Before traveling to Argentina or to any country for that matter, it is important learn something about the culture and customs of the people in order to avoid culture shock.

The first thing you should know about Argentina is that they are primarily of European descent. This sets them apart from other Latin American countries where the European and Indian cultures are more mixed. As a matter of fact, Argentineans appear to be more European than Latin American. However, although their official language is Spanish, it is somehow different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. It sounds somewhat more like Italian.

If you have learnt Spanish, be prepared for these differences, but you will be understood anyway. The Argentineans also speak other languages. Since the people are of mixed European descent, you will hear Italian, English, German and French; you will also hear some indigenous languages which are still spoken, such asTehuelche, Guarani and Quechua.

The family in Argentina is traditional and the centre of Argentine life and culture. The concept of the extended family is still prominent. The father is the head of the household, the authority figure and the decision maker. Sundays are reserved for the family and it may be inappropiate to ask an employee to work on a Sunday Women do not always work.

Argentineans are very proud of their culture and their country. Do not be surprised if you hear them comparing their capital Buenos Aires to the fashionable Paris in terms of culture, architecture and style. The visitor should recognize and respect Argentinean national pride, and above all, avoid critical comments about the country. Argentinians are outspoken and they themselves criticize issues they do not like, but the visitor should refrain from doing so.

Argentineans are very fashionable. If you are invited to an Argentinean’s home, or if you are attending a social function, be sure to dress well. If you are invited to a home for a meal, there is usually a seating plan, so wait for the hostess to tell you where to sit. You should not begin eating until the hostess invites you to. Wait for a toast to be made before taking a first sip of your drink, and leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have fished eating; this is considered polite. Initial greetings are quite formal; there is a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first.

It’s a good idea to purchase a travel book about Argentina, or borrow some from your local library before travelling, and become more acquainted with this beautiful country’s culture and customs.