Greeting

In Argentina, a typical business greeting is a firm and energetic handshake. It's important to make eye contact while doing it.

If you're meeting a group of potential partners, greet everyone. Start with the person who seems to be the most senior, then move on to the others.

If you're not sure who holds what position, don’t worry—just be sure not to skip anyone. It can come across as rude if someone is left out.

First-time meetings usually feel quite formal, but follow-up meetings tend to be warmer and more personal. It’s common for both men and women to greet each other with a single air kiss on the right cheek (cheek to cheek, without actually touching faces).

People usually introduce one another during greetings. It's not typical to introduce yourself, so wait for the host or someone from their side to do it.

Physical contact is a normal part of conversation in Argentina—things like light hugs, a touch on the arm, or a pat on the shoulder. If you're not comfortable with the air kiss, a handshake is totally fine and will be well accepted.

When the meeting ends, it's important to say goodbye to everyone individually.

Introduction

In formal, official, or even social settings, it’s a good idea to use your partner’s professional title if they have one. It shows good manners and respect.

At the start of a business relationship, Argentinians usually address foreign partners by their last name rather than their first name, and they expect the same in return. If the person has a formal title, make sure to include it.

If you don’t know the person’s professional title (or if they don’t have one), use polite forms of address: Señor (Mr.) for men, and Señora (Ms.) or Señorita (Miss) for women, followed by their last name.

A common professional title in Argentina is Doctor, used not just for medical doctors but also for lawyers and accountants. If you see Ingeniero on a person’s business card, it means he/she is a certified engineer.

When introducing yourself to an Argentinian colleague, include your professional title if it helps clarify your role or position.

Follow your Argentinian colleagues’ lead when it comes to using names and titles. Stick to a formal tone early on, and wait for them to suggest moving to a first-name basis.

It’s typical in Argentina for the host or someone from the hosting side to introduce new guests, so wait to be introduced rather than jumping in yourself.

Exchange of Business Cards

It’s common to exchange business cards both during introductions at a first meeting and at events like trade shows, fairs, conferences, or forums. So, it’s a good idea to bring plenty of cards with you.

At least one side of your business card should be in Spanish.

There’s no special ritual or formal process for handing over business cards in Argentina—it’s a simple, casual exchange.

Small Talk: Overview

Argentinians put a lot of value on building personal relationships with their business partners, so be ready for some extended small talk. This kind of conversation helps them get to know you better, which can open the door to future collaboration.

During this kind of chat, they may ask about your family or personal life—it’s their way of getting a fuller picture of who you are as a potential partner.

Argentinians are very proud of their country. Many see Buenos Aires as one of the world’s major cultural centers. Be positive when talking about Argentina, whether you're discussing the country in general or specific landmarks and attractions.

Humor is well appreciated in Argentine culture, especially irony. Funny stories and jokes are often used during presentations to help make a point or keep the audience engaged.

Preferred Topics

Current events, including political and economic news from around the world.

Sports: Football is a national passion.

Family Life: Family is central to Argentine culture.

Argentine History and Culture: Topics like the country's rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty are appreciated. Landmarks such as the Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires are notable points of interest.

Seeking Recommendations: Asking for suggestions on local attractions or dining spots is well-received. For example, Don Julio in Buenos Aires has been recognized as one of Latin America's top restaurants.

Taboo Topics

Avoid making negative comments about Argentina, even if your Argentine partners are openly critical of certain aspects of life in the country. Just because they say it doesn't mean it's okay for foreigners to do the same.

Don’t bring up topics related to the war between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands (Argentina lost that conflict).

When talking about the United States, try not to refer to it simply as “America,” and avoid calling its citizens “Americans.” People from Central and South America also see themselves as Americans. It’s better to say “US Americans” or “People from the United States.”

Personal Space

Argentinians are comfortable standing closer during conversations than people from many other cultures. They often speak at a shorter distance. Taking a step back to increase personal space may come across as unfriendly or overly formal.

Body language and gestures are an important part of communication. Argentinians tend to gesture actively and may touch each other during conversation—such as patting a shoulder or arm, giving a light hug, or briefly squeezing someone's shoulders—as a sign of friendliness and warmth.

However, it's best not to imitate these behaviors too closely. Body language is a complex aspect of communication, and it's usually understood more intuitively than consciously by people who grew up in that culture.

Communication Specifics

Argentinians tend to communicate in an emotional way. They often express their thoughts passionately—especially when the topic matters to them. They usually have strong personal opinions, which they defend enthusiastically, while still being careful not to offend others.

Although they are generally open and straightforward in conversation, Argentinians also show tact and diplomacy in delicate or potentially conflict-prone situations. This communication style is expected from foreign partners as well.

In Argentine culture, it’s common to express things indirectly. People usually understand what’s being implied. If foreign partners find something unclear or open to interpretation, they should ask their Argentine colleagues for clarification.

To avoid misunderstandings due to implied meanings or indirect language, it can be helpful to repeat what your Argentine colleague said and ask them to confirm if you understood it correctly.

Argentinians prefer to do business with people they know and trust. This trust is placed in individuals, not in companies, brands, or organizations.

Personal relationships and connections are highly valued. When working on a project with Argentine partners, it's important to invest time in building and maintaining personal relationships.

When interacting with people in positions of authority, it’s important to show proper respect and be as courteous as possible.