Being Black in Argentina: Experiences and Acceptance

[jordan10]

Hi! I’m a Black American planning to spend time in Argentina, and I’m curious about how Black people are treated in cities like Buenos Aires, Salta, Córdoba, and Mendoza. Are interracial couples generally accepted in these cities, or are they frowned upon? I’d love to hear from locals or expats about your experiences.

 

[Ron]

Argentina is generally a very open-minded country. People in most cities are welcoming, and being in an interracial relationship is completely normal here. You won’t face the same kind of racial tension you might see in the U.S.

 

[Melibaires]

Argentinians usually don’t categorize people the way some other countries do. It’s more about personality than skin color, so you’ll find that diversity is quite accepted.

 

[dark]

You can even check TikTok, there are tons of testimonies from Black people living in Argentina, and you’ll see that they’re all positive. Here, you mostly blend in; nobody really cares about your skin color. The only issue is the mindset we brought with us from the U.S., but I promise, you’ll be much happier here.

 

[Hero]

In my experience living in Buenos Aires, people don’t really pay attention to race. Interracial couples are common, and most interactions are friendly and respectful.

 

[captain]

Cities like Córdoba and Mendoza have lots of international visitors and expats, so multiculturalism is pretty normal. Most locals are curious and friendly rather than judgmental.

 

[Princess]

It’s different from the U.S. Here, race is not as big of a social issue in daily life, so people usually treat you just like anyone else.

 

[Fanny]

And in the U.S., racism isn’t just about skin color, if you’re from Latin America, ufff… look at this. This fellow citizen gets upset just because she hears a Mexican woman speaking Spanish. What she says is ridiculous… my God.

 

[James Bond]

Generally people in Argentina are very tolerant but I will say that many locals would probably never date someone that is black. They will never admit it but that is how it is. Not that they are racist but in my experience they are looked at down upon and although people might be friendly with they would never date them.

 

[tamy]

First off, political correctness isn’t really a thing here (and honestly, that can be a good thing). It’s totally normal, and not considered offensive, to refer to people by their appearance. For example, an Asian person might be called “el chino” (“the Chinese”), a Black person might be referred to as “el negro” (“the Black”), and if you’re older you might hear “viejo/vieja” (“old man/old woman”). The same goes for body types: someone heavier could be “el gordo” (“the fat one”), while someone thin might be “flaco” (“skinny”).
These nicknames are usually seen as normal and even affectionate. So if someone calls you “negro” or comments on how you look, don’t take it as an insult, 95% of the time, they’re just being friendly. The only real taboos are badmouthing soccer (football) or insisting that the Falkland Islands are British. That’s when you might actually get yourself in trouble. Hope that clears things up!

 

[jbeas176]

i don’t see racism as a problem here. nust be careful about what team you favor and talk about it. now thats a problem. stay out of the boca juniors vs river plate controversy. welcome bro

 

[jbeas176]

if you get a chance stop in belize. rodgers cove on the north cove. it was owned by the british and i think it still is. you’ll get to experience black people speaking spanish with a british accent. its crazy

 

[Uncle Wong]

i don’t see racism as a problem here. nust be careful about what team you favor and talk about it. now thats a problem. stay out of the boca juniors vs river plate controversy. welcome bro

I haven't encountered racism here at all. I have talked to many females that say they would never date a black guy in BA. But other races seem to be ok. I'm of Chinese decent and have no issues. My friend that is Japanese came with me and they call everyone "chino" but no bad intent.

 

[jbeas176]

ronald. i am a grino. in some places. thats a problem. nothing in colombia or Argentina. are you athletic???😂 you might get recuited to play soccer

 

[Wally]

Generally people in Argentina are very tolerant but I will say that many locals would probably never date someone that is black. They will never admit it but that is how it is. Not that they are racist but in my experience they are looked at down upon and although people might be friendly with they would never date them.

This is my experience as well. Locals will always say things like "I am not a racist or Argentines are not racist" but very few Argentines would date someone black. Just like you said James.

 

[ElQueso]

This is my experience as well. Locals will always say things like "I am not a racist or Argentines are not racist" but very few Argentines would date someone black. Just like you said James.

Actually "being racist" can mean different things to different people. Overall locals are friendly and tourists won't have any issues. My black male friends that came to visit me had NO success here and in Uruguay going out. No girls would go on dates with them. They ended up going to Brazil and were very happy.

 

[jbeas176]

i believe he mentioned in the original post he was suggesting he is already involved. “are biracial couples accepted “ lets leave the dating thing alone. mis dos centavos

 

[ElQueso]

i believe he mentioned in the original post he was suggesting he is already involved. “are biracial couples accepted “ lets leave the dating thing alone. mis dos centavos

Like anything else there are probably exceptions to the rule. While blacks here are tolerated my black friends that visit me here had absolutely no luck at all going to the clubs and out. I doubt anyone dating a black person will have any issues. Just because someone might not do it doesn't mean they will care if someone else does.

 

[lemonade]

i don’t see racism as a problem here. nust be careful about what team you favor and talk about it. now thats a problem. stay out of the boca juniors vs river plate controversy. welcome bro

Racism isn't necessarily a "problem" here but it just depends how you define "problem". People were seem to accept anyone in Argentina but dating is another thing. All the local friends I have always make crude jokes about darker colored people from South America.