Dating & Social Life in Buenos Aires
The real talk on dating apps, making friends, surviving the nightlife, and not dying of loneliness. Learn from my romantic disasters and social victories.
Dating Apps That Work
The local app landscape and strategies
Tinder
The most popular app in Argentina. Huge user base across all demographics. Expect lots of matches but also lots of ghosting.
Strategy: Be upfront about what you're looking for. Many Argentines use it for both dating and hookups. Photos with friends (especially at asados) perform well.
Bumble
Growing popularity, especially among professionals and people in their late 20s-30s. Women message first.
Strategy: Better for serious dating than Tinder. The 'looking for relationship' crowd gravitates here. Good for expats seeking something more substantial.
Hinge
The 'designed to be deleted' marketing worked. Popular with educated, cosmopolitan porteños.
Strategy: Prompts matter here. Avoid generic answers. Being funny in Spanish (or attempting to) goes a long way.
Happn
Shows you people you've crossed paths with. Very popular in dense neighborhoods like Palermo.
Strategy: Great for meeting people in your neighborhood. If you keep seeing the same person at your coffee shop, this might be your in.
App Strategy That Works
- • Lead with Spanish—even if it's basic. Shows effort.
- • Photos matter: Include one with friends (shows you're social), one doing an activity, no solo bathroom selfies.
- • Don't lead with being a digital nomad—some locals are tired of transient foreigners.
- • Be specific in your bio: "Looking for someone to explore BA's wine bars with" beats "Just seeing what's out there."
- • Move to WhatsApp quickly—it's the universal messaging app here.
Argentine Dating Culture
What to expect (and what not to)
The 'Coffee Date' Doesn't Exist
Argentines don't do casual coffee first dates. A first date is dinner, drinks, or an activity—and it happens late. Expect to meet at 9 PM minimum, often 10 PM or later.
Personal story: I suggested coffee for a first date. She looked confused and said '¿Y después?' (And after?). We went to dinner at 10:30 PM instead. The date lasted until 2 AM. I was exhausted but also... that was way more fun than coffee.
Meeting the Family Happens Fast
Argentines are close with their families. Don't be shocked if you're invited to a family asado within weeks of dating. This is normal and actually a good sign.
Personal story: Three weeks into dating, she invited me to her parents' house for Sunday asado. I panicked—back home, meeting parents was a 'we're getting married' moment. Here, it just meant I was someone she wanted them to meet. Her mom asked when we were having kids. I nearly choked on my chorizo.
The 'We're Not Exclusive' Talk
In Argentina, you're exclusive by default once you're dating regularly. The 'what are we' conversation happens early, and it's usually assumed you're not seeing other people.
Personal story: I was casually seeing two people, thinking that was normal dating behavior. One found out and was genuinely hurt. 'But we never said we were exclusive,' I protested. 'We didn't need to,' she said. Lesson learned: exclusivity is the default, not the exception.
Language Barriers in Relationships
Dating with limited Spanish is challenging but doable. Many educated porteños speak some English, but emotional conversations require Spanish fluency.
Personal story: I dated someone for three months with my terrible Spanish. We got by, but I couldn't express complex feelings or understand her jokes fully. When we finally had our first argument, I realized how much nuance I was missing. We broke up shortly after—not because of language, but because I couldn't communicate properly.
Long-Term vs Casual Culture
While hookup culture exists, Argentines generally date with intention. Even casual dating often has a 'let's see where this goes' vibe rather than pure no-strings-attached.
Personal story: I tried to keep things casual with someone who seemed on the same page. She kept asking about my 'intentions' and 'what I wanted long-term.' I thought she was pushing for commitment too fast. Turns out, she just wanted to know we were on the same wavelength. Casual here still involves feelings and communication.
Making Friends as an Expat
Why it's harder than you think (and how to do it anyway)
The Hard Truth
Argentines are warm and friendly, but they have established friend groups from childhood. Breaking into these circles takes time. Your best bet is meeting other expats first, then slowly integrating into local circles through them.
Language Exchange Meetups
Mate Club, Mundo Lingo, and Spanglish are popular weekly events. You get a flag sticker for your languages and rotate conversations every 15 minutes.
Personal story: My first Mate Club event, I was terrified. But within an hour, I'd met three other expats and two locals who wanted to practice English. One of those locals became my best friend here. Another became... more than a friend for a while. These events work.
Where to go:
Expat Facebook Groups
Expats in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Digital Nomads, and niche groups (Women in BA, LGBTQ+ Expats) are active and welcoming.
