Guest post by Svetlana Nekrasova about Argentina and opportunities of emigration there. Sveta with her husband and daughter decided wrong long go to have a second child in buenos aires and then on this basis eventually got a permanent residency. So the article will be a personal experience. first hand, so to speak. I also asked to illuminate not only permanent residence issues, but also the pros and cons of this country. This is important because in my opinion, it fits obviously not all—
The content of the article
- 1 How did we get to Argentina?
- 2 Why Argentina?
- 3 Argentina
- 3.1 Visa rules
- 3.2 Sea
- 3.3 Language
- 3.4 Climate
- 3.5 Attitude of the local
- 3.6 Product quality and selection
- 3.7 Prices
- 3.8 Medicine
- 3.9 9. Travel opportunities
- 3.10 Remoteness from Russia
- 3.11 Benefits of Argentina
- 3.12 Cons of Argentina
- 4 Wintering and relocation
- 4.1 Wintering
- 4.2 Ways to move
- 4.3 Our way
- 4.4 Cost of permanent residence and delivery
Contents
How did we get to Argentina?
We have never had a particular desire to visit Argentina, more in the near future. Everything turned out by itself. I was I was pregnant, I was six months old, and I was getting ready to give birth in Moscow. And husband one evening I decided to google “giving birth abroad” and the next day I was stunned by the idea to fly away to give birth in Argentina. I waved away said that some other time and continued her carefree pregnant life. Yet event by event led us to Buenos Aires, where we flew for almost thirty hours – I, being pregnant in the eighth month, a husband and a three-year-old daughter.
Argentine passport daughters Anastasia and Prekaria on me, my husband and eldest daughter
Why exactly Argentina?
As you already understood, we never had a goal to give birth in Argentina. This choice was the exception method. Began to search “giving birth abroad”. From developed countries, where it would be nice to give birth, many have disappeared because of the need for a visa that we would not have been given. They began to see where Russians are allowed to go without a visa. This is the majority Latin America. Then we learned about such a pleasant advantage of giving birth in these countries as citizenship for newborn and registration of permanent residence for the family.
Transfer at the airport of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
They chose between three countries – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay. Began to read, compare. Brazil has disappeared because of the Portuguese language. If we learn, then the Spanish language – we decided and became choose further. Attracted Uruguay, because there immediately give it citizenship, not permanent residence as in Argentina. But by birth there was quite there is little information and no one at all who could explain something and help on the spot. Argentina remained.
Firstly, it is a fairly developed country cheaper compared to Brazil, more interesting compared to Uruguay and safer compared to Mexico or Venezuela. Secondly, there is an excellent level of medicine and medical institutions. Third, we found people ready to fully accompany us in the organization of accommodation, reference pregnancy, childbirth and in documentary issues.
So from all countries we stopped at Argentina and for a week before the scheduled date bought tickets to Buenos Aires.
Argentina
Visa rules
Russians can stay in Argentina without a visa for 90 days, after What is necessary to leave the country without the possibility of extension and vizarana. It will be possible to return again only after three months. so that the total stay does not exceed 90 days in six months. For Ukrainians conditions are similar.
By the way – actually, some time ago, the Russians could extend its visa without leaving the country, but Russia “asked” this practice to suspend, and now the Russians are rejected visa extension after three months in Argentina.
Sea
The entire eastern border of Argentina is the Atlantic Ocean. Along coast is the main route with a lot of seaside cities. The beaches are large and sandy, with developed beach infrastructure. But! It’s still an ocean with big waves and unpredictable currents.
From Buenos Aires to the nearest seaside town of about 350 km (4-5 hours by bus).
The beach season lasts from December to March inclusive. it high season, when all hotels are full, housing is more expensive in three times, and tickets are bought for a month.
Now we just live in the small seaside town of Pinamar. The first and second line are completely hotels that are already closed until next season. The city is empty, and a lot of housing For Rent. We like it – ecology is better and considerably safer. For a quiet family life, such a city is excellent fits
The last time we felt comfortable was swimming in the sea on April 3rd. Now a cold autumn wind is blowing more and more often and even into the sun. I don’t want to get into the weather.
Tongue
In Argentina they speak Spanish, or rather, its Argentine a variation called castellano and almost no speak English. Honestly, we have been somewhat are surprised. Sometimes, having learned that we are “ablo hispaniol” (we don’t say in Spanish), we are offered to switch to English, but this is a rarity and rather the exception. That is why the interaction with various organizations and many of their questions we solve with translator.
Argentines are very talkative. Pedestrians talk to me, mothers and children in parks, in the elevator, in stores and vegetable shops – wherever I go.
