Currency Controls
Oct 31, 2021 | 3:51 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,660
I'm not strictly concerned with overall costs while visiting Argentina (in January, knock wood), but I am wondering how I should approach my strategy for using cash or credit cards in-country. How might I think about this? Bring USD in or use ATM? Use USD or convert to ARS? Where? How much? Thoughts appreciated.
Oct 31, 2021 | 6:53 pm
#32
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,206
No credit cards for the forseeable future.... they are widely accepted, but the exchange rate will not be good. There are talks about a special virtual bank account for tourists that needs to be funded with wired funds... but still havent seen the fine print and all the details. This system will probably give visitors a better exchange rate, but the system may not be for everybody due to the hassles etc. Best bet it to come down with USD Cash (in very good condition) and get the best exchange rate.
I will post more details as available.....
I will post more details as available.....
Nov 1, 2021 | 9:25 am
#34
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Somewhere between EZE , MAD and GLA
Programs: IB , BA , AA , LATAM
Posts: 942
Come down with some cash and use the services of Western Union to top up as you need
Credit cards from outside the country use the official rate which is not good for the user
ATMs also use the official rate apart from the crazy charges - ok , I know some people get charges refunded but the rates are only good for the government.
The talk in the street is that the special virtual bank account mentioned by Gaucho100K will exchange at 180 to the dollar - But as he says the detail is nowhere to be seen and likely to be a hassle if you are on a 2 week vacation.
Credit cards from outside the country use the official rate which is not good for the user
ATMs also use the official rate apart from the crazy charges - ok , I know some people get charges refunded but the rates are only good for the government.
The talk in the street is that the special virtual bank account mentioned by Gaucho100K will exchange at 180 to the dollar - But as he says the detail is nowhere to be seen and likely to be a hassle if you are on a 2 week vacation.
Nov 1, 2021 | 9:29 am
#35
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,917
Come down with some cash and use the services of Western Union to top up as you need
Credit cards from outside the country use the official rate which is not good for the user
ATMs also use the official rate apart from the crazy charges - ok , I know some people get charges refunded but the rates are only good for the government.
The talk in the street is that the special virtual bank account mentioned by Gaucho100K will exchange at 180 to the dollar - But as he says the detail is nowhere to be seen and likely to be a hassle if you are on a 2 week vacation.
Credit cards from outside the country use the official rate which is not good for the user
ATMs also use the official rate apart from the crazy charges - ok , I know some people get charges refunded but the rates are only good for the government.
The talk in the street is that the special virtual bank account mentioned by Gaucho100K will exchange at 180 to the dollar - But as he says the detail is nowhere to be seen and likely to be a hassle if you are on a 2 week vacation.
If you send it for pick up at a western union location in Buenos Aires you just have to make sure that they have available cash on hand.
Last edited by Flying Machine; Nov 1, 2021 at 10:15 am
Nov 1, 2021 | 9:47 am
#37
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,917
Not at all annoying. Itll actually be a fun experience. People on the board are going to direct you to a spot or two where you can cash crisp $100 bills into the Blue Rate. Keep in mind the Blue Rate gives you about 100% more buying power over the national rate
Last edited by Flying Machine; Nov 1, 2021 at 10:12 am
Nov 1, 2021 | 10:14 am
#38
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Somewhere between EZE , MAD and GLA
Programs: IB , BA , AA , LATAM
Posts: 942
Just checked on the WU site a few moments ago - They are paying out at 202 today.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
Last edited by malagajohn; Nov 1, 2021 at 10:22 am
Nov 1, 2021 | 11:09 am
#39
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,582
Just checked on the WU site a few moments ago - They are paying out at 202 today.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
And that is my speculation.
Nov 1, 2021 | 12:40 pm
#40
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,660
Just checked on the WU site a few moments ago - They are paying out at 202 today.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
The only thing is that it seems that US residents are paying higher fees than Europeans.
Why?
Not sure..
Talking to a financial friend to see if he can explain why WU are paying above 200.
What is "the cash that 'we' pay" in this context?
Nov 1, 2021 | 1:02 pm
#41
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,582
Nov 1, 2021 | 1:49 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Somewhere between EZE , MAD and GLA
Programs: IB , BA , AA , LATAM
Posts: 942
But surely they would put a limit on it at some point?
Nov 1, 2021 | 4:30 pm
#43
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: EZE
Programs: UA Gold,Delta Gold Bonvoy Titanium Elite, HH Diamond , AA Platinum, EENational, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,641
A little off topic but the PH in Mendoza reeked of smoke in certain areas of the hallway as this hotel is attached to a casino. Something to bear in mind.
Nov 1, 2021 | 7:13 pm
#45
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,582