Greeting

A common form of greeting in business practice in Argentina is the handshake, which should be firm and vigorous. It is important to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor.

It is important to say hello to each person if you are meeting with a group of potential partners. Start with the person in the highest position in the hierarchy, followed by others in lower positions.

If you happen to have no idea which positions a person occupies, don't worry about it, just remember to say hello to each person. It would be considered disrespectful behavior if you missed someone.

While greetings in initial contact seem generally quite formal, subsequent encounters are more emotional and warm. Both male and female partners exchange a single air kiss on the right side (cheek to cheek, not touching the face).

While greeting, the parties generally introduce each other. Introductions are not common in Argentine business practice, so wait for the host or someone on the receiving end to do so.

In Argentine culture, body contact during greetings is very common, such as touching, light hugs, slapping on the arm or shoulder etc. If you're not ready for an air kiss when greeting someone, simply hold out your hand for a handshake. This is perfectly fine with the Argentinean side.

At the end of the event, it is important to say goodbye to each person in person.

Introduction

In formal, formal and even social situations, use your partner's professional title or title, if any. This form of address is a sign of good manners and, at the same time, a sign of respect for the partner.

In the beginning of a business relationship, Argentinians tend to address the foreign partner using his or her last name rather than their first name and expect the same in return. In doing so, be sure to mention the person's appropriate formal title or rank, if they have one.

If you do not know your partner's professional title or rank (or simply do not have one), use polite forms of address, namely: 'Señor' (Mr) for men and 'Señora' (Ms) or Señorita (Miss) for women, followed by the person's last name.

Frequently used professional title is Doctor (Doctor), which is used when referring to a doctor, an accountant or a lawyer (lawyer). The word Ingeniero (Engineer) on your partner's business card means he has a degree in this field.

In introducing yourself to an Argentine colleague, remember to add your professional title/title that could help him better understand who he is dealing with.

In terms of using names and titles/titles, follow the example of your Argentine colleagues. Be formal at the beginning of the business relationship, as appropriate to the situation. Wait for the initiative of an Argentine colleague who will suggest that you go by name.

The newly arrived guest should be introduced by the host of the event or someone from the host party - this is the custom in Argentine business practice. So wait until you are introduced to the crowd.

Exchange of Business Cards

In business practice in Argentina, it is customary to exchange business cards both when presenting at the first meeting and also during meetings, such as an exhibition, fair, conference or some kind of forum. This is why it is important to have an ample supply of business cards.

The text on at least one side of the business card should be in Spanish.

There is no special ritual for passing on business cards in Argentine business practice.

Small Talk: Overview

Argentinians are determined to build a personal relationship with their partner, so be prepared for your small talk to be quite long. It's the kind of introduction where they can get to know their partner better that can lead to a possible collaboration.

At this kind of conversation, Argentines will most likely ask you questions about your family and your life in order to get some insight into you as a possible partner.

Argentines love their country very much. They consider Buenos Aires to be one of the most important cultural centers in the world. Be positive when talking about the country in general or mentioning individual monuments and landmarks in Argentina.

Humor, especially ironic humor, is well regarded in Argentine society. Funny stories and anecdotes are often used during presentations, to illustrate a point, for example, or to draw the audience's attention to an issue.

Preferred Topics

World current events, political and economic news.

Sports and soccer in particular.

Family and everything related to home and family.

History and culture of Argentina. Its attractions, nature, famous places.

Requests to recommend sights or restaurants to visit will be well received.

Taboo Topics

Do not make negative remarks about Argentina, even if your Argentine partners are openly critical of certain aspects of life in the state. This does not mean foreigners should do the same.

Do not bring up topics related in any way to the war between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falklands (Argentina was defeated in that war).

When talking about the United States, do not call that country America and its citizens Americans, because people in the Central and South American states also consider and call themselves Americans. Use "US Americans"or People from the United States

Personal Space

It should be kept in mind that Argentines have a shorter distance of comfortable communication than in other cultures. During conversations, they stand quite close to each other. You should not take a step back to stand further away from your interlocutor, this can be perceived as unfriendly and stiff behavior.

Body language and gestures are an important part of communication. Argentines tend to gesture vigorously, often touching each other's shoulders or hands, hugging or squeezing each other's shoulders to show they are friendly and approachable. Body language in general is a very complex area that only the culture they speak in (or rather, feel) well understands.

Don't copy Argentinians' behavior.

Communication Specifics

Argentineans have a direct and emotional way of communicating. At times they express their thoughts passionately, especially if the topic under discussion is of concern to them. On many issues, they have their own opinion, which they defend with passion. At the same time, they take care not to offend other speakers.

As rather open and frank interlocutors, Argentines show diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations that they think might lead to conflict. Foreign partners are also expected to communicate in this way.

In Argentine society, many things are expressed allegorically. Generally, everyone understands what they are talking about. Foreign partners who have misunderstandings or ambiguity about something should talk to their international colleague for clarification.

In order to prevent ambiguity because of the implicit meaning of a phrase, for example, you might repeat what your Argentinean colleague said and ask him to confirm it is correct.

Argentines prefer to deal with people they know and trust. And trust extends to the person, not the firm, company or organization.

Relationships and connections are very important in Argentine culture. When developing a project with partners from Argentina, it is important to invest time in developing personal relationships with them.

It is important to show respect and be as respectful as possible when dealing with people in positions of authority.