We learn the language ourselves. Gradually we remember everything with what encounter – numbers, the name of the days of the week, the name of the products, vegetables, fruits, greeting phrases and so on. Knowledge of words allows you to at least understand a little, but for conversation, unfortunately, this few.
Climate
Since Argentina is the southern hemisphere, the seasons and months here are the opposite of our usual. From December to February – summer, and from June to August – winter. Argentina is large the country and captures many climatic zones – from the tropics to semi desert
In Buenos Aires, where we lived, the spring was very warm, the summer – hot and sunny. The sun is strong, so lunchtime is siesta. People once again do not leave the house, and many shops are closing. What is nice in the metropolitan climate is comfortable temperature difference at night and day. Even if the day was very hot, a pleasant coolness awaits at night. On rainy days can be quite coldly. So much so that summer dresses are replaced by pants and jackets.
There is no central heating in the country. It all depends on the house and regulated at the house level.
Now – in the middle of April – in the afternoon at noon about 20 degrees heat In the sun, when there is no wind, quite comfortable. At night the temperature drops to plus 13. It is noticeably cold, especially in house without heating. We sleep under several blankets. Huge minus in this climate – it’s icy tile floors, which are so same common as in Asia. I go in shoes myself, the eldest daughter be sure to ask you to wear pants and socks, as she often plays on sex, and the youngest one, which is now 4 months old, until I take a risk send crawl to the floor, only in the crib.
Local attitude
I did not notice any particular attitude towards foreigners and Russian in particular. There is interest. People often ask where we are from. When they hear “Russo” significantly nod. Some call Moscow city. In Argentina, a lot of foreigners and immigrants, and themselves Argentines are friendly and polite.
Product quality and choice
Argentine cuisine is familiar to the Russian people, and therefore all known products. Pasta, potatoes, meat – this is probably The three most popular products are here. Vegetables and fruits eat round year, tasty, but little exotic. So, mango, papaya, passion fruit can be meet only in season.
In Argentina, specialized shops are common, where you can buy a certain category of goods. For example, meat shops, cheeses and related products, vegetables and fruits, bread and bakery products, diet products.
In them the range is much better and the choice is more in comparison with supermarkets. Local buy it there. Everything is fresh and tasty.
Argentine cuisine is famous for its wine and meat. Indeed, these The products here are very tasty and affordable. I know about wine only in theory, I trust the opinion of experts.
During the whole stay, I missed sour cream the most, kefir, ryazhenka. For some reason, despite the development of cattle breeding, these products are not here at all.
Prices
In Argentina, we were at the very moment when the dollar growing rapidly. And if on arrival I multiplied all prices in pesos by three and so recognized their value for me in rubles, then after the increased dollar began to multiply by seven. Sensibly, really! If a a pack of oatmeal, worth 10 pesos on arrival for me cost 30 rubles, now 70.
In general, prices are not small, especially for imported goods. Cheapness we have not noticed.
The medicine
Medicine is different. In general, in Argentina it is free, and it a huge plus for those who can not pay. The truth is a number of inconveniences: long lines (sometimes even in the evening) to take turno (direction) to the doctor, and the visit itself can wait a week. AT Argentina, doctors from private clinics are on duty from time to time in free clinics, so the quality of the service depends on the specialist to whom you will get. Personally, I’m in free clinic was only once – was not thrilled, especially comparing with the experience of visiting paid doctors.
Private hospitals are much better equipped because they have sponsorship and qualifications of doctors are higher. Impressed communication of doctors with children. They are like friends hugging and kissing with with their little patients, hang out their drawings in the office, and how smiling! Several times witnessed such scenes when their newborn daughter came to the hospital.
Almost everyone in Argentina has insurance. She is really works and greatly simplifies interaction with medical institutions. You can choose a suitable family budget insurance plan. It may be cheaper and include more simple clinics and cases of treatment or more expensive, by which will be served free of charge in the best clinics of the capital.
Payment for insurance is carried out along with the rent and renting a parking space in a garage, for example.
9. Travel opportunities
Argentina is huge in territory and so different! There are many beautiful places worth visiting, first and foremost exactly natural sights:
Perito Moreno Glacier. The Land of Ushuaia is the southernmost city. of the planet Bariloche Lake District Mount Fitz Roy (Fitz Roy) Vineyards Mendoza Steppe Plains of Patagonia Iguassu Falls
Unfortunately, we have not been anywhere else from these places, since at first there was a desire to safely reach pregnancy and give birth, and now I want comfort and settled. In March, they moved from the capital to the seaside town of Pinamar, where we enjoy the ocean and pines.
Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires
Remoteness from Russia
Yes, Russia is very far away. Getting to South America is long and always consists of several flights. Direct flights Moscow – Buenos Aires no. So, given the flight connections and time waiting, on the way you are a day or more.
