I am planning to visit Argentina in July. I have heard so many great things about the country - and I can\'t wait! I am a little worried, however, because I don\'t speak Spanish (..or anything other than English). Will this be a huge issue as I travel around?
Speaking English in Argentina
(13 posts) (13 voices)-
Megan, You will be able to get around Buenos Aires with a smattering of Spanish. But it will help you if you learn some basic words to help you order food or lodging. The Spanish spoken here is very different- I learned Castillan Spanish in college and I was bewildered by the accent at first. Outside of BsAs you will find fewer people that speak English so you will have to get by the best you can with gestures, etc. For the most part, people are very helpful - very often other tourists, travelers or Argentines that understand you will help you out. Bring a English/Spanish pocket guide of phrases, that will help too in a pinch. Have fun planning your trip!!
Posted 4 years ago # -
No problema in Argentina if you do not speak Castellano (Spanish) because there are many people who speaks English and if they do not they are nice to get their point across with their hands! You can find yourself asking a question to a bus driver who do not speak English and he will stop the bus to point the streets you need to walk and make all kinds of signs and faces, this is a nice thing I think because although we all no speak the same language, there is one that is universal that tells you with their faces that are willing to help.
Enjoy Argentina!Posted 4 years ago # -
I agree, you should have no problem getting around in English but If you still feel a bit anxious about it, a good option is joining Espanol Andando. They do a 4 day spanish crash course for travelers that uses all the resources of the city as educational tours, allowing you to not only learn the language but to go all around town learning about the City\'s culture and people (or how to take the subways or order at a restaurant for example). It\'s a fun and different way to get to know a city...while you learn the language!: http://www.espanol-andando.com/
Posted 4 years ago # -
indieover
Memberwell it is good that there are some people there who understands english. cause i really don\'t speak spanish too. i know some words in spanish but in no way that i can communicate in spanish. it is better to use and bring a spanish-english dictionary to be sure.
Posted 3 years ago # -
dolcevita78
MemberIt\'s good that somehow language barrier wouldn\'t really be a problem. I have been to some places where I really had a hard time communicating with the locals because they do not know how to speak English that much. I agree that it pays off to learn the basic language of the country you visit. Just in case, I don\'t think I would have a problem learning Spanish since my mom speaks Spanish well. So is true with my paternal grandmother.
Posted 3 years ago # -
generally you can not communicate with people in spanish.but in most cases they can understand what you are talking about so they do not speak English with you but they can help you as well.
in some famous scenic spots you should not worry at all.most of the people there can speak English.Posted 3 years ago # -
yeah it is good to know that language is not a problem with going around in argentina. i really have a problem with non-english speaking countries. i appreciate even just broken english just so i can communicate, ask directions and ask discounts. hahaa thanks everyone! God bless you! :)
Posted 3 years ago # -
That\'s right sigroid! I think that knowing or understanding and being able to speak the basic words and especially the ones for asking for the price and discounts. Well, no trip is complete without shopping, right?
Posted 3 years ago #
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