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Anyone looking to expand their business abroad needs to be aware of a wide range of cultural and social aspects in their destination of choice. Businesses aiming to enter the Latin American market should consider the specificities of each country beforehand.
This article is for anyone whose detailed market research has led them to seek to do business in Argentina. The birthplace of Lionel Messi is the perfect choice for anyone looking for equal laws, both for domestic and foreign companies.
Argentinian business etiquette has its own peculiar quirks, which you should be aware of. Scroll on to find out more.
A few things you should know about Argentina
Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin America, with a GDP of approximately US$470 billion. It has a large middle-class consumer market with opportunities across multiple business sectors.
The country is business-friendly and has taken important measures to reduce bureaucratic procedures for foreigners to do business.
Argentina already hosts a number of foreign companies – over 500 U.S.-based enterprises operate in Argentina, investing roughly $15 billion into Argentinian operations.
The country’s workforce is also highly educated and trained, with almost 400,000 locals employed in these companies.
European influence
Did you know that Argentina’s population has the most prominent European background in Latin America? 85% of locals have roots in Italy, Austria, France, Germany and Great Britain – hence the strong European influence on the country’s culture and manners.
Commonalities with business traits in other Latin American
Argentina shares common behaviors with business environments in other Latin American countries, such as:
- Flexibility towards time
- An appreciation for developing close relationships before getting down to business
- Reduced sense of personal space (touching as a greeting is usually appreciated).
- In business as in leisure, Argentinians are warm, friendly, and expressive
Despite these similarities, Argentina business etiquette in Argentina has its own unique traits as well.
What is unique to business etiquette in Argentina?
To ensure success in this country, you need to understand what’s so unique about business etiquette in Argentina.
Small talk first
When doing business in Argentina, don’t dive straight into negotiation; instead, engage in small talk first, with long pre-meeting chats about topics such as soccer, family and movies.
Make sure to truly engage in these discussions – they are vital to the relationship-building process.
As a warning, try to avoid discussing the Perón years, or the Falkland Islands.
Build solid relationships
Having good relationships with business partners is important, and will lead to some overlap with personal relationships too.
Try to attend lunches, dinners and even family events to gain respect. Argentinians like to do business with people that they know, and feel they can trust.
Get local help
The best way to make the right connections and achieve your goals is through good local contacts. There is no one like a true Argentine to navigate the peculiarities of the region, and wade through government bureaucracy.
This also applies when you are promoting your brand and entering the market which best serves your business.
Be aware of appointments
Some tips when making appointments:
- A high-level person should book an appointment at least two weeks in advance
- Use e-mail or telephone, and confirm each appointment three days beforehand
- Avoid scheduling appointments for January and February. This is vacation time in Argentina. The same goes for the middle of July, and the two weeks before and after Christmas Day
Be on time
Punctuality is more important in Argentina than in other Latin American countries, perhaps because of the European influence. That doesn’t mean Argentinians will not be late – they are still Latin Americans after all! But you should always be on time, and stay informed about obstacles or delays on your route.
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over
In Argentinian business, nothing is final until the contract has been signed and registered. Everything can be negotiable, including prices, terms and employees.
Manners matter
As we have seen, you can expect to do business and meet your colleagues over lunches and dinners. Therefore, table manners count. Keep your hands out of your lap, and above the table.
Another tip concerns drinks. Feel free to order a bottle of wine, but wait for someone to pour it for you, since it is not considered polite to serve yourself.
Dress like a winner
This doesn’t necessarily mean always wearing a suit. Argentinians love fashion, so clean up before you do business.
Dress with style and show your personality through your clothes. Doing so is not a necessity, but it will be noticed.
Basic etiquette
Women will expect men to open doors and offer chairs for them. Being a gentleman and showing common courtesy is appreciated.
It is also polite to switch off your phone during meetings.
Avoid the following social taboos:
- If you were invited to an appointment, do not sit down until the host tells you to do so.
- Do not use hats or sunglasses indoors
- If you put your hands on your hips during a conversation, this will be interpreted as a challenge to your interlocutor
Respect hierarchies
Local businesses in Argentina tend to be hierarchical. Keep that in mind, and show respect to those in positions of authority. All the important decisions will go through them.
Prioritize face-to-face meetings
Business people in Argentina prefer to meet face-to-face, rather than on a call. They also prefer the spoken word to the written one. Wherever possible, meet in person or schedule a video conference.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that everyone likes to be respected, and the pillars for doing business in Argentina: trust, honor and familiarity.
So prepare yourself and get ready to show interest in others, to build strong relationships and succeed in Argentina – a marvelous country with amazing people that will surely make you feel at home.