Where/how to get dolar blue exchange rate?
#181
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
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Only got 12.95 in Calle Florida yesterday - but I was only changing $200 so wasn't going to waste a lot of time chasing the best rate (was working off 13,15 rate from the Dolarblue twitter account that hadn't been updated for a few weeks - updated to 13.65 afterwards...)
£7 'cost' vs rate posted not a lot. Brought about 50m up the road and into a ground floor retail unit in a shopping centre so didn't feel concerned about process. After scoping out the street approaches one guy who quoted '20.7' - think it was his English but asked him to confirm and passed (not a great rate if he meant 12.7, and language issues something I wanted to avoid)
Made the 11.8 at my hotel seem not too bad - big convenience factor for first day changing $100 that way, rather than needing to rush off to Calle Florida first thing. Plus I view it as a quasi tip for the reception guys
Think I'll hang onto any change I have as quite enjoying BA and plan to come back
£7 'cost' vs rate posted not a lot. Brought about 50m up the road and into a ground floor retail unit in a shopping centre so didn't feel concerned about process. After scoping out the street approaches one guy who quoted '20.7' - think it was his English but asked him to confirm and passed (not a great rate if he meant 12.7, and language issues something I wanted to avoid)
Made the 11.8 at my hotel seem not too bad - big convenience factor for first day changing $100 that way, rather than needing to rush off to Calle Florida first thing. Plus I view it as a quasi tip for the reception guys
Think I'll hang onto any change I have as quite enjoying BA and plan to come back
@DolarBlue: Dolar Paralelo: $14,05 (Todays Rate 12/30/14
#182
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London
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#183
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 95
Xoom seems to be a ripoff - beyond its hefty fee (almost 5% of the amount remitted) they also offer a lousy exchange rate: 11.4 today compared to the average blue rate of 14
#185
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SFO, EZE
Programs: UA 1K 2.32 MM
Posts: 2,425
With Xoom, you can transfer money via your credit/debit card/bank account in the US, whereas with an arbolito you'll have to have US bills (preferably 100s) in good condition.
The Xoom exchange rate today is actually 11.8075, with a 3% commission on a USD$1000 bank transfer (4.67% via debit/credit card). Via a arbolito it's currently about 13.
Don't get confused by some of the web sites that are mainly of interest to Argentines - where the BUY rate for USD is quoted. Also the rate is dependent on how much you want to trade and where the transaction is done - e.g. an arbolito wil take a small cut.
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
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In addition to what SoFlyOn has so eloquently stated, XOOM permits you to get money if you don't have any cash in Argentina. Otherwise, you're stuck with using a CC or ATM at the official rate if you are otherwise out of foreign cash on hand.
#188
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
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#190
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
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#192
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
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Im afraid I cant assist you with any specific suggestions for Iguazu. You may be able to get help with the concierge and/or front-desk of your hotel... Taxi Drivers also know where to go. You could also ask over on TripAdvisor, the forums sometimes have local experts that are able to assist with things like this.
Else, if you are able to build in a stopover in Buenos Aires of approx. 4-5 hours you could use that time to fill up on Pesos while you are in the City.
Cheers,
Alex / Gaucho100K
Else, if you are able to build in a stopover in Buenos Aires of approx. 4-5 hours you could use that time to fill up on Pesos while you are in the City.
Cheers,
Alex / Gaucho100K
#193
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum etc
Posts: 3
I stayed at the PH between christmas and new year. It was easy to exchange money at Florida - although I only got 12.8 but the process much easier and simpler than I was led to believe. Overall, I did not get ripped off. I have had phones stolen in Paris and Barcelona and cash in the Lourvre but ended up lucky in BA. All big cities have their issues.
Ate at Ilatina, La Brigada, Fevour, Parilla Pena, Sarkis, Baja Madeiro (open on christmas day). We returned to Parilla Pena twice -loved their half bottles and lack of english menu. It would be on top of my list next time. Somehow Malbec tastes better in Argentina then the States. The best empanadas were at the PH (based on my small sample) - I would go there to eat them again.
The Malba exceeded my expectations esp a current exhibit by Antonio Berni.
Also stayed at the Hilton Puerto Madero for a couple of night - it was not bad either.
Ate at Ilatina, La Brigada, Fevour, Parilla Pena, Sarkis, Baja Madeiro (open on christmas day). We returned to Parilla Pena twice -loved their half bottles and lack of english menu. It would be on top of my list next time. Somehow Malbec tastes better in Argentina then the States. The best empanadas were at the PH (based on my small sample) - I would go there to eat them again.
The Malba exceeded my expectations esp a current exhibit by Antonio Berni.
Also stayed at the Hilton Puerto Madero for a couple of night - it was not bad either.
#194
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
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Posts: 12,729
What is PH?
#195
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
Thanks for the quick report and welcome to FT !!! Hope to see more of you here on the Argentina Boards.
Cheers,
Alex / Gaucho100K
Cheers,
Alex / Gaucho100K
I stayed at the PH between christmas and new year. It was easy to exchange money at Florida - although I only got 12.8 but the process much easier and simpler than I was led to believe. Overall, I did not get ripped off. I have had phones stolen in Paris and Barcelona and cash in the Lourvre but ended up lucky in BA. All big cities have their issues.
Ate at Ilatina, La Brigada, Fevour, Parilla Pena, Sarkis, Baja Madeiro (open on christmas day). We returned to Parilla Pena twice -loved their half bottles and lack of english menu. It would be on top of my list next time. Somehow Malbec tastes better in Argentina then the States. The best empanadas were at the PH (based on my small sample) - I would go there to eat them again.
The Malba exceeded my expectations esp a current exhibit by Antonio Berni.
Also stayed at the Hilton Puerto Madero for a couple of night - it was not bad either.
Ate at Ilatina, La Brigada, Fevour, Parilla Pena, Sarkis, Baja Madeiro (open on christmas day). We returned to Parilla Pena twice -loved their half bottles and lack of english menu. It would be on top of my list next time. Somehow Malbec tastes better in Argentina then the States. The best empanadas were at the PH (based on my small sample) - I would go there to eat them again.
The Malba exceeded my expectations esp a current exhibit by Antonio Berni.
Also stayed at the Hilton Puerto Madero for a couple of night - it was not bad either.