Personal story: I posted in Expats in BA saying I was looking for climbing partners. Got 20 responses. Met my current friend group through that one post. Yes, Facebook is old, but expat groups here are genuinely useful.
Sports Groups
Futbol, rugby, running clubs, climbing gyms, and yoga studios are social hubs. Argentines bond through shared physical suffering.
Personal story: I joined a running group that meets Saturdays in Palermo parks. I hate running, but I kept going because the post-run coffee and facturas became my favorite ritual. Made three close friends who still mock me for my running form.
Where to go:
Coworking Spaces
WeWork, La Maquinita, and smaller spaces host events, happy hours, and foster community. Even if you work from home, consider a hot desk membership.
Personal story: I worked from home for three months and was going insane with loneliness. Got a WeWork membership for the social aspect alone. Met other remote workers, started going to lunch with the same group every day, and suddenly had a social life again.
Argentine Friends vs Expat Friends
Expat Friends
- • Easier to make initially
- • Share your experience of being foreign
- • Often leave after 6-12 months
- • May lack local knowledge
- • Good for emotional support
Argentine Friends
- • Harder to make, but more permanent
- • Show you the 'real' Buenos Aires
- • Improve your Spanish rapidly
- • Include you in family events
- • Essential for true integration
The sweet spot: Build a base of expat friends for immediate support, then gradually develop Argentine friendships through shared activities.
Nightlife
How to survive the BA party scene
The Timeline Reality
Pre-gaming starts at 11 PM. Bars get busy at midnight. Clubs (boliches) don't fill up until 2 AM. The night ends at 6 AM or later.
Personal story: My first weekend, I went to a club at 11 PM. It was empty. I thought I'd picked a bad night. Left at 12:30, disappointed. Found out later that the party started at 2 AM. Now I nap before going out like a proper Argentine.
Bar Neighborhoods
Palermo (Hollywood and Soho) has the highest concentration of bars. San Telmo is grungier, more alternative. Recoleta is upscale and older.
Best for: First dates, groups
Best for: Date nights, conversations
Best for: Meeting interesting people
Best for: If you're into that scene
The Boliche Experience
Argentine clubs are different. Table service (hacer lista) is common. Dress codes are real. The music is reggaeton, cumbia, and electronic.
Personal story: I showed up to a boliche in jeans and sneakers. The bouncer looked at me like I'd insulted his mother. Had to go home and change. Now I know: dress pants, nice shoes, button-down minimum. It's not Europe—people dress up here.
Cover Charges and Drinks
Expect to pay 5,000-15,000 pesos cover (varies wildly with exchange rates). Drinks are expensive inside. Pre-game heavily.
Personal story: I spent my entire weekly entertainment budget on one night out because I didn't pre-game and bought rounds at club prices. Now I drink at home until 1 AM, then nurse one drink at the club until 5 AM. Financial survival strategy.
Safety at Night
Take Ubers after 2 AM, even for short distances. Don't walk alone with your phone out. Stick with groups.
Personal story: A friend got her phone snatched walking from the club to her apartment at 4 AM. It was three blocks. She was tipsy and not paying attention. The thieves work the club areas knowing people are drunk and distracted. Take the Uber.
Specific Venue Recommendations
Speakeasy vibes, excellent cocktails, good for dates
Password-entry speakeasy, very popular with expats
Irish pub, expat hangout, language exchange spot
Huge electronic music venue, international DJs
Popular boliche chain, reggaeton and commercial
Rooftop club with river views, summer only
Social Customs
The unwritten rules of Argentine social life
Personal Space (Or Lack Thereof)
Argentines stand close when talking. They touch your arm or shoulder. They lean in. This isn't flirting (usually)—it's just cultural proximity.
Personal story: I kept backing away from people during conversations, seeking my American personal bubble. They kept stepping closer. I thought I was being hit on by everyone. Turns out, we just have different space definitions. Now I embrace it—the warmth is genuine.
The Kiss Greeting
One kiss on the right cheek for everyone—regardless of gender. Men shake hands only in very formal business settings.
Personal story: At my first Argentine party, I stuck out my hand to a woman. She looked confused, then laughed and kissed my cheek anyway. I spent the night overthinking every greeting. Now I default to the kiss. It's actually quite lovely once you get used to it.
Group Dynamics
Argentines hang out in groups. Solo activities are less common. Friends groups are tight and can be hard to penetrate.
Personal story: I tried to make friends one-on-one and found it surprisingly difficult. People kept inviting me to group things instead. Eventually, I realized that being adopted into a friend group is the goal here. Individual friendships develop within the group context.
