Originally Posted by
Rock Harders
The part about having to show ID in Argentina to pay cash for purchases is complete misinformation. Cash transactions over a certain amount (1500 ARS I believe) will prompt a cashier to ask for a CUIL/CUIT which is a taxpayer ID number. A bottle of water costs between 10-20 ARS in a pharmacy.
The part about having to show ID to spend cash in many South American countries is also misinformation. I've spent cash in most South American countries, and ID is rarely required to spend cash at retail stores.
Originally Posted by
LoneTree
Keep in mind that showing ID at hotels is required by law in most countries (especially Europe.) It's registered with the police and is part of the immigration system they have set up.
I've stayed in hundreds of hotels in Europe and checked in without photo ID.