Buenos Aires Basics
 

1. Is it ok to use the airport ATM to get Argentine pesos on arrival?

2. I am arriving very late around 10 PM. What is the most efficient/cost effective way to get to the city? Uber, taxi, remis? It is sort of confusing to me.

1. it's fine to use the ATM, just be aware the cash out limits are somewhat low - I can't remember exactly but maybe $100USD equivalent?

2. taxis are the cheapest - I have always used Taxi Ezeiza in the arrivals hall - they will also accept credit cards and USD. Remis are more expensive. Last I heard Uber was a bit of a contentious situation in BA so I have no personal experience with it.

You have to know your way around the airport to get picked up at the airport. As the UBER drivers continue to have problems with regular taxi drivers , they continually change pick up points.

Taxi Ezeiza is slightly less expensive than a remise and can be recommended

Taxi Ezezia seems on the pricy side. I think I can catch the last Manuel Tienda Leon bus to Puerto Maduro. So I guess is what people do take out that 100 USD max at the airport and then use ATM's in the city for the rest? Would taxi drivers in BA take US dollars?

Remember that ATM fees are high in Argentina . 90 peso transaction fee is the norm at almost every bank here . The maximum is 2,400 pesos per transaction on a foreign card . Sometime you can do two transactions per day - it depends on your bank as well.

There are rumors that the maximum transaction will increase shortly but no one know when.

Some drivers will take dollars but not everyone.

It is becoming possible to pay in some taxis with a credit card .

Premium one of the biggest radiotaxi companies now allows payment by card.

1. As the others have pointed out $2,400 peso max with 2 transactions per day general limit with a bonus $95 peso fee per transaction.

2. Manuel Tienda Leon is a bus service that leaves approx every hour is the most cost effective way to get into the city. You'll get dropped off near Retiro/Puerto Madero and then need to taxi to your hotel/apart. They have a window just outside of customs but before entering the main hall. I think there is one in the main hall as well, but I am not certain.

The most cost effective, convenient way would be the kiosk right in front of McDonalds in the main hall, Taxi Ezeiza. Going rate is about $500-$600 pesos?

Uber does work, but every time I have done it...it is a hassle. Uber vs Taxis is still an issue, the pick up points are not clear and need to be communicated by the driver. Wifi only works inside so without cell service it becomes a pain.

Taxi Ezeiza is pretty convenient and you can book online, then they'll put your name on a big sign at the taxi stand and you will not have to wait until they have a free driver. I don't think they take cards, but USD/EUR they definitely do.

There are three or four Citibank ATMs at the arrivals hall but those occasionally are out of cash, in that case walk right and then another right and use the Banco Nación ATM.

Haven't been to Argentina in a while. If the ATM's charge a stoopid high fee....what about the exchange counters at the airport. There are places that I just don't use the ATM card and bring USD to change, due to comprehensive hacking of ATM machines (Guatemala) or bad fees. Of course, its possible that the currency counters are just as bad as the ATMs/

State owned Banco Nacion , just outside the arrivals hall is your friend !

Official rates!!

Make sure you have your boarding card as they will ask for it

How late are they open? I arrive at 10:30 PM

What should be my money strategy for 4 days?

Should I exchange US dollars at the Banco Nacion? Or withdraw from an ATM. I don't want to have too many Pesos because I know after the trip I can't get anything back. I would prefer to use a credit card as much as possible. Also, I know another good strategy is to get the smallest bills possible because taxi's are known to give fake change.

Banco Nación at the arrivals hall is open 24/7, because that's also where residents have to pay their duties in case they bring stuff beyond the customs allowance into the country.

Thanks so much! So to keep it simple just exchange money here when I land and ask for the smallest bills possible? What demonition should I ask for? Also, plan to use my credit card as much as possible in restaurants etc. so for around 4 days whats a good range of total cash I should exchange? I was thinking like $200 USD worth. I don't want to exchange back too much pesos as it will be very difficult to get back anything. However, on my trip back I have to connect through Santiago so in the event I do have extra pesos would the best thing to do is at EZE change my money to Chilean and then at Santiago change it to American?

The largest note is 500 pesos which isn't that much, so I wouldn't worry about change. Most restaurants will take cards although they may make a 10% discount if you pay cash, it's up to you to decide. Some taxis also take cards, but those are the minority.

200 USD will get you around 3,000 pesos, should be ok for small purchases during your stay. There are plenty of banks and bureaux de change throughout the city and some stores will even accept USD, so if you need more pesos you can always exchange dollars in the city.

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.

An estancia day trip would be interesting but why are all this trips/excursions so incredibly expensive? Any suggestion on a reasonably priced foodie activity in or near BAA?

Also, any great local place near Recoleta to get my first taste of BA beef food coma where a single person can just sit at a counter and gorge on some reasonably priced meat?

I highly recommend these walking tours around BA. Great guides, and the only cost is whatever you want to tip the guide. You get a great feel for the downtown area. Take both the morning and afternoon walking tours.

http://buenosairesfreetour.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti..._District.html