Basic greetings
Start every interaction here. Locals notice the effort immediately.
- Hello
- Hola
- Good morning
- Buen día
- Good afternoon
- Buenas tardes
- Good evening
- Buenas noches
- Goodbye
- Adiós
- See you tomorrow
- Hasta mañana
- Bye (very common, informal)
- Chau
To get a deeper connection with locals and a smoother landing into Argentine culture, having a few language tips in your pocket goes a long way. Below is a curated list of useful Spanish phrases for travelers that will open doors to many enjoyable experiences — and double as great icebreakers.
Many people in Buenos Aires speak English and will make an effort to help, but locals appreciate when visitors try to use a few Spanish words. Don’t worry about pronunciation — tap the ▶ next to any phrase to hear it spoken out loud.
Start every interaction here. Locals notice the effort immediately.
Politeness opens many doors in Argentina — especially these eight phrases.
Essentials for the front desk, concierge and room service.
Taxis, Uber, the subway (subte), buses (colectivos) and asking for directions.
Heads up: in Buenos Aires, haggling isn’t common at shops, malls or boutiques. You may get a cold answer if you try. Save it for street markets (and even there, be subtle).
The phrases that make eating out in Buenos Aires effortless.
Hopefully you’ll never use these — but if something goes wrong, these are the phrases that get you help fast. Emergency numbers in Argentina: 911 (police), 107 (ambulance), 100 (fire).
In Buenos Aires you’ll hear «vos» instead of «tú» (e.g. ¿vos sabés? instead of ¿tú sabes?), and the «ll» / «y» sound a lot like the English «sh» (so calle sounds like cashe). Argentinians also use «che» the way English speakers use «hey». Don’t worry: locals are warm and will help you out.
A few habits that’ll make you feel at home faster.
Argentinians greet with one kiss on the right cheek, friends and strangers alike, men with men too. A handshake from a foreigner is also fine if you prefer.
Restaurants: 10% is standard, often added as «cubierto». Taxis: round up. Hotel porters: USD 1–2 per bag. Tour guides: USD 5–10 per person per half-day.
Dinner starts at 21:00–22:00. Restaurants open at 20:00 and most are empty until 21. Lunch is 13:00–15:30. Merienda (afternoon coffee + pastries) is at 17:00.
If someone offers you mate, say gracias only when you’ve had enough — that means «no more, thanks». Don’t stir the bombilla. Don’t wipe it. Share is care.
Most places accept credit/debit cards and contactless. Many also accept QR (MercadoPago). Carry a small amount of cash (USD or ARS) for taxis and small markets.
Social plans run 15–30 min late. Business meetings start on time. For tours, please be punctual — we plan around your hotel pickup.
All our Buenos Aires tours are led by guides who speak English, Spanish and Portuguese (Chinese on request). They’ll do the translating — you just enjoy the city.
Explore our Buenos Aires tours