Are you ready to dive into the unique dating scene of Buenos Aires, where every encounter feels like a captivating dance? Buenos Aires is a universe in itself when it comes to dating, offering a vibrant mix of culture, passion, and romance.
While Argentines have their own customs and habits for arranging dates, they are not so different from what you might have experienced in other countries.
In this comprehensive guide, “Dating in Buenos Aires: Tips and Recommendations for Travelers,” ExpatPathways will help you navigate the enchanting world of Argentine romance, whether you’re a digital nomad, traveler, or expat.
Dating in Buenos Aires: Tips and Recommendations for Travelers, Digital Nomads and Expats.
What Are the Most Common Ways to Meet Partners in Argentina?
Until a few years ago, in Argentina, couples and dates only occurred after a period of friendship and mutual acquaintance. Universities, schools, and workplaces were, and still are, common places where people share a common interest and, by relying on it, create a connection with each other.
On the other hand, nightclubs and bars continue to be the preferred places for a night of entertainment. These places are the most recommended not only for going on a date but also for meeting people from Argentina.
And what about dating apps? Of course, they have substantially changed the way people meet and arrange dates. Undoubtedly, Tinder, Badoo, and other apps have multiplied encounters, saving time and shortening the process from meeting to having the first date.
Everything will depend on several criteria:
- Type of date: Is it the first time you are meeting? Or have you met before?
- Activities: What do you want to do on the date? Eat and drink? Listen to music and dance? Or perhaps have a long and deep conversation?
- How you met: Did you meet through a dating app? Or did you meet at a physical location like a language school or a bar?
| Place | Ideal for Conversation | Ideal for Listeng to Music or Dancing | Ideal for Eating and Drinking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Shop | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓✓ |
| Nightclub | ✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Park | ✓✓✓ | X | ✓ |
| Restaurant | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Gym | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | X |
| Bar & Pub | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Language School | ✓✓✓ | ✓ | X |
| Theater & Cinema | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
What Characterizes an Argentine When Arranging Dates?
Masters of “Chamuyo”
Firstly, Argentines are masters of persuasion. This refers to the ability to interact with a partner and convince them not only to arrange a date but also to advance in a relationship and propose activities.
In Argentina, we refer to this skill as “chamuyo,” a term from lunfardo that has been used for ages to describe the action of persuading, convincing, and even generating interest from the other person.
We Are Talkative Machines
Another aspect you should know about Argentines is that we are very talkative. Of course, the spectrum of personalities is broad, as in any country, but on average, Argentines (both men and women) enjoy talking about different topics: projects, professional life, personal life, jokes, etc.
Politics and Religion: Taboo Topics in Conversations
What topics should you NOT address on a date with Argentines? Well, politics and religion top the list of taboo conversation topics.
In Argentina, these topics have become sources of conflict to the point where many people have stopped talking to each other, considering their differences in these areas insurmountable.
Perhaps in other countries, you won’t find such high sensitivity, but in Argentina, talking about these topics means getting into unnecessary trouble.
Are Argentines Punctual?
We don’t have the precision or synchronization of the Japanese, but we aren’t serially late either. Generally, it’s advisable to arrange dates by establishing a time range for the meeting. That is, instead of setting a specific time like “8 PM,” suggest meeting “between 8 and 8:10 PM.” This provides a time buffer for both to arrive at the place.
Dates and Intimacy
If life teaches us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t be guided by appearances. Indeed, you will notice that Argentines (like most Latinos) are people who enjoy connections, closeness, and even contact, especially when they are among friends, family, and partners. So, how much time on average passes between the first date and intimacy?
There is no consensus on this because each couple and date is a world in itself, but we could tell you that if things go well and there is chemistry between both people, intimacy may occur in less than a month.
Of course, this depends on living conditions, personalities, the relationship built, and, not least, the intentions both have.
To be honest, patience is not a great virtue of Argentines. Especially when we feel that the conditions are right (and by this, I mean we are 100% sure that the other person wants the same as us) to take the next step in dating.
How Aggressive Are Men in Argentina?
Until a few years ago, Argentina was a country where reports of violence and harassment towards women by men were ignored. From catcalling on the street to unwanted touching and contact, it was common for women to feel defenseless against these behaviors.
In recent years, movements advocating for women’s rights (whether feminist or not) have sought to draw a line to protect women from harassing behaviors by men. This manifests in contact lines for assistance in cases of gender violence, self-organized women’s groups, and, most importantly, a change in women’s stance to say no to men’s insistence.
But truthfully, what happens when alcohol and music dominate the scene is very different from what “should” be. In nightclubs and bars, Argentine men still exhibit certain aggressive, harassing, and insistent behaviors.
Beyond that, as a foreign woman, you need to be prepared to say “no” or “yes” and make yourself respected. In Buenos Aires, the logic of persistence has some acceptance. The reasoning is that when a woman refuses to dance, go out, or accept a drink, it’s just a matter of trying again to eventually overcome her refusal.
So, how should you behave when you don’t want any relationship with an Argentine? Well, you simply need to insist on your refusal and avoid any signal or indication that you might be interested in him.
