Best place to exchange USD for Peso
Aug 22nd, 2016, 11:05 AM
#1
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Best place to exchange USD for Peso
I know the blue rate is no longer, but I really don't want to get screwed over by the banks with low maximum withdrawals and high fees. Last time I looked they equated to a 3.75% charge on the max withdrawal of 2400 ARS. Has this changed recently?
If not, where would be the best place to exchange USD cash. We will be arriving on a Saturday night and staying in Palermo Soho. Will any cambio offices be open around there on Sunday morning?
We intend using cards for everything we possibly can, but will clearly need cash for taxis, Subte , drinks etc.
Any info would be most welcome
If not, where would be the best place to exchange USD cash. We will be arriving on a Saturday night and staying in Palermo Soho. Will any cambio offices be open around there on Sunday morning?
We intend using cards for everything we possibly can, but will clearly need cash for taxis, Subte , drinks etc.
Any info would be most welcome
Aug 22nd, 2016, 01:26 PM
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I first replied to this renowned OP via e-mail. These are the main parts of said e-mail:
No good place to exchange in town after midday on Saturdays until at least 10 AM Monday, as the above poster (on TA) told you.
Therefore, your best bet is to exchange some of your cash at the airport, preferably at the Banco de la Nación, which is supposed to be open 24/7.
The blue rate is about 1% above the official rate, as you can see here: http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/
As the famous economist said, it fluctuates.
This hotel review http://tinyurl.com/zz6s37r describes the place where I usually suggest tourists exchange. But I'm not even sure it's still around, as their business must have come down dramatically.
Your "we intend using cards for everything we possibly can" may not be such a good idea. Things are pretty difficult around here, which means small businesses welcome cash and (if they also take CCs at all) should be quite willing to give at least a 10% discount for getting paid in cash. This should be particularly true of places where the owner is standing at the cash register. Just offer to pay with your CC and innocently ask: "hay descuento en efectivo?" Very small expenses simply can only be paid in cash.
For buses and the "tube" you need something called the "tarjeta SUBE". Anyone should be able to tell you where you can get one.
I hailed this lady cab driver a few days ago SiebertclaudiaAThotmail.com and I feel she could be perfect for tourists. She charges about the same as http://www.taxiezeiza.com.ar/eng/tarifas which is the cheapest reliable transportation you can get at our international airport. NEVER board transportation which cannot be PREPAID INSIDE the BA airports.
Have a great time in my country.
No good place to exchange in town after midday on Saturdays until at least 10 AM Monday, as the above poster (on TA) told you.
Therefore, your best bet is to exchange some of your cash at the airport, preferably at the Banco de la Nación, which is supposed to be open 24/7.
The blue rate is about 1% above the official rate, as you can see here: http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/
As the famous economist said, it fluctuates.
This hotel review http://tinyurl.com/zz6s37r describes the place where I usually suggest tourists exchange. But I'm not even sure it's still around, as their business must have come down dramatically.
Your "we intend using cards for everything we possibly can" may not be such a good idea. Things are pretty difficult around here, which means small businesses welcome cash and (if they also take CCs at all) should be quite willing to give at least a 10% discount for getting paid in cash. This should be particularly true of places where the owner is standing at the cash register. Just offer to pay with your CC and innocently ask: "hay descuento en efectivo?" Very small expenses simply can only be paid in cash.
For buses and the "tube" you need something called the "tarjeta SUBE". Anyone should be able to tell you where you can get one.
I hailed this lady cab driver a few days ago SiebertclaudiaAThotmail.com and I feel she could be perfect for tourists. She charges about the same as http://www.taxiezeiza.com.ar/eng/tarifas which is the cheapest reliable transportation you can get at our international airport. NEVER board transportation which cannot be PREPAID INSIDE the BA airports.
Have a great time in my country.
Aug 22nd, 2016, 01:53 PM
#3
I had a similar issue as you may recall, crellston, and I wasn't arriving at the airport so that wasn't an option but it sounds like the best one. Yes the ATM fee was steep and the amount low, but at least I only needed to make one withdrawal.
The Palacio Duhau/Park Hyatt has a connecting passageway to a secure ATM. But it isn't in Palermo Soho.
I used Taxi Ezeiza going back to the airport (there is a discount for returns shown on the website).
The Palacio Duhau/Park Hyatt has a connecting passageway to a secure ATM. But it isn't in Palermo Soho.
I used Taxi Ezeiza going back to the airport (there is a discount for returns shown on the website).
Aug 23rd, 2016, 02:11 PM
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Useful info Avrooster and mlgb - thanks! Stupidly, I forgot that we are actually arriving in Argentina from Bolivia at La Quiaca, so I will change any remaining Bolivianos there plus a few $$$ enough to get us to Salta where Alex from La Casa Hernandez has also suggested Banco Nacion. Will still need to top up either from an ATM or fx at Banco Nacion. Looks like I am going to have to visit an ATM here in Cusco to stock up with dollars.
Interesting comment re cash discounts and will bear in mind when in smaller places.
Fortunately we don't need to worry about airport transfers as they are included in the apartment deal I did which also includes concierge services and access to a private members club and a few other benefits. Got a special deal with www.oasiscollections.com as an Accor card holder. Will report back on that later.
Interesting comment re cash discounts and will bear in mind when in smaller places.
Fortunately we don't need to worry about airport transfers as they are included in the apartment deal I did which also includes concierge services and access to a private members club and a few other benefits. Got a special deal with www.oasiscollections.com as an Accor card holder. Will report back on that later.
