Jonathan is an American expat living with his girlfriend in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he runs an online tutorial business. Jonathan describes some of his expat experiences in Argentina's capital and shares some helpful tips on things like learning to speak Argentine Spanish and consumer items someone planning to move there would be wise to bring along.	Jonathan Harada

-Where were you born?

Cambridge, MA USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my novia

-How long have you been living in Argentina?

Little over 2.5 years

-What is your age?

38 years old

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Argentina?

I found myself love struck by an Argentine and decided to give it a shot.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Thankfully 90-day tourist visas are given on arrival and easily renewed.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No. I used travel insurance from the US, but then realized I could save a lot of money by getting local health insurance.  I joined Hospital Italiano just by showing up, signing a form and paying the (much lower) monthly bill.

-How do you make your living in Argentina? Do you have any type of income generated?

The biggest shock for many expats is when they find out what local wage levels are in dollar or euro terms.

Because the opportunity cost is so low, I eventually decided to take a shot at my own business and started an online tutoring company (http://www.tutoramigos.com). It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I love to learn languages and have lived in Japan and Brazil so learned Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese as well as some basic Mandarin along the way. After several language courses here, I can communicate comfortably in Castellano, but there is always more to learn.

I think it is INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT to speak the local language and respect local customs.  I think of language as a window into the local culture and find it absolutely essential in order to begin to understand the mindset of the locals.

When I say local language..I mean local.  Don't expect to be able to fit in in Argentina with Spanish you learned from Spain, Mexico etc.  The Argentine version is quite different. So if you already speak Spanish definitely put in the effort to pick up the Argentine version, local lunfardo (slang) and all. If you don't speak Spanish, get started on the basics now. It will turbo charge your experience.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Sure I do, but thanks to the internet it is now convenient and cheap to stay in touch.  Still I go home at least once a year to see my family and friends.  The internet still can't replace face-to-face or a good hug.

My favorite recreational activity in Buenos Aires is Roller Hockey. There is this forum, http://www.patinenlinea.com.ar, which organizes group skates around the city. I started with those, but eventually joined the pickup hockey games in the Rosedal Park. It's been a great way to get exercise and make friends.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

My parents are planning to come and visit, so I am looking forward to traveling more in Argentina. We're thinking about the NorthWest which I haven't been to yet.

As for business, I'm really hooked on being an entrepreneur. I'm very interested in technology, education and social entrepreneurism.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

Inflation here dates this type of information very quickly these days.  Just be aware, if you have a guarantia (required for local rentals) you are not out of the woods yet.  The standard 2 year unfurnished apartment rental market for centrally located BA is very tight.  Don't be surprised to find a wide range of quality..(read decent to disgusting) at the same price level.

-What is the cost of living in Argentina?

It seems many expats take advantage of the favorable exchange rate and bump up their quality of life. I did the same when I first moved moved to South America, but unless you are earning Dollars or Euros, this gets old quick.

Instead of living the vida loca, we try to live as local as possible.  For example, we rent a modest apartment, cook a lot at home, watch our 3.5 air channels etc.  Since I arrived in early 2006, despite these efforts, I've seen our living expenses rise over 40%. So I'd keep these types of scenarios in mind when building my budget.

-What do you think about the Argentines?

On the whole I think locals are friendly once you get to know them.  Porteños have a reputation for their arrogance. But to me these Porteños are just a few bad apples that spoil the barrel. In the provinces, you would be hard pressed to find bad apples.

I can't speak for how locals treat all foreigners.  As an American, these days we have it pretty tough just about everywhere we go in the world thanks to the Bush administration's foreign policy. Despite this, locals have treated me with warmth and respect as an individual so I give them tons of credit.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Argentina?

Positive aspects: Spending in Pesos when you earn in Dollars or Euros.  Parrillas, Vino, Fresh Pasta, countless cultural activities. Enjoying lovely neighborhoods, parks and the architecture in BA, ease in which you can get around the city without a car, beautiful scenery around the country. Easily renewable tourist visas, moderate climate.

Negative aspects: Spending in Pesos when you earn pesos, economic/political volatility, dearth of authentic Asian restaurants, low levels of trust in business, loud buses, not picking up after their dogs

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Argentina?

Like living in any foreign country, Come with an open mind and prepare yourself to be surprised, amazed, frustrated and intrigued 24 hours a day.  Remember the only thing you have 100% control over is your attitude.

For Argentina in particular, do your homework.  Make sure you bring with you items such as laptops, consumer electronics, etc., because imported products can be more than double the price due to import/value add taxes.

I write more about this topic on my blog, http://tutoramigos.blogspot.com.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Argentina?

My blog:
http://www.tutoramigos.blogspot.com
Topics include: online education, start-up businesses and expat life in Buenos Aires.

My business:
Clases particulares con profesores online en tiempo real.
http://www.tutoramigos.com

Democrats Abroad
Because you can make a difference when you live abroad.
http://democratsabroadargentina.blogspot.com

Fundación Leer
Organization that promotes literacy in Argentina. Check them out for volunteer opportunities.
http://www.leer.org.ar

Interesting political and economic opinion in English from an Argentine in Rosario
http://dfordisorientation.blogspot.com