Working in Buenos Aires

Job market in Buenos Aires

While there's been an improvement in recent years, Covid-19 has caused further problems for an already fragile economy. Unemployment is rife and social struggle and political frustration are highly visible.

Expat positions in large multinationals, such as the banking industry, oil and gas, and IT, are well established in Buenos Aires. Many expats teach English and offer services such as business translations, web business management and design. Anything that only requires internet and a laptop seems to be the bread and butter of many foreigners vying for a place under the Argentinian sun.

Additionally, due to relatively low local salaries, Buenos Aires seems to be an outsourcing hub. If an expat can speak another foreign language (and of course add a knowledge of native English) the call centre industry presents opportunities. Expats need to be aware, however, that they will be competing with well-versed Argentinians working in this industry.

Lastly, as an entrepreneur or businessperson, expats could consider Buenos Aires as a low-capital start-up location. Labour is widely available and not as expensive as in Europe or the US. There are opportunities everywhere, but working around bureaucracy and general 'system failure' can be crippling. Getting started in Buenos Aires is definitely not for the fainthearted.

Finding a job in Buenos Aires

For expats, being fluent or near fluent in Spanish will determine the kind of opportunities available when looking for work in Buenos Aires. With no knowledge of Spanish, options will be hard to find and daily survival in Buenos Aires fairly difficult. That said, there are still jobs and companies that cater specifically to foreigners.

The best route to finding a job is by being transferred to the Argentinian branch of one’s current work place. Another advisable option is applying for jobs at international or multinational companies based in Buenos Aires.

Expats trying to find a job in Buenos Aires are advised to visit the city before relocating to determine if it is indeed a place they could enjoy living in long term. Research and networking should start early on through expat groups, forums, playgroups and family days. These are great places to make new friends in similar circumstances. It is also important to keep in mind that who you know goes a long way in Argentina. Never be afraid to make use of connections to get a job.

Work culture in Buenos Aires

Formal or first-time meetings start with a handshake for both women and men. Friends or colleagues who know each other well usually greet with a kiss on the cheek.

The pace of business in Argentina feels slower than in the US or Europe and email response rates follow suit. Expats should be punctual for business appointments, but be prepared to wait 30 minutes or so for associates.

Dressing well is important in Argentina. Argentinian women are generally elegant and well-dressed, whereas men who work in less formal environments prefer not to wear ties. Men with long hairstyles are also common.

Typical business hours in Buenos Aires are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Executives may work long hours, occasionally as late as 10pm. Siestas don’t really feature in Buenos Aires as they do in rural Argentina. In general, conducting business in Buenos Aires is similar to any large European city.