I usually withdraw around ARP 3.000 with my German Maestro EC Card. I often have problems getting in in the microcentro, but somewhere closer to where I stay (Barrio Norte, Santa Fe around 2800-3200) I never encountered a problem with any of the banks (usually Patagonia, Rio, HSBC).

Banelco $300 ARP limit still applies per transaction. However, I was able to make five transactions at the ATM when I needed to get out $900 ARP (about $300 USD). The only problem is that I was charged the $5 USD transcation fee for each of those! I'm going to try to find a BNP Paribas to get my next months rent out.

ATM Problems in Argentina
===================

What about Mendoza? Are there any ATMs from foreign banks where I get >=900 ARS with a max $5 fee?

Thanks.

If you use BOA call them up and a CRS should take some if not all of the service fees off for you

Most of the foreign banks in Argentina are not well represented in Mendoza. One notable exception if HSBC, as they recently bought out the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro and gained a very impressive branch network in all cities... but, as far as I know, CitiBank is not in Mendoza although Im not 100% certain. I will dig for more info. and report back.

Citibank is indeed in Mendoza. I use them all the time on my trips there. It's on the Sarmiento peatonal - Av. Sarmiento 20.

A list of Citibank locations in the interior.

Gaucho100K & Cada 90 Diaz:

Thanks!

I checked both on the Internet. Looks like HSBC has a Banelco ATM. I'll try Citi. I arrive in the evening from SCL at the airport ... I may get some ARS there too.

Cada 90 dias, thanks for correcting my mistake on Citibank´s availability. Welcome to FT, look forward to your posts.

Are you based in Santiago de Chile...?

I got 1,000 ARS at the Banco de Nation ATM at the airport in Mendoza.
Thanks for all other help. And special thanks to Gaucho100K for starting and supporting those Argentina threads.^

It has been reported that Mastercard-branded ATM cards (at least those issued in the US) are now subject to the same withdrawl restrictions that were placed on VISA-branded cards a year ago. Apparently this took place on April 3. There has been a report that Citi cards (at a Citi ATM) are not subject to the same restrictions.

It's unclear, as yet, if there is a restriction on the number of transactions that can be done on one day (as their seems to be with VISA-branded cards, at least in my experience). It is possible to do multiple consecutive withdrawls from the same ATM machine, but be aware that that may trigger a security lock from the issuing bank in the US. I had that happen with my Schwab/VISA ATM card, but that was quickly resolved when I called Schwab customer service in the US.

So folks, unless you have a bank with low per-transaction charges, or that reimburses you for Argentine bank charges, your best bet is to exchange dollars at a commercial bank.

John

John is, as always, right on. Doing multiple transactions at the same ATM one right after the other can be scary, especially since most ATMs in EZE are still the older machine version where the ATM actually swallows your card... if the machine or the protocol that the issuing bank thinks there may be a security issue, it may choose to swallow your card. With all the hassles this involves, I think its best to come down with some USD or Euro cash.

I have heard that the best ATM's to use as those with a sign saying "LINK" in a green circle. At least in January 2008, I had no problems with those, getting as much as 1150 pesos. (Deliberably chose an odd amount to get some small bills, too.) For me, I never can exceed the equivalent of $400 USD per day because that is what my American bank limits me to.

For example, there is a Banco de Nacion "LINK" ATM right inside El Calafate's airport. That worked fine there and elsewhere.

Bowgie - that was true until last week. Now everyone with a VISA- or Mastercard-branded card has been affected. Germans also have reported to same problems with their cards. These issues arise from restrictions imposed by Argentine banks and their network affiliates.

John

It's probably a good idea to call your issuing bank before you come to Argentina to let them know of your travel plans. However, be aware that sometimes (at least with credit cards), that security locks on cards are often computer-generated without human involvement and are based on unusual activity.

My bank (Schwab) declined my withdrawl at a Banelco ATM in Argentina but thankfully returned my card. I was making multiple AR$60 withdrawls to obtain small bills. I was able to have Schwab customer service annotate my account so that I've not had a problem since.

John

The US Embassy in Buenos Aires is apparently aware of the situation regarding credit card withdrawls on foreign bank cards via all networks, and is investigating the matter.

They've promised to look into and report on the matter latter this month in the American Citizen Services newsletter (available on their web site).

Presumably embassy employees have also been affected by this situation, not to mention getting angry calls from US citizens resident or visiting Argentina.

John