Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and also the second largest in South America. Natural beauty is abundant here, from mountains and lush jungles to waterfalls and spectacular glaciers. In terms of its lifestyle, Argentina is similar to many European countries and the capital city of Buenos Aires is a hub for many expats and visitors. If you’re thinking about moving to Argentina, here are 5 reasons why that may well be a good idea.
Low cost of living
Although cities like Buenos Aires are reminiscent of European destinations such as Paris, their cost of living is much lower.Argentina is known to provide its residents with an economical lifestyle and it is possible to live a high quality life at affordable costs. For this reason, Argentina is also considered to be a good retirement destination. However the country does have an erratic economy and the cost of living in Buenos Aires witnessed a hike in 2012 due to strong inflation. This increased the cost of accommodation and goods. But expats who earn in Euros are usually able to afford a very comfortable quality of life.
Culture is key
Culture and the arts is an important part of the Argentinean lifestyle. Buenos Aires has more than a hundred art galleries, above 300 theaters and several museums. Literature too is given a great deal of importance and you will find many publishing houses, print shops and even all-night bookstores operating in Buenos Aires. The city is also home to the famous Teatro Colón, an opera house that ranks among the best five concert venues in the world. Argentina also has many archaeological, historical and art museums. One such renowned museum is the Museo Histórico Nacional, which is a gateway into the country’s past. Argentina is known for its tango performances too. The dance style originated in the 1880s in Buenos Aires and performances are regularly held throughout the country. While the tango may be hugely popular, many locals prefer the more rustic Peñas. These dance halls feature live performances of traditional music and dancing. Some also offer folk dancing classes.
Where every meal is a feast
Food is one of the highlights of the Argentinean way of life. The locals love their meat dishes and even during times of economic instability, their eating habits don’t seem to change. It’s common to see people gathered around a parilla or grill, roasting lamb or beef. These delicious meaty meals are also available in restaurants and are quite affordable. Argentinian cuisine also features some excellent vegetarian dishes like empanadas stuffed with veggies or Provoleta (grilled Provolone cheese).
Wine country
A feast is not complete without wine and Argentina not only makes its own wine, but is also ranked as the fifth largest wine producing country in the world. Due to the country’s many immigrant communities, there are different types of grapes cultivated in different regions. Malbec grapes, brought by the French, are used to make some of the most renowned wines in Argentina. Apart from Malbec, Argentina also grows Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, referred to the king of red wine grapes. The country’s signature white wine grape is Torrontes. Argentinean Chardonnay is also immensely popular and is exported throughout the world. Wine is such as important aspect of the Argentinean lifestyle that in 2010, the government declared it as the country’s national liquor.
Filled with weekend getaways
Locals and expats often escape from hectic city life and head to places like the Tigre Delta for a relaxed weekend. The city of Tigre comprises many islands and is accessible only by water. There are several weekend houses and family homes here and in the larger islands, there are also some museums and camping sites. For a sportier getaway, there’s Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego Province, where you can engage in activities like snowboarding, sledding and skiing.
Argentina is a great place to live and is very popular among expats. But there is some uncertainty about the country’s economy as it fluctuates often. While expats who earn in foreign income remain unaffected, the ones who earn in pesos may find that their salaries and cost of living also tend to be slightly erratic.