buenos aires
introduction
The following pictures and information are provided to help employees who are considering an assignment in Buenos Aires, Argentina to see what it is like to live and work there.
Argentina is located on the southern half of South America. It is the largest Spanish speaking nation in the world. The country has a population of roughly 42 million people, with 15 million of those living in Buenos Aires. The city is located on the eastern coast of Argentina, along the mouth of the Río de la Plata. Buenos Aires is also home to many tourist attractions, including Recoleta Cemetery, Casa Rosada, and San Telmo Market.
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate, with 4 distinct seasons: Summer (Jan–Feb) is hot and humid, autumn (Mar–May) is mild, winter (Jun–Aug) is cold and wet, and spring (Oct–Dec) is also mild. Argentina does not participate in daylight savings time and is on GMT -3 time zone.
There are two major airports servicing Buenos Aires. The International Airport is called Ezeiza (EZE) and is located 32 km (about 20 mi) from downtown Buenos Aires. The other major airport is the Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) which has domestic flights and is located 8 km (about 5 miles) from downtown.
The official language in Argentina is Spanish. In the office, English is generally spoken for all work-related matters. That said, it is highly encouraged to have at minimum a conversational proficiency of Spanish to be able to make your way around the city as few locals speak English outside of the office.
work environment
Chevron occupies two separate offices in Buenos Aires – the Chevron Argentina Upstream office and the Shared Services Center.
The Chevron Argentina office is in the Nuñez neighborhood and is not marked with a Chevron sign or logo. Approximately 200 people work in this office in a variety of functions and roles. The 9/80 schedule is offered to employees working in the office in the city.
The Buenos Aires Shared Services office is in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. The building is not marked with a Chevron sign or logo. Approximately 700 people work at the BASSC office in the Finance, IT, HR and Procurement shared services functions). The 9/80 schedule is not used, but work from home arrangements may be available dependent on the role.
The office hours are flexible from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Chevron Argentina office is in the Nuñez neighborhood and is not marked with a Chevron sign or logo. Approximately 200 people work in this office in a variety of functions and roles. The 9/80 schedule is offered to employees working in the office in the city.
The Buenos Aires Shared Services office is in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. The building is not marked with a Chevron sign or logo. Approximately 700 people work at the BASSC office in the Finance, IT, HR and Procurement shared services functions). The 9/80 schedule is not used, but work from home arrangements may be available dependent on the role.
The office hours are flexible from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
housing
Expatriates will live in one of the following Chevron approved neighborhoods: Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Vicente Lopez, Olivos, La Lucila, Martinez, Acassuso, and San Isidro. Housing options for expatriates in Buenos Aires differ based on assignment specifics and preferences of the expatriate. Resident assignees receive an allowance for expenses related to housing and utilities.
Houses are usually found in the northern suburbs (San Isidro, Acassuso, Martinez). These neighborhoods are farther away from the office but are in closer proximity to the school that most expatriate children attend (The Lincoln School).
Apartments are located closer to downtown Buenos Aires (Recoleta and Puerto Madero are preferred neighborhoods). These neighborhoods are closer in proximity to the office, city center, shopping, and restaurants.
Houses are usually found in the northern suburbs (San Isidro, Acassuso, Martinez). These neighborhoods are farther away from the office but are in closer proximity to the school that most expatriate children attend (The Lincoln School).
Apartments are located closer to downtown Buenos Aires (Recoleta and Puerto Madero are preferred neighborhoods). These neighborhoods are closer in proximity to the office, city center, shopping, and restaurants.
support services
Buenos Aires boasts many of the support services of a developed country.
Buenos Aires is largely a cash economy with most transactions being done in the Argentine peso. Most places of business accept credit/debit cards, but it is not guaranteed. Many expatriates obtain cards in their home countries that do not charge or reimburse international service or non-network ATM fees.
