Eastbay1K

Well, the store owner may "lose" up to 10% in bank related fees (sounds a bit exaggerated, but who knows) but the 21% VAT is just theft.

HIDDY

Yes avoiding the tax man is the obvious reason for retailers to refuse payment by credit card. After seeing how consumers are treated in the UK my wife doesn't stand for any nonsense here when she encounters a greedy shopkeeper/restaurant owner/tradesman especially those who doen't give out receipts. She makes it clear to them she knows what they're up to so a discount for cash is usually forthcoming.
A well known BA tobacconist refused to accept payment by credit card when I purchased a large order with them last time I was in. Cash only he said despite his door being adorned by every card logo under the sun. I was ready for walking out until my wife agreed a no receipt deal.

35 years ago in the UK it wasn't unknown for smaller retailers to slap on a fee when paying by credit card but that practice soon disappeared. Argentina does tend to trail behind the rest of the world in many areas. When it comes to consumer rights they're not even at the races.
It's being widely reported today on Facebook holidaymakers in Mar del Plata have been getting the 'no payment by credit card' from cafe/restaurant owners. I suspect the credit card companies will be keen to see this practice being stopped.

iahphx

Thanks for the thread. Seems like we're going to be making constant ATM visits (and hoping they work). Does anyone know if my wife and I have separate ATM cards linked to the same bank account, could we each withdraw 2400 x 2 in one day? Otherwise, if no one takes credit cards, I can see "finding a working ATM machine" to be an almost daily activity.

Gaucho100K

I know they are used less these days, but travelers checks may (?) still be an option. I understand that Amex can deliver them to you in the USA and you should be able to exchange them for Cash at the Amex offices here near Retiro (downtown EZE).

If you have an Amex card, I suggest you calling them up and asking how this would work and if there are any fees when you cash them here in Buenos Aires.

If this works, then you could plan on doing only 1 visit to Amex when you arrive and use that option to collect all the cash you need in one shot.

mzb00

Flying to Argentina next week landing in AEP from GRU. Was wondering if there is any up to date advice on ATM withdrawals. Have the limits increased? Should I instead try to change USD to Pesos on arrival at AEP (or maybe at GRU)?

Eastbay1K

Limits don't seem to have increased (at least in my limited experiences); i.e., $2500 is the limit, which includes the ATM fee, so that really limits you to $2300.

malagajohn

I can get 3000 pesos out with my Argie card . The people in the bank say that the limits will be increased shortly.

But they have been saying that for a few months now.....

malagajohn

You could try and change at the Banco Nacion . Make sure you keep your boarding card as the "rules" say that only bona fide travelers can use the FX facilities.

HIDDY

Which is strange considering the bank ATM didn't have any problem accepting a 10,000 peso deposit the other day.

Marambio

Limits have increased for Argentine cards. I think the Central Bank now sets no official limit (they used to) and it depends on the bank - I operate with Santander and Ciudad and both set the limit at 15,000 pesos per day on their own cashpoints, and 5,000 pesos in other banks'. I guess this must be some sort of new standard because in neither case I asked for a limit increase, it just happened.

I have no idea about foreign cards, though.

SoFlyOn

At least as of 2 weeks ago, the limit on foreign cards was still at 2x $2300 per day.

OskiBear

Can anyone confirm there is a Banco de la Nacion at AEP? I've used the one at EZE many times, but can't recall ever seeing one at AEP.

My arrival point in Argentina on an upcoming trip is via AEP this time and would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks!

Eastbay1K

I don't recall seeing one @ AEP. The BN website shows this as a branch:

ANEXO OPERATIVO J. NEWBERY
Sucursal 0004
Avda.Rafael Obligado s/n°
Total cajeros: 0
Total terminales autoservicio: 0

malagajohn

its located adjacent to international arrivals but it is a much smaller branch than the one at EZE

Its open from 6.00am until midnight

OskiBear

Fantastic. Thanks for the info!