Just as Argentines are persuasive and talkative, they are also persistent when it comes to dating. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid smiles, eye contact, or any conversation with someone if you have no interest. This will prevent misunderstandings or the typical flirting games where “no actually means yes.”
Who Pays the Bill at the Bar or Restaurant: Split or Should I Treat?
In the age of gentlemen and ladies, at least in Buenos Aires, the man was expected to treat his date. Regardless of the nature of the date (friendship, relationship, first date, work), there was a tacit agreement that the woman shouldn’t pay.
But in recent years, this custom has been questioned. Mainly because what seems to be a gesture of “chivalry” actually hides an underestimation of women, assuming wrongly that they can’t pay for themselves or that they only accept a date under the condition that they won’t pay anything.
Well, although some Argentine men (especially older ones) still maintain this custom, it’s no longer an obligation. Of course, you should consider the “stage” of the date. Is it the first time you’re meeting?
Then you can each pay for your own. Are you already in a relationship? You can pay the bill yourself or, in an act of symbolic equality, alternate and have each person pay the entire bill on different dates.
Love Hotels in Buenos Aires
You never know when an ordinary date will turn into a moment of intimacy. For this reason, you must know and plan what to do if you want to take the next step with your Argentine partner.
An alternative to consider are the love hotels in Buenos Aires. They offer comfort, privacy and everything you need for a night of pleasure.
Online Dating Apps: An Increasingly Important Tool for Dating in Buenos Aires
In Argentina and Buenos Aires, several of the most popular dating apps are in use. They are highly popular and, truth be told, have become common not only among young people but also among adults looking for “life” after a marriage or a long-term relationship that has ended.
These apps work similarly to how they do in other parts of the world. Keep in mind that all of them offer basic and premium functions.
Tinder
Tinder is the leading dating app in Buenos Aires, boasting a large user base and widespread popularity despite some criticisms regarding its functionality. It is the preferred tool for arranging online dates, with over 70 billion matches to date.
Tinder caters to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, allowing users to be themselves and find who they want. The app features verified photo profiles to ensure authenticity and offers video chat to test your chemistry with matches virtually.
Tinder makes finding new people easy and fun. Users can enhance their profiles by sharing their best photos and a bit about themselves to increase their chances of matching. The app uses a double opt-in feature, where a match is made only if both users express mutual interest.
Tinder also offers premium features through Tinder Gold, providing users with additional perks for an enhanced dating experience. Whether you’re looking to meet locals or connect with people globally while traveling, Tinder is a versatile and accessible platform.
Badoo
Badoo is the second most popular dating app in Buenos Aires, known for its user-friendly interface that often attracts users away from Tinder. It offers a vibrant community where users can meet new people, flirt, chat, and arrange dates.
Badoo allows users to connect with people who share similar hobbies and interests, making it easy to find someone special nearby or anywhere from Argentina to the UK.
Badoo encourages users to upload their best photos and create detailed profiles to increase their chances of making meaningful connections. The app features free chat, video chat, and verified profiles to ensure a safe and engaging experience.
Badoo’s unique features, such as explicit photo blurring and match notifications, enhance user safety and interaction, making it a preferred choice for many seeking online dating experiences.
Happn
Happn offers a unique approach to online dating by focusing on helping users meet people they frequently encounter in their daily lives. With over 140 million users worldwide, Happn allows users to connect with people they pass by in places like gyms, cafes, or during a walk.
The app relies heavily on GPS access to facilitate these connections, promoting spontaneous and authentic encounters based on geographic proximity.
The real advantage of Happn is its ability to connect users with people who are already part of their daily routines. This approach fosters more genuine connections as users can meet others in familiar settings.
Happn’s free dating app encourages users to take advantage of the locations they frequent, making it easier to strike up conversations and arrange dates with people they might have seen but never approached.
Boo
Boo is one of the newest dating apps, offering a unique blend of traditional matching and a comprehensive focus on user personalities. Beyond just photos and interests, Boo uses psychological insights to help users find compatible matches based on their personality traits. This approach aims to create deeper and more meaningful connections.
Boo encourages users to join communities, post interesting topics, and chat about various subjects to meet new people with similar values.
The app provides detailed insights into compatibility, strengths, weaknesses, and more, helping users understand their potential matches better. Boo also features verified profiles and high-quality translations, making it a global platform for building friendships and romantic relationships.
Bumble
Bumble is not just a dating app; it is a versatile resource that combines dating, social networking, and professional networking into one platform. Bumble promotes healthy relationships based on respect, equality, and inclusion, helping users make meaningful connections in various aspects of their lives.
Bumble offers different modes: Bumble Date for safe and respectful online dating, Bumble BFF for making new friends, and Bumble Bizz for expanding professional networks.
Each mode provides unique features to help users build connections, whether they’re looking for love, friendship, or professional opportunities. Bumble’s emphasis on empowering users to make the first move ensures a positive and proactive approach to meeting new people.
(Featured Image Source: Aleksandra Surkova/flickr.com)