Both the Buenos Aires Shared Services Center and the Argentina Upstream organizations have preferred local banks which expatriates will begin to use once they obtain their local Argentina ID (DNI) upon arrival to the city. Argentina Upstream expatriates bank with ICBC while Buenos Aires Shared Services Center expatriates bank with Santander Rio.
Both the Buenos Aires Shared Services Center and the Argentina Upstream organizations have preferred local banks which expatriates will begin to use once they obtain their local Argentina ID (DNI) upon arrival to the city. Argentina Upstream expatriates bank with ICBC while Buenos Aires Shared Services Center expatriates bank with Santander Rio.
Buenos Aires is a relatively safe place to live but does pose the safety risk that other large cities have. The biggest threat to safety and security is petty theft (pick pocketing and bag snatching) throughout the city. Expatriates and their families should always maintain awareness of the environment. For example, avoid wearing expensive or imitation jewelry and watches. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Do not use public transportation at night.
All visitors are required to attend a security briefing. Newly arrived expatriates and their families are given a thorough overview on security including company guidelines, necessary precautions, as well as other important topics applicable to the location. All expatriates have access to the 24/7 CECON hotline if there are any issues.
All visitors are required to attend a security briefing. Newly arrived expatriates and their families are given a thorough overview on security including company guidelines, necessary precautions, as well as other important topics applicable to the location. All expatriates have access to the 24/7 CECON hotline if there are any issues.
Chevron pouch mail service is available to expatriates with regular frequency.
In addition to benefits determined by their home-country payroll, expatriates and dependents will also be enrolled in the local medical plan provided by Swiss Medical Group. This plan is considered premium in the local market. There is a representative from Swiss Medical onsite at BASSC twice weekly and in the upstream office once weekly to assist with any questions. Upon arrival, expatriates will receive a medical briefing to review options.
education
The Chevron approved school in Argentina is Lincoln International School for children from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
The Lincoln International School mirrors the US school year with classes beginning in August and ending in June each year. There are two six-week breaks during the year. The school also provides various opportunities for extracurricular activities available for students.
Kindergarten Green House (for children ages 2 through pre-kindergarten) is one of the available pre-school options that has been used by other expatriates.
The Lincoln International School mirrors the US school year with classes beginning in August and ending in June each year. There are two six-week breaks during the year. The school also provides various opportunities for extracurricular activities available for students.
Kindergarten Green House (for children ages 2 through pre-kindergarten) is one of the available pre-school options that has been used by other expatriates.
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shopping
There is a wide selection of grocery stores throughout the city that contain a variety of products and brands. Additionally, there are storefronts and markets that specialize in different things like fruits & vegetables, meat, and other goods.
Shopping malls are common throughout the city as well. Please note that the prices for things like clothing/shoes, sporting goods, and electronics tend to be higher in Argentina than other places around the world, but they are available. Street shopping, with local vendors and small markets, is common as well in areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo.
Shopping malls are common throughout the city as well. Please note that the prices for things like clothing/shoes, sporting goods, and electronics tend to be higher in Argentina than other places around the world, but they are available. Street shopping, with local vendors and small markets, is common as well in areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo.
transportation
Resident assignees are entitled to a car service provided by the company for all transportation to and from the office. For non-professional transportation, resident expatriates must obtain a driver’s license from Argentina if they wish to drive throughout the city. A car loan is provided up to the expatriate to purchase a vehicle in Argentina.
Public transportation is another reliable option in the city. Buenos Aires has a robust subway and bus system that expatriates can take advantage of when getting around the city. For safety reasons, do not use public transportation after dark.
Public transportation is another reliable option in the city. Buenos Aires has a robust subway and bus system that expatriates can take advantage of when getting around the city. For safety reasons, do not use public transportation after dark.
recreational and entertainment
There is no shortage of entertainment or recreational activities in Buenos Aires. There are several parks, cultural landmarks & activities, restaurants, and things to do ranging from tango shows to movie theaters. See here for the official tourism site of Buenos Aires.