pegtrav

We will be in Argentina in 2 weeks. Should we plan to use ATM's or bring dollars to exchange on the street? Is the "blue rate" still in existence? We're really confused about how much cash to bring!! Help, please !

mlgb

You can use the ATMs and there is no longer much advantage to a blue rate.

I believe AV covered it here, with updates toward the end

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-argentina.cfm

avrooster

Take cash pesos out of the ATMs.

There is NO advantage right now in bringing cash dollars to "sell in the street".

However, particularly in businesses where the owner is at the cash register, you MAY get a discount for paying in cash, versus with a CC.

Besides, there are several things, such as cabs, that HAVE to be paid in cash in Argentina and many small businesses take only cash.

Have a great time in my country.

avrooster

AT THIS WRITING, you should get a little over 15 pesos per dollar.

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

MarnieWDC

I would change dollars at the Banco de la Nacion at the airport (if arriving that way) and then I would try to use my CC, if I had one with a good exchange rate and no exchange charge (Capital One, Schwabb, etc.). As AVRooster noted, there are still some restaurants and shops that give a good discount for 'effectivo' = cash, and taxis and small kioskos only take cash.

ATMs still charge for the withdrawal, set withdrawal limits rather low (although variable) and your own bank MAY also levy charges for each withdrawal. I use them with comfort in Uruguay, but tend to use cambios (I know, the rate is not that different, but there is no charge, either) in safer areas, rather than on Calle Florida.

As a tourist, you are only talking about a small differential in spending capacity....so do what feels most comfortable for you.