I'm currently back in the US, but I was reading a thread today on a local Argentine BB where several posters have reported problems with the Banelco ATM network in Argentina that started last weekend. The Banelco network is affiliated with the VISA/Plus system, and probably the most widespread.

One of the posters talked to a Banelco representative today and was told that all VISA/Plus Network cards in the Banelco network will now only allow a maximum withdrawal of AR$100 (~US$32) per operation and a maximum of 3 operations per day. This is apparently being done for "our" protection, in case of card theft. [I can't see how allowing 3 transactions/day will help in this regard ...]

Apparently the MasterCard/Cirrus network is still able to dispense larger sums (but I don't have any details).

Up until a couple of years ago, the Banelco network would dispense AR$800/day, but then that was lowered to AR$500/day (even if your card has a higher US$ limit than this).

Any savings by using a Banelco ATM will be eaten up by the foreign ATM transaction fees imposed by US banks (usually US$3-5/transaction, unless you're lucky enough to have a fee-free card).

I'll keep an eye on the problem and report back if there are updates or a resolution.

The next best alternative in the meantime (if you don't have a MasterCard-branded ATM card), is to use one of the major banks. Foreign exchanges transactions are possible in the later morning (I think it's after 11:00 am), and you will need to present your passport. Usually there's not any problem with exchanging amounts up to US$1000 - the only problem I've encountered was at the PNB Paribas branch close to Gaucho100K's wine store, which only allowed me to exchange US$300, if I remember correctly (and I only went inside the bank since the ATM network was down at that time). The last couple of times I've used a bank, I've been asked to show them the immigration entry stamp in my passport.

So if you're flying into EZE, the best place to get pesos is at the Banco de la Nácion, which is directly on the right just before you exit customs. Remember to ask for some small bills and peso coins, since taxi/remise drivers don't carry much change.

Hope this helps.

John