try.

Ha sounds like some of that famous Argentinian laziness I keep hearing abou

Yes sounds like someone was partying too late. Go to the bank in the morning!

 

[TonyTigre]

It's common to see little kids, probably as young as 3 or 4 years old riding on a motorcycle (in the front) with their Moms, both without helmets. The most shocking instance I saw a few weeks ago was a young girl, maybe around 6 or 7 years old, riding in the back of the motorcycle while she was holding a scooter in one hand, both without helmets of course. How could she possibly hold on to her Mom properly riding in the back while holding a scooter in one hand!!! One little swirl or fast break and she could be flying off the motorcycle.

On the plus side, Argentinians seems to have a much better sense of humor.

 

[import export]

It's common to see little kids, probably as young as 3 or 4 years old riding on a motorcycle (in the front) with their Moms, both without helmets. The most shocking instance I saw a few weeks ago was a young girl, maybe around 6 or 7 years old, riding in the back of the motorcycle while she was holding a scooter in one hand, both without helmets of course. How could she possibly hold on to her Mom properly riding in the back while holding a scooter in one hand!!! One little swirl or fast break and she could be flying off the motorcycle.

On the plus side, Argentinians seems to have a much better sense of humor.

I don't see it as bad in BA vs. other cities/countries I have been to. Southeast Asia is just crazy!