WhatsApp groups for expats in Buenos Aires

Why WhatsApp, not Facebook

Argentina runs on WhatsApp. Landlords, teachers, tradespeople and friends all use it before email or a phone call, so the most useful expat groups in Buenos Aires live there too: a neighbourhood group for recommendations, a sports group that fixes this week's game, a language-exchange group that posts where tonight's table is.

Facebook groups are better for searching old answers. WhatsApp groups are better for what is happening this week.

Before you join

• Other members can see your phone number. In most WhatsApp groups, everyone in the group, not only the admins, can see the number you joined with. A big open group is a room full of strangers.
• Read the group description first. Most groups have rules about selling, self-promotion and the languages allowed. Breaking them is the quickest way to get removed.
• Never send money to someone you met in a group until you have checked them yourself. That covers a flat deposit, a currency exchange or a "reservation". Groups are where the classic rental and dollar scams are tried first.
• Mute, don't leave. Busy groups are noisy. Muting keeps you in for the day you need them.

How a group gets listed

The same way a contact does: a member of the ArgExpats community puts it forward, and it is checked before it goes on the page. A group is listed by its invite link only. ArgExpats does not run these groups and does not moderate them — each one belongs to its own admins, who set its rules and can reset its link or close it whenever they like.

Common questions

How do I join one of these WhatsApp groups?

Tap "Join group" on a card. It opens the group's WhatsApp invite link. Some groups let you straight in, and others send your request to an admin to approve first.

Are these groups run by ArgExpats?

No. Each group is run by its own admins. They are listed here because expats in Buenos Aires recommended them. ArgExpats does not moderate them, so read each group's rules when you join.

An invite link does not work any more. What happened?

Admins can reset a group's invite link at any time, and full groups stop accepting new members. Email [email protected] with the group's name, and we will update or remove the listing.

How do I suggest a WhatsApp group?

Email [email protected] with the group's name, one line about what it is for, and its invite link, the one that starts with https://chat.whatsapp.com/. Every suggestion is checked before it is listed. A personal wa.me link cannot be listed, because it is somebody's phone number.