11 Canon Events Every Expat Experiences When They Move to Buenos Aires
Moving to Buenos Aires is an experience like no other. Whether you’re here to study, work remotely, or just embrace the city’s vibrant chaos, life in Argentina quickly turns into a wild ride. From mastering Argentine slang to wondering why no one ever has exact change, there are certain canon events that everyone living here is bound to experience. Here’s a rundown of the hilarious, frustrating, and unforgettable moments that will become your new normal.
1. Going to Mundo Lingo to “Practice Spanish”
You totally go to Mundo Lingo to “practice Spanish” and “meet the locals”—but let’s be real, it’s just an expat speed dating scene where everyone pretends their high school-level Spanish is muy fluido.
2. The Art of Misreading Flirting
You catch someone smiling at you and think they’re tirando onda—but then you realize, nope, this is just how Argentines are. They’re friendly, flirty with everyone, and no, it doesn’t mean what you think it does. Sorry. Just when you’re figuring that out, they casually lean in for a cheek kiss—because in Argentina, even people you’ve just met greet you with a kiss.
3. Forgetting Your Passport at the Grocery Store
You decide to pay using your card, but then suddenly panic at the grocery store when they ask for your passport at the checkout—because obviously, everyone carries their passport while buying tomatoes. Cue the last-minute chamuyo to get out of this one.
4. The Never-Ending Western Union Line
You spend what feels like a lifetime in line at Western Union, only for them to hit you with the dreaded “no hay más efectivo.” Bonus points if you end up on a wild goose chase across the city to find a branch with cash. Good luck, campeón.
5. Fernet and Coke: The Minty Shoe Polish You Learn to Love
You start off thinking fernet and Coke tastes like minty shoe polish, but before you know it, you’re pouring yourself a glass and wondering why the rest of the world hasn’t caught on. It’s an acquired taste… that you acquire quickly.
6. The Wobbly Sidewalk Tile of Doom
You step on that one wobbly sidewalk tile after it rains, and your shoes are soaked for the rest of the day. There’s no escaping it—it happens to everyone, and no, you won’t learn from it.
7. Exact Change? In This Economy?
The kiosk cashier looks at you like you’ve committed a mortal sin for not having exact change—even though in this economy, no one has it, and coins have basically disappeared. Yet, for some reason, everything is still priced at random amounts like 510 pesos. You wonder why they even bother with the 10 pesos when it’s completely useless, but still, you’re the one getting the side-eye like it’s your fault.
8. That Moment You Realize You’ve Done Nothing but Party, Parrilla, and Repeat
At some point, it hits you—like a rock. You’ve spent the past few weeks doing absolutely nothing but going to parties, eating parrilla, and doing it all over again. You try to blame it on the Argentine way of enjoying life way too much, but deep down, you know—it’s just your way in Argentina.
9. Thinking “Let’s Meet at ______ o’clock” Actually Means the Time You Said
You say, “Let’s meet a X time,” and like the punctual person you are, you show up on time. But your friends? They haven’t even left the house yet. In Argentina, time is a suggestion, not a rule. “5 minutes” could mean 30, or maybe an hour. The first few times, you’ll wait and wonder if you’ve been forgotten—but no, they’re just still getting ready. You might be left waiting for a while, but hey, that’s just part of the experience
10. Realizing Mate Has Taken Over Your Life
At first, you’re curious—what’s the deal with this green brew everyone is obsessed with? You try it, maybe think it’s a bit bitter, but before you know it, you’re passing around a mate like a seasoned porteño. Now you can’t get through the day without it. Suddenly, mate has become a main character in your life, and you’ve fully embraced it.
11. Realizing Buenos Aires Has Changed You Forever
It hits you when you least expect it—maybe while sharing an asado with friends, or during a quiet walk through the city. The friendships, the food, and the way of life leave you emotionally exhausted in the best way possible. You wonder how you could ever return to “normal” life after experiencing all of this (spoiler: you won’t). Buenos Aires isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that leaves its mark on you in ways you never saw coming.