Originally Posted by
jbalmuth
Am I correct in understanding that U.S. based tourists traveling in Argentina currently paying ARS-denominated expenses, including hotel and restaurant bills, with U.S. based Mastercard or VISA cards, can now expect the rates to approximate 300+/USD? Also that when using a U.S. based VISA card that ARS cash withdrawals from ATM machines will be transacted at a similar rate? Is planning to arrive either with clean USD-denominated currency or with a login to Western Union or similar transfer services now unnecessary? Affirmations, or clarifications, would be very much appreciated.
You'll most always be better with cash. But that said, here's my most recent observations (from earlier in January, 2023).
Cash was $350, CC was about $311. Do the math - may be worth it for some, not for others. I'd figure future percentage spreads will be similar, but who knows.
Some places prefer cash, will give cash discounts, and/or their ability to process an electronic transactions will be "temporarily suspended," This doesn't typically occur at higher end places, but it certainly can with regularity at smaller places.
WU can be better or worse than the blue. And you run the risk of a location not having sufficient money, or not being open - check the calendar, because Argentina has more holidays than well, probably anywhere other than Argentina.
You'll also need cash for incidentals - taxis, little stores, etc.
I can't speak for the ATMs. Absent an emergency, I don't know I'll use one again before currency exchange becomes normalized again.