The American Dream in Argentina
The South Carolina governor first said he went to Argentina because it was a great place to be. Later he admitted it was for love though neither response went over well with his wife or his erstwhile supporters.
In any event, Argentina is a great place to be whether it’s for a romantic fling, a vacation. or a longer stay or even to live permanently. This is where Paul Terhorst went, with his wife, I might add, then went on to write Cashing in on the American Dream: How to Retire at 35.
The American dream in Argentina? Well, why not? Back in 1988 when Terhorst’s book first came out, some people thought being an expat was unpatriotic. Remember the bumper stickers, America - Love it or Leave it? As though you couldn’t do both. Terhorst’s book is actually about how to live sensibly and frugally.
Argentina is rather amazing. Argentina Insight Guide (Insight Guides) calls Argentinians “a people of passion.” Flip through the book (I have the 2002 edition with the firey cover but a new one will be out shortly.) and you’ll see serene lakes, craggy mountains, riviera-style beaches, cosmopolitan cities. All this plus a population which has survived a horrific economic downturn. Perhaps North Americans have a few things to learn from Argentinians.
The downturn attracted European and North American investors, retirees and others looking for bargains. Although the country has made headway, a report issued in April 2009 showed that real estate sales had slowed by over 30% from the previous year.
Buying property, whether it’s a ranch or a villa or a condo, is the easiest way to qualify for a residency visa. If you prefer to rent, you would only be permitted to spend only six months in the country. You could enter on a three-month tourist visa and then extend it at the immigration office for another three months.
The beautiful city of Bariloche in the lake district has new regulations to prevent foreigners from buying property in an attempt to curb population growth. Elsewhere it’s no problem. Plenty of expats head for Buenos Aires, with its broad boulevards and stately old buildings reminiscent of Paris, but where apartments are spacious (3,000 sq. ft.) and relatively inexpensive.