Pluses of Argentina
– The mentality of people. Core Values – friendliness, openness, respect, joy, family, children.
– Spanish language. Pretty easy to learn and useful when traveling.
– The ability to become “their”. Can easily integrate into the local community since there are no such strong visual differences such as in Asian countries.
– Developed a small business. It gives great opportunities, both in the role of entrepreneur and in the role of the buyer.
– A wide range of foods that produced in the country. Tasty and affordable price
– Geographical position, including several climate belts. You can choose a comfortable living area. – Unique nature and animal world. In Argentina, the most beautiful natural attractions and unusual vegetation. Special admire flowering trees. These are not just bushes, but huge giants are all dotted with flowers. We flew to Argentina in the spring and flowering trees were our first vivid impression.
And a storm of enthusiasm caused me to parrots, which, along with pigeons have chosen the park areas of the capital and hummingbirds, which are almost Every day, fly to the flowering bushes near our home in Pinamaré.
Cons of Argentina
1. The unstable political and economic situation in country.
Mass strikes regularly take place. So, we became witnessed the transport strike that took place last march day. It was on this day that my husband planned a trip to the capital. They learned about the strike of the transport workers at the last moment, when nothing could be replayed. He left before it began, but return delayed.
Husband extra seven hours spent at the bus station in anticipation of the end strikes. And how many kilometers he found on foot for that day! Honestly, I thoroughly worried, since the time from time such strikes are accompanied by unrest. Luckily, everything went well.
In Buenos Aires on this day: – not a single bus left for the flight – the metro did not work – only risky taxi drivers went to work, as the transport workers boycotted everyone who decided not to participate – no planes flew (local flights) – did not take out the garbage (oh and it became dirty in a day in the capital!) – did not bring fuel to refueling – ATMs were not filled – nobody went to work who needed to travel by public transport – and probably many more of which I do not know.
And not so long ago, in one of the provinces of Argentina staged strike law enforcement. Not a single policeman came out to work. Here it was disturbing – riots, mass robberies, robbery on the street.
In such an environment is not felt personal security. Is surprising that such strikes exist, that the government allows them (all were notified in advance) and does not suppress. For example, in Russia, I can not imagine such a will of the people. Simply be afraid!
2. The presence of an unofficial exchange rate.
There are two exchange rates in Argentina: official and unofficial. And between them a significant difference! So At the end of April 2015, the official exchange rate was 8.9 pesos for dollar, and unofficial – 12.5 pesos.
In this regard, there are “underground” exchangers. Everything official banking operations, including withdrawals from the card, can be done only at a low (official) rate that extremely unprofitable. And the underground exchangers change only cash: you they have American dollars – they are Argentine pesos for you course.
In Argentina, US dollars are banned, so when they end, you need to go to a neighboring country, such as Uruguay. Everything this is the result of the economic and political crisis in the country. How long it will last is unknown, as well as what will be then.
Now the dollar-peso ratio changes several times in week, and you never know, by exchanging currency, you win or losing Solid roulette and unpredictability. And when income ruble, the dollar is rising, and the peso is falling against the dollar, then find yourself at a great disadvantage because of the double conversion.
3. There is no sense of security.
In Argentina, a lot of drugs, affordable weapons and the poor, ready for desperate acts for the sake of survival. It makes you be on the alert. Constantly.
We were assured that the center of the capital is safe, but the outskirts are the territory of the “black”. So here called poor Hispanics. On the outskirts of the capital, even the police did not leave.
Here I feel my vulnerability and the vulnerability of my family, which will not smooth even a long-term stay in Argentina, and this is for me is a significant disadvantage.
True, I want to note that the contingent of people and the situation in cities are very different between regions and localities. So, in Pinamar, where we live now, everything is very calm. So much so that our neighbor leaves the house keys under the rug, when it leaves, and glass shop windows do not have bars.
Wintering and relocation
Wintering
Since Argentina is located in the southern hemisphere, the Russian here winter corresponds to summer and vice versa. Theoretically for wintering You can come here, but there are several factors that need take account of.
First, the Argentines themselves are leaving to rest. In the summer the capital and major cities, much is closed for a month or more, and resort areas are becoming mega-expensive and crowded.
Here, people also love warmth and longing in the summer months. relax. In Asia, this is easier. There is no rush about changing seasons, so it is still more comfortable to spend the winter there cheaper.
Secondly, the south to go, the colder it becomes. BUT After all, it is there that the main natural attractions! For example, in Bariloche, even in the hottest months you will need a jacket. And about Ushuaia and the glacier – completely silent. The end of the world!
