change pounds in Brazil or UK?
Dec 2, 2015, 9:35 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA, BA, SPG Gold
Posts: 665
Banks are plentiful in rio so I honestly have never tried to take cash out of an ATM that wasn't in a bank so why risk it?
As for buenos Aires, you misunderstood me. I never said ATMs there were compromised. I'm guessing you aren't aware that the official government rate of the peso is currently around 9.7 to 1. But the "blue market" rate is over 15. Even if you only change $100 at the blue rate that's still an extra 600 pesos in your pocket. I assume your hotel will know where a safe place to change your money is but otherwise do some research. I have heard many stores will give you that rate if you pay in dollars too but have not done it myself.
As for buenos Aires, you misunderstood me. I never said ATMs there were compromised. I'm guessing you aren't aware that the official government rate of the peso is currently around 9.7 to 1. But the "blue market" rate is over 15. Even if you only change $100 at the blue rate that's still an extra 600 pesos in your pocket. I assume your hotel will know where a safe place to change your money is but otherwise do some research. I have heard many stores will give you that rate if you pay in dollars too but have not done it myself.
The ATMs at GIG airport in Rio are compromised (consistently over the last few years). You would probably get a better rate at one of the "casa de cambio" cash exchange shops than at the hotel. Or find an ATM in a bank lobby, usually fine, but ATMs may have a limit, especially at night.
What bad exchange rate? The dollar is very strong against the real right now.
Even so, you might want a bit more than U$100 if you'll be there more than a day with another person. Are your entrance tickets to the Cristo and Sugarloaf paid? All your drinks and meals? Aren't you going to enjoy some samba music at a club in Lapa at night? Are you planning to use credit cards for all that?
What bad exchange rate? The dollar is very strong against the real right now.
Even so, you might want a bit more than U$100 if you'll be there more than a day with another person. Are your entrance tickets to the Cristo and Sugarloaf paid? All your drinks and meals? Aren't you going to enjoy some samba music at a club in Lapa at night? Are you planning to use credit cards for all that?
Dec 2, 2015, 11:19 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 110
Argentina has several rates. Here is a site to explain the differences. http://www.bubblear.com/your-guide-to-the-blue-dollar/ As you can see nobody exchanges at the white rate (less than 10 pesos to the USD) when the blue rate is about 15 pesos to the dollar.
(For ATM in Rio) From the Marriott, turn right as you exit the hotel and then turn right on R. Santa Clara. Go 2 blocks to Av Nossa Senhora de Copacabana. Cross Santa Clara and there is a Bradesco Bank on the corner. (A second ATM card is helpful if your card becomes cloned or you need some more cash). If you need an HSBC just continue on NS past the Bradesco and it's just after the mid-block signal. (There's an exchange place just past the HSBC but I have no idea what their rates are).
(For ATM in Rio) From the Marriott, turn right as you exit the hotel and then turn right on R. Santa Clara. Go 2 blocks to Av Nossa Senhora de Copacabana. Cross Santa Clara and there is a Bradesco Bank on the corner. (A second ATM card is helpful if your card becomes cloned or you need some more cash). If you need an HSBC just continue on NS past the Bradesco and it's just after the mid-block signal. (There's an exchange place just past the HSBC but I have no idea what their rates are).
Dec 2, 2015, 1:30 pm
#18
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA, BA, SPG Gold
Posts: 665
Argentina has several rates. Here is a site to explain the differences. http://www.bubblear.com/your-guide-to-the-blue-dollar/ As you can see nobody exchanges at the white rate (less than 10 pesos to the USD) when the blue rate is about 15 pesos to the dollar.
(For ATM in Rio) From the Marriott, turn right as you exit the hotel and then turn right on R. Santa Clara. Go 2 blocks to Av Nossa Senhora de Copacabana. Cross Santa Clara and there is a Bradesco Bank on the corner. (A second ATM card is helpful if your card becomes cloned or you need some more cash). If you need an HSBC just continue on NS past the Bradesco and it's just after the mid-block signal. (There's an exchange place just past the HSBC but I have no idea what their rates are).
(For ATM in Rio) From the Marriott, turn right as you exit the hotel and then turn right on R. Santa Clara. Go 2 blocks to Av Nossa Senhora de Copacabana. Cross Santa Clara and there is a Bradesco Bank on the corner. (A second ATM card is helpful if your card becomes cloned or you need some more cash). If you need an HSBC just continue on NS past the Bradesco and it's just after the mid-block signal. (There's an exchange place just past the HSBC but I have no idea what their rates are).
