Where/how to get dolar blue exchange rate?
Feb 16, 2015, 4:37 pm
#211
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
During our stay we found three underground cambio locations in neighborhoods outside the center. Look for places that say "compra oro" or are conspiciously unmarked (venetian blinds, a buzzer, a prominent address). Unfortunately, they are only open bankers' hours (M-F 10-4 or so, closed weekends and holidays), and with this being Carnival we ran out of cash at the blue rate.
After running out of cash, we asked the remaining places we ate and shopped whether they'd accept dollars and, if so, at what rate. One cafe offered 10 pesos/dollar (vs. official rate of 8.6 and blue around 13 now). The other two places wouldn't take dollars at all.
Hope this info helps someone.
After running out of cash, we asked the remaining places we ate and shopped whether they'd accept dollars and, if so, at what rate. One cafe offered 10 pesos/dollar (vs. official rate of 8.6 and blue around 13 now). The other two places wouldn't take dollars at all.
Hope this info helps someone.
Last edited by SJC AA; Feb 25, 2015 at 12:11 pm
Feb 16, 2015, 6:13 pm
#212
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
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Posts: 12,729
I'm leaving Wednesday. Saw someone post on TripAdvisor about a place near the Alvear Palace.
But I usually use credit cards and ATM and use little cash as possible.
I may take a couple of hundred dollars but it sounds like the blue rate isn't as attractive as it was previously?
How common is it for restaurants to take USD?
When you charge credit card for the bill, they're not going to try to charge dollars, like some in Europe do with the dynamic exchange rate or whatever they call it, where they give you a worse exchange rate than you'd get from the credit card company?
But I usually use credit cards and ATM and use little cash as possible.
I may take a couple of hundred dollars but it sounds like the blue rate isn't as attractive as it was previously?
How common is it for restaurants to take USD?
When you charge credit card for the bill, they're not going to try to charge dollars, like some in Europe do with the dynamic exchange rate or whatever they call it, where they give you a worse exchange rate than you'd get from the credit card company?
Feb 16, 2015, 7:14 pm
#213
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
I'm leaving Wednesday. Saw someone post on TripAdvisor about a place near the Alvear Palace.
But I usually use credit cards and ATM and use little cash as possible.
I may take a couple of hundred dollars but it sounds like the blue rate isn't as attractive as it was previously?
How common is it for restaurants to take USD?
When you charge credit card for the bill, they're not going to try to charge dollars, like some in Europe do with the dynamic exchange rate or whatever they call it, where they give you a worse exchange rate than you'd get from the credit card company?
But I usually use credit cards and ATM and use little cash as possible.
I may take a couple of hundred dollars but it sounds like the blue rate isn't as attractive as it was previously?
How common is it for restaurants to take USD?
When you charge credit card for the bill, they're not going to try to charge dollars, like some in Europe do with the dynamic exchange rate or whatever they call it, where they give you a worse exchange rate than you'd get from the credit card company?
Feb 16, 2015, 7:42 pm
#214
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
How does Xoom work you use your ATM card?
Do they have actual offices in BA?
Do they have actual offices in BA?
Feb 16, 2015, 7:46 pm
#215
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
I suggest signing up at their website before you leave to make sure everything is set up properly. You can read about how it works there. Or - just go to a bank and get hundreds in USD and exchange yourself in BsAs at better rates.
Feb 17, 2015, 3:22 pm
#216
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MCI
Programs: AA, DL, WN, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 249
Are there any specific places to go on Florida for the best rates/safest experience?
Feb 18, 2015, 7:43 am
#217
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
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Feb 25, 2015, 12:12 pm
#218
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
It's insane to use credit/ATM cards in Argentina. You should change money at the blue rate and save 40% on everything.
Feb 25, 2015, 5:34 pm
#219
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
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The front desk lady even said the conversion sheepishly as though she was embarrassed that was the conversion the hotel offered. The guy didn't seem to care... said he needed some Pesos for parking and the like. At least he only changed a hundred. But somehow I get the feeling many people are paying with credit cards.
Feb 26, 2015, 4:44 am
#220
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Silver / Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 35,681
There is a fair amount of business travel that just opts for using plastic because its a lot easier to report expenses that way. In this day and age, especially for the larger company, cash expenses are pretty much unheard of. Its usually the smaller company that has a hands-on owner/shareholder that will insist on going the cash route but otherwise people on a corporate trip will just bring out the plastic and be done with it.
Apr 6, 2015, 12:11 pm
#221
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
Programs: Don't even mention it. Grrrrrrr.
Posts: 968
Hi, how is UK currency viewed as a candidate for getting Peso in BA please? Can I bring my stash of £50 notes or should I only bring $100 bills?
Apr 6, 2015, 12:32 pm
#222
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Any suggestion for a money exchanger in Recoleta near Juana de Arco mall? PM me if necessary.
Also, I budgeted $200 per day for my stay in BA. Is that enough?
Also, I budgeted $200 per day for my stay in BA. Is that enough?
Apr 6, 2015, 8:40 pm
#223
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
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Apr 7, 2015, 8:05 am
#224
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
You can still exchange the £ no problem although it's nowhere near as popular as the US$ or even the Euro so best to bring dollars.....the newer the better. Even if you have to buy them in the UK you'll still come out on top.
Apr 7, 2015, 4:27 pm
#225
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
Programs: Don't even mention it. Grrrrrrr.
Posts: 968
Surely you're better off selling at the official rate?!