Forrest Bump

I'm prepping for a proper visit to Argentina (I just ticked it off years ago with a quick Iguazů visit from the Brazilian side).

Since I'm not going to further enrich banks with their extortionate ATM fees, I came with two questions for the folks on the ground:

1. Am I fine to carry Euros to exchange, or the USD still gets some edge with a more favorable rate?

2. Does the Cl. Florida option currently hold some advantage or is basically the same rate as brick and mortar offices?

If the blue rate is still a thing I'm willing to try it.

Not going to use credit or debit cards at all (besides some VAT saving on a few accomodations), therefore I'll be having a cash only vacation, thus carefully studying what's the best strategy nowadays.

Cheers.

malagajohn

USD can be exchanged almost everywhere . EUROS can be a little more difficult.

The blue rate still exists but the difference is very small . Look at Ambito.com for dail info.

I would pay all accomodation with C/C - The VAT is 21% and can be significant

Marambio

bakoboy

I just looked and the peso is at 39.45 per USD. Nearly a 100% increase since the end of April. This has to cause disruption in providing for basic needs for the people, especially for imported goods. Has the "blue" market returned for USD to try and retain some purchasing power. Even a 60% interest rate is a loser when the currency loses 50% of its value in 4 months.

Eastbay1K

Blue is essentially the same. There's not much need for "blue" when the currency is readily convertible.

iahphx

I see that the Argentine peso is again in freefall. I will be in Chile in a few months and kind of need to decide whether I should extend my trip to include Argentina. Probably not BA this time, but Patagonia. How is the tourist economy functioning now? I assume prices, in dollars, are less? Can you do things like get money out of an ATM? For accommodations, I guess I'd want to always try to book in pesos: it does seem like some hotels are still pricing in pesos, while others price in dollars. Even in "normal" times (by Argentine standards) things can be strange for tourists in Patagonia -- like there's sometimes no gasoline available to buy. Will the devaluation likely lead to protests and strikes this fall? The devaluation seems like it could be really good, or really bad, for tourists. Or maybe a little of both!

bakoboy

I'm booked to BA in mid-November. I'm also wondering how this currency devaluation is going to turn out.

Eastbay1K

Unless there is a freeze on dollar buying, other than more places being closed, items dependent on imports being more expensive, etc., t'd not expect a materially detrimental experience for the tourist. Perhaps some bargains, but local inflation will eat up a good portion of that. "Protests and strikes?" That is daily life. My local accountant moved his office last year (after many years) because it was close to a frequent protest choke point, and he frequently couldn't access his office.

M60_to_LGA

Seriously? When did that start? I've taken the old No. 8, which went all the way down Rivadavia and then zigzagged through La Matanza, dozens of times but would love a faster alternative.

Gaucho100K

Argentina welcomes you..... but, are you sure you really want to come...? Based on your posting history, you tend to worry to much... vacation is supposed to be relaxing, or....? Counting pennies all the time is usually not compatible with enjoyment. You are blessed enough to be able to travel the world, make sure you go somewhere where you will find Normality. Perhaps Oslo, Geneva, or Singapore....?

If you do decide to come and visit Buenos Aires, please let me know. I will treat you to a glass of Malbec in an Area of town that the US State Department approves for its Staff to live in.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K

Gaucho100K

Unless Kristina gets back into Power, there will be no dollar freeze nonsense with the current government.

Folks, yes there is a serious financial crisis ongoing... but its not the end of the world. Everytime it rained.... it has stopped.

Things are business as usual, tourists will get an AMAZING bang for your buck..... relax, enjoy and have a good time. Lets stop the melodrama as it conspires against enjoyment of visitors and us locals that want to be your hosts.....

MSPeconomist

Indeed, US$5-6 taxi fares (ADDED: across town, not to/from EZE) are very nice. You can find bottles of Argentinian wine in grocery and convenience stores starting at under US$3, but not of course the wine that Alex would suggest. I've had extremely nice wines in restaurants in the US$20-30 range.

I would add that the streets seem clean and there's a slight police presence in a few places such as around certain government buildings, but nothing unusual.

Don't worry, be happy.

BTW, where does the USA State Department permit its employees to live and not live (or even not visit)?

HIDDY

Rather worryingly anything is possible here. D

I'm still banking on Macri pulling a rabbit out of his hat. However time isn't on his side.

Dave_C

I'm planning on visiting towards the end of March 2019 - given the recent currency fluctuations, does anyone have any advice in terms of pre-paying for a hotel now and locking in a good deal?

Are there any websites / suggestions that people have to book through?

Gaucho100K

Almost all hotels will quote you in US Dollars, so there is limited room for currency arbitrage in that aspect.