The "Other" Realities of Living+Working in Argentina
With a big backpack and my privileges, I had the chance to experience visiting and living in different countries like Denmark, Poland, and Bulgaria. I have yet to return to Argentina. Here is why.
This is Part III of a 5-part series on living and working in Argentina in the wake of their new president, Javier Milei. In Parts I and II, we heard from Jonathan on how he manages his personal finances using cryptocurrency. In Part III, we hear from Lucia Martin who was born and raised in Argentina, but can no longer see herself living in her country of origin.
I have loved Argentina since I was a child. We are taught to love our country, but in my 35 years, I have seen many places, so I can assure you that Argentina has a beautiful geography, great food, and wonderful people. It is so diverse!
Last month, Argentina elected a new president, and his promises look appealing to the freelance community, especially those who receive their income in international currency.
The challenges facing monetary policy in Argentina are well known. Javier Milei promises to deliver a stable exchange rate and free the circulation of international currency. In addition, since Argentine prices fluctuate according to the dollar rate, it can be considered a cheap country to live in, although inflation is so high that the cost of living becomes expensive.
Nevertheless, I would like to share some critical points of view about living and working in Argentina as a freelancer.
What to expect living and working in Argentina
When I left Argentina, Mauricio Macri took over the presidency of our country. I had already graduated in sociology and had a great, flexible job. I come from a white, middle-class family that has always lived in Buenos Aires but with a migration story. So, when there was an opportunity to try working in other countries, I took it! That is how I became a freelancer and a traveler.
With a big backpack and my privileges, I had the chance to experience visiting and living in different countries like Denmark, Poland, and Bulgaria. I have yet to return to Argentina. Here is why.
Living and working in Buenos Aires gave me a certain feeling of anxiety because of the economic instability and the large number of people living in the city. Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area is a megalopolis with 30% of Argentina’s population living there. This means no contact with the natural environment and insufficient services to meet the real needs of its residents.
Regarding transportation during rush hour, you can expect to wait in line to get on a bus or subway because so many people are trying to get to or from work. You may have to wait hours late at night because the buses don't run in a timely manner. Even if you do not use public transportation, you may opt for an Uber or a taxi. However, heavy traffic can still cause stress when trying to reach your destination on time. You can have a car, but that means paying for private insurance, filling the tank, and finding parking. Not easy at all!
As I said, traffic in Buenos Aires is exasperating, and political demonstrations occur almost daily in the city center. This may sound strange, but it is part of the political culture in Argentina that Milei will try to change.
In addition, Buenos Aires has a large debt for investments in electricity services. So, especially in the summer and on very cold days, when people turn on their air conditioners, you can expect blackouts in a considerable part of the city's neighborhoods.
Milei's idea of defunding public gasoline companies may affect your everyday life, meaning long lines to fill your tank. Or you can expect to see some aggressive and violent situations of police repression live or in the news from this new political culture that supports violent responses.
Also, the increase in tariffs (electricity, public transport, gasoline) will not mean an improvement in investment, so if you go to live in the city of Buenos Aires, you can expect a tariff increase approved by the new government and poor quality services in a rather violent environment.
The voices living in Argentina
Anyway, since I haven't lived in Argentina for a long time, I asked some people what to expect in the future under Javier Milei's presidency, and they answered the following:
"As a freelancer, Argentina's economic situation will be favorable. Freelancers work from home and often are not fully "connected" with news about the country they are currently in. However, they must use other services, such as health and public safety.
In Argentina, health services are either public or private. One is free and has a permanent lack of essential services. The other has delays and is expensive because the fee you pay increases month by month. Let's take as a precedent what happened in Macri's government when the Ministry of Health was abolished. We experienced fewer chances of getting good service in the public and private sectors and no chances of requesting appointments, medication, and other support.
Security is already a complicated issue that is intensified by gender and age (older people and young people are more vulnerable). Buenos Aires has a constant police presence, but this does not prevent theft and petty theft. In addition, due to the new president's measures, there will be an increase in unemployment, which impacts crime. Linking situations of vulnerability and criminality, it is expected that there will be many more people in street situations, which generates empathy and may also imply an increase in organized crime."
Mariano (35), Buenos Aires
Okay, but that is in the city.
There are still very quiet and peaceful parts of Argentina with incredible natural landscapes. So, I asked some people I know who live in other provinces.
"Argentina is a nationalistic country, and this is especially reflected in schools and public institutions. In the interior of the country, where there are fewer migrants, residency procedures can be a hassle, and you may face situations of xenophobia and racism. Suppose you are a non-Spanish speaking minority, especially an Afro-descendant or Asian. In that case, you need to have the tools to face comments, bureaucratic obstacles, or mistreatment from racist people. Milei's fundamentally nationalistic and anti-migration discourse is likely to spread these situations.
On the other hand, there is the housing issue. Renting is not always easy; in many parts of the provinces, obtaining rental guarantees can be cumbersome, and prices are updated very quickly. You can face an expensive offer and not always in the best conditions."
MatÃas (29), Neuquen City
"In recent years in Argentina, there has been progress in policies of inclusion of sexual diversity. However, the new government and its representatives have spread a discourse that compares sexual diversity with diseases. Provinces with strong patriarchal traditions and limited visibility of existing LGBTQ+ carry more negative sentiments in social networks and institutional spaces. This can generate an increase in situations of homophobic violence and sexual aggression. You could see these violent attacks in any situation, in addition to the rollback of rights for people in these collectives.
So, although the new presidential context is favorable for settling in Argentina as a freelancer, you can expect to face some feelings of anxiety related to the increase in violence and the lack of institutional response. Being a migrant in Argentina is different depending on where you are, and your experience will be unique and enriching. Still, it would help if you were prepared to face neither pleasant nor easy challenges."
Carla (42), Córdoba City
After listening to other voices about living in Argentina as a freelancer, it is evident that elements make it complicated beyond the attractions. But migrating has always been a challenge and part of my personal life path. Having the ability to adapt, learn the language, and have a sense of humor is a necessity.
