https://www.infobae.com/economia/202...iajen-al-pais/

Interesting news!

For me is great news, there is no need to exchange at the blue rate when you can use a CC at the MEP rate. I'm not sure how it will affect the blue rate, which is very similar (or little lower) than the MEP, but if more tourist start using credit cards, then the cuevas will have to offer more pesos for those franklin's bills.

Until there are a myriad of reports that the *proper* exchange rates are being used for the various card issuers for an extended time period, I will continue to use cash. Ok, maybe I'd test it on a de minimis purchase.

This is the third or fourth project that has been announced.

Will this one work?

How will they stop " residents " with an overseas c/c taking advantage of the new rates?

Retailers will not be linked up to the immigration database- It's just not feasible.

Let's watch this one and see how it develops.

Similar article from the Buenos Aires Times
 

It is hard for me to imagine any country successfully checking against immigration records for residency checks.

I have seen my entry and departure records before I was a resident and after I legalized my situation. They had every single movement I made on the record.

My doubt here is if they can tie up a foreign credit card to an Argentine residency DNI.

Will retailers have to ask for proof of entry to the country - much more difficult now as passports are not stamped as a general rule?

For foreign visitors it seems like there is no downside to this. But, what's not clear to me is who's bearing the cost? Assuming this time it actually sticks, of course.

Well, as a frequent visitor to Argentina over the years I would be delighted if this works as suggested. We will need to be very wary about the local banks slapping on extra transaction fees, though.
Is anybody in Argentina right now using this method? Tell us how it is going and what rates you are being charged in real terms.
For my upcoming visit in January I am trying to rent an automatic car in Bariloche and the rates are simply extortionate, but this new method could potentially reduce the cost by being able to pay upfront and enjoy the MEP rate.

I would not be surprised if this doesn't cause an uptick in "cash preferred and you get a discount" and/or "credit / debit temporarily suspended" signs. And with respect to the car rental, you'd need to insure that it is an Argentina point of sale transaction.

Definitely. I've been reading more details about the change and it looks to me like the cash dollar will continue to have its value, as it's a good way for the local elite to avoid taxes and save in hard currency.

Typical foreign tourist scenario I cannot quite work out yet:

You book a room on Booking, get a confirmation email with a reference price showing as 200 usd/night excl VAT, which will be charged in pesos according to the exchange rate that applies on the day. But which rate will apply?
Will the hotel charge in ARS at the official rate (150ARS=1USD) or the MEP rate (300=1USD)? The MEP could allow hotels to artificially inflate their prices?

I am curious about this, too. I have a hotel stay next month in St Martin de los Andes that I booked on booking.com, price quoted in USD, but to be paid to the hotel in the hotel’s local currency (ARS) at the exchange rate on day of payment.

Posted by a member in a ARG/USA Business Group that I’m involved in..
 

Visa Currency Calculator
 

Master Card Currency Converter