In terms of etiquette, initial greetings are formal and generally follow the set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile is an important icebreaker, and maintaining eye contact shows respect. In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering. When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.
Table manners are Continental, which means fork in the left hand and knife in the right while eating. Resting your elbows on a dining table is a faux pas of the highest order, and when dining out, it’s considered lowbrow to ask for a doggy bag.
The exchange rate, which hovers around two-and-a-half to three pesos per U.S. dollar, makes Buenos Aires an affordable destination for Americans. Beware that when visiting outdoor markets, you double the price of any given item by not speaking Argentine Spanish.