Welcome to our expat interview series!
In these articles, we interview both long-term and new expats in Argentina.
We ask them about what brought them here, what they like, and their recommendations.
What’s your name, country of origin, and how long have you been in Buenos Aires?
Andrew Venture, from New Zealand. In Buenos Aires just over a year.
What brought you to Buenos Aires, and how was the initial adjustment process?
I was living in SE Asia, but wanted to be in a more US-friendly timezone. With a burgeoning digital nomad scene, a great cost of living, and great malbec, Buenos Aires was an obvious choice.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of living in Buenos Aires?
Some things are frustrating – two queues to buy a beer, and bureaucracy is like quicksand.
And what has been the most rewarding aspect of living in Buenos Aires?
Porteños (Buenos Aires locals) are very friendly and tolerant of foreigners butchering the Spanish language, and the steaks and red wines are superb.
What’s your favorite local restaurant, bar, or cafe, and why?
Too many good places to mention! La Hormiga for a no-reservation steak house, Chuntaro Style for hole-in-the-wall Mexican, Mirutaki for superb Japanese, Lattente for great coffee, Al Diablo Coffee Roasters and Cafe Registrado in Hollywood for squeezing some work in.
What hidden gem in Buenos Aires deserves more recognition?
The parks near Palermo – including the bars and restaurants around Arcos del Rosedal (popular among locals), and Eco Parque. Eco Parque has a surprising surplus of African animals in a free park in the middle of town.
What advice would you give to new expats in Buenos Aires?
- Research what the blue dollar is and how Western Union might be a better option for getting money than the ATM.
- Do not try to import anything here, it is more complicated than it should be.
- Plan some time and budget for seeing some of the country.
That’s it for this expat interview!
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