Ways to move
Ways of moving are standard, as for most countries: 1. Organize or buy a business 2. Have a high passive income (rentier) 3. Invest in the country’s economy 4. Come to work (or study) 5. Marry / marry Argentine
Each of these options will give the opportunity for how long stay in the country and after a period of time to get a residence permit, permanent residence and Argentine citizenship.
But there is another not obvious way that we took advantage – to give birth to a child in Argentina.
Why not obvious? The fact of the matter is that often the birth itself the border does not give any rights to any child or parents. It is now popular to give birth in Thailand or Indonesia. But baby in In this case, it still receives citizenship of the parents. And status residence abroad in the country of birth and remains tourist.
There are still countries where a child obtains the citizenship of a country, which was born. The so-called “soil right”. This is almost all countries North and South America, including the USA and Canada.
In Argentina, all the more interesting. Baby born here right away obtains citizenship by birth. And parents on the basis of this – permanent residence and the ability to immediately apply for citizenship. In such In the case of citizenship, it’s actually possible to get one and a half to two years from the moment the birth of a child.
What does the permanent residence of Argentina?
Permanent residence gives foreigners the right to work, study, register various forms of ownership, the ability to receive loans from banks and travel without a visa throughout South America.
What gives the citizenship of Argentina?
Standard – the ability to vote and be elected. But the most tasty for travelers is an Argentine international passport, which gives the right to visa-free entry to almost all countries Europe and South America, as well as to Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia Also in some countries you can get a visa by arrival, for example, in New Zealand.
Important note – today at registration Argentine citizenship is not required abandonment of the previous citizenship.
Our way
We flew to Argentina when I had 33 weeks of pregnancy. For the flight prepared two certificates from the doctor, about how That my term and state of health allows to carry out flights. One Help in Russian, another in English. Help asked twice – when checking in for a flight in Moscow at Domodedovo Airport and when boarding a plane at Dubai airport. We flew the company Emirates.
Argentine border guards didn’t care if I was pregnant, what period and where I plan to give birth.
After several weeks of adaptation, I decided on a doctor and hospital in which I will give birth. Chose a private clinic and paid delivery, although it was possible to organize everything for free.
Childbirth went well. We were pretty quickly discharged. And already on the ninth day after birth, we issued an Argentine certificate of the birth of the baby. Two months later, we received her DAYS – internal Argentine passport.
That’s when we went to the Migration Department and applied for obtaining residency for themselves and the eldest daughter. Documents accepted from the first to the formal final decision on the provision of residency issued to prekarey. This document gives the ability to legally be in the country, work, study, travel and drive to Argentina.
To date, it has already been decided to provide us residency and we expect their DNI (they are made three or four months). As soon as the DAYS are on hand, we can immediately apply for citizenship. And we can not serve, but live and work as much want in the status that is now.
It is worth noting that at the time of our visit to the Migration Department we have lived in Argentina for four months and exceeded allowable time for Russians. But the officers were loyal and in no way. did not comment on this violation. It turns out as soon as Nastya was born, we automatically got the right long-term residence, and Prekariya, which we were given in the Migration Department, secured this right officially. There was only one inconvenience: when our tourist three months have expired, and Precaria’s haven’t yet it was, we could not leave the country and even go to neighboring Uruguay for dollars.
The cost of permanent residence and childbirth
I’ll say right away that prices are changing, and even now it can be to another. Since the moment of delivery, the exchange rate has changed significantly (ruble – dollar, dollar – peso) and requests from the doctor and hospital. All the numbers that I point out are relevant for December 2014. We paid Argentine pesos, here prices bring in rubles and dollars.
1500 dollars – contract with a doctor for childbirth 2500 dollars – price the hospital where I gave birth.
A contract with a doctor is only my wish. I could come at the hour “x” to the hospital and I would have taken. So sure of Moms with a calm pregnancy can be quite save this money.
The price of the hospital is calculated individually. It works So. The doctor gives directions to the hospital and booked a ward (in my case for the month). In the direction indicates the features of pregnancy and childbirth (caesarean or natural). Hospital exposes maximum score, which includes possible complications, based on information from the doctor. This bill must be paid before giving birth. According to the results of childbirth issue a printout where absolutely all costs per patient: rent a room (daily), rent operating room, instruments, materials, medicines, down to each pills, food. Unused balance is returned.
I had a caesarean section, I spent two days in the hospital and our total was $ 2,500.
We bought dollars at the rate of 40 rubles per dollar. It turns out that the total cost of delivery in Buenos Aires (doctor + hospital) amounted to about 160 thousand rubles.
If we talk about the paperwork for permanent residence, then translations and other formal procedures cost 300-400 dollars, definitely not I remember.
P.S. That’s how our family, having an Argentine daughter, became residents of Argentina. All this we tell on our blog. To be blown away.
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