Invitation Etiquette
If you're invited to someone's home, bring something. Wine, dessert, or flowers for the host. Never arrive empty-handed.
Personal story: I showed up to my first asado with just myself. The host was too polite to say anything, but I noticed everyone else brought wine or sides. Felt like a jerk. Now I always bring Malbec or a dessert from a good bakery.
Gift Giving
Small gifts are common when visiting homes. For birthdays, dinners out are more common than gifts. Don't overthink it.
Personal story: I brought an expensive gift to a birthday dinner, thinking that was normal. The recipient was embarrassed and didn't open it. Later, a friend explained that making a fuss over gifts is awkward here. A nice bottle of wine or covering their dinner is preferred.
For Solo Expats
Surviving and thriving on your own
Combating Loneliness
The first month is the hardest. You don't know anyone, your Spanish sucks, and everything feels overwhelming. This is normal.
Personal story: Week three, I cried in a cafe because I couldn't figure out how to order what I wanted and felt so isolated. A kind barista helped me, and we ended up chatting for an hour. That small connection saved me. The loneliness passes, but you have to push through it.
Finding Your People
It takes 3-6 months to build a real social circle. Be patient. Say yes to everything at first, even if it's awkward.
Personal story: I went to a board game night where I knew no one and barely spoke Spanish. It was awkward as hell. But I met one person there who invited me to another thing, where I met more people. Six months later, that awkward board game night was the origin of my entire friend group.
Therapy Culture
Therapy is extremely common in Buenos Aires. Many porteños have been in therapy for years. There's no stigma—it's seen as self-improvement.
Personal story: On a second date, she casually mentioned her therapist's opinion about something. I was surprised by the openness. 'Don't you go to therapy?' she asked, genuinely confused. When I said no, she looked concerned for my mental health. Now I have a therapist here too. It's actually great.
When to Visit Home
Most successful expats go home every 3-4 months at first. It prevents the 'trapped' feeling and reminds you why you left.
Personal story: I tried to be a hero and stay for six months straight. By month five, I was miserable and questioning everything. Went home for a week, saw family, ate familiar food, and came back refreshed. Now I schedule visits quarterly. It's not failure—it's maintenance.
The Solo Expat Survival Checklist
- ✓Join at least two expat Facebook groups before you arrive
- ✓Sign up for a language exchange event in your first week
- ✓Find a coworking space or regular cafe to work from
- ✓Join one sports/fitness activity (even if you're not sporty)
- ✓Schedule your first home visit for the 3-month mark
- ✓Get a therapist's contact (even if you don't think you need one)
- ✓Download WhatsApp and learn to use voice messages (everyone uses them)
Quick Reference: Social Survival
Dating Do's
- • Plan dates for 9 PM or later
- • Expect to meet the family eventually
- • Learn Spanish for emotional conversations
- • Assume exclusivity unless discussed otherwise
- • Bring wine or dessert to family events
- • Move to WhatsApp quickly
- • Be patient with language barriers
Making Friends
- • Say yes to everything at first
- • Go to language exchanges weekly
- • Join a sports group or gym class
- • Work from coworking spaces
- • Post in expat groups for your interests
- • Be patient—it takes 3-6 months
- • Build expat base, integrate locals slowly
Nightlife
- • Pre-game at home (drinks are expensive)
- • Don't arrive at clubs before 1 AM
- • Dress up—no sneakers at boliches
- • Get on 'the list' to avoid cover
- • Take Ubers home after 2 AM
- • Nap before going out
- • Expect to get home at sunrise
Social Etiquette
- • Kiss on the cheek (one, right side)
- • Greet everyone individually at gatherings
- • Don't say 'gracias' when passing mate
- • Bring something when visiting homes
- • Expect less personal space
- • Group hangouts > one-on-one initially
- • Compliment the asador at BBQs
The Real Secret
Here's the thing: your first few months will be lonely. You'll have awkward dates where you can't express yourself. You'll stand at parties not understanding the jokes. You'll go home at 2 AM while everyone else is just getting started. This is normal. This is the process.
But then, slowly, it clicks. You make that first friend. You have a date that goes well. You stay out until 5 AM and actually enjoy it. You kiss someone on the cheek without thinking. You get invited to an asado. You feel like you belong.
Buenos Aires rewards patience. The friendships you make here run deep. The romances are passionate. The nights are unforgettable. But you have to push through the awkward beginning to get there.
So download the apps. Go to the language exchange. Say yes to the late dinner. Embrace the chaos. Your people are here—you just haven't met them yet.
Ready for More Guides?
Now that you know how to socialize, learn about finding housing, navigating the culture, and more.