Currency Controls
Jan 6, 2023, 5:27 am
#211
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,603
I didn’t know until now.
.
Last edited by boboqui; Jan 6, 2023 at 5:33 am
Jan 9, 2023, 4:18 pm
#213
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,042
This appears to be working smoothly now. Paid with a UK issued Mastercard last week to test it out. Transaction posted at the official rate and a refund appeared 4 days later making the actual exchange rate approx 372 pesos/£ compared to Western Union's 389 (after fee) and a blue rate from a cueva of approx 420. Still worth paying for everything in cash if you can
Jan 10, 2023, 9:12 am
#215
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ILM
Programs: UA - G (mm), DL - DM, MM, AA - Plat
Posts: 414
I have now tested a US based MC in addition to my Visa. The MC was used for a ARS 9500 purchase. Initial charge was $53.22. Credit 3 days later was $22.42. Net charge was $30.80 for an effective rate of ARS 308 / USD. So my Visa is getting a slightly better rate. The visa continues to post at a rate of about ARS 312 / USD.
Jan 15, 2023, 10:34 am
#216
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,559
Don't they have to agree to settle the bill in ARS? If so, the big trip-up would be if one inadvertently selects the horrible Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) option on the credit card processing machine and then it gets charged to the card in USD at a conversion rate even worse than the official rate?
Jan 16, 2023, 10:37 pm
#217
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,707
Thanks everyone for the data points. Looks like I will use Visa or Mastercard as well as send some money to myself via Western Union. I guess I can pick up the Arg pesos at any Western Union in B.A.?? Or are their some offices that are better (less crowded or have enough pesos for $500 US sent)? I would send more $$, but heard if you send too much, issues can develop. Maybe send some now and pick up in 8 days when I arrive and then decide if another $500 -- or just take the Visa / Mastercard conversion rate. I have no experience with such transactions - last time in Argentina was about 5 years ago.
Again,, thanks.
Again,, thanks.
Jan 18, 2023, 10:50 am
#218
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,559
Thanks everyone for the data points. Looks like I will use Visa or Mastercard as well as send some money to myself via Western Union. I guess I can pick up the Arg pesos at any Western Union in B.A.?? Or are their some offices that are better (less crowded or have enough pesos for $500 US sent)? I would send more $$, but heard if you send too much, issues can develop. Maybe send some now and pick up in 8 days when I arrive and then decide if another $500 -- or just take the Visa / Mastercard conversion rate. I have no experience with such transactions - last time in Argentina was about 5 years ago.
Again,, thanks.
Again,, thanks.
Jan 18, 2023, 12:50 pm
#219
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,964
No, not all will (or were unwilling to give me). Take a look up for the one I'd gone to; you'll have to wait in line a while, but I'd done a total of $750USD without issue.
Jan 18, 2023, 1:47 pm
#220
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,707
OSKI You are probably right. My concern was the new credit card rate (a bit lower than Blue Rate from what i have read) would not be updated or would be changed to fall back to Official Rate. I will likely try some $500 - $700 (as suggested) amount to be a 2nd method of getting a decent US $ to Arg Peso rate. And taking some fresh $100 US bills with me also. kennycrudup info was helpful as well. Will try to remember to post data points late next week after arrival.
Jan 18, 2023, 5:11 pm
#221
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,851
OSKI You are probably right. My concern was the new credit card rate (a bit lower than Blue Rate from what i have read) would not be updated or would be changed to fall back to Official Rate. I will likely try some $500 - $700 (as suggested) amount to be a 2nd method of getting a decent US $ to Arg Peso rate. And taking some fresh $100 US bills with me also. kennycrudup info was helpful as well. Will try to remember to post data points late next week after arrival.
Jan 18, 2023, 6:44 pm
#222
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,559
OSKI You are probably right. My concern was the new credit card rate (a bit lower than Blue Rate from what i have read) would not be updated or would be changed to fall back to Official Rate. I will likely try some $500 - $700 (as suggested) amount to be a 2nd method of getting a decent US $ to Arg Peso rate. And taking some fresh $100 US bills with me also. kennycrudup info was helpful as well. Will try to remember to post data points late next week after arrival.
If you need an exchange place, your hotel can usually refer you to someplace nearby that is reputable.