changing from US $ to Argentine pesos
 

I am looking for advice on how to change money in Argentina. I understand that one can do it in a bank, but that might not be the best way.

Thanks,

Shelley

Hi Shelley, we are now in Iguazu but changed our money twice in Salta. We were also nervous about it. We asked our host at the BnB and she straight forwardly said she would do it for us. No problem. At that time we got 12 pesos for the dollar. 2 weeks later we asked at our hotel in Salta and they called a guy who came to the hotel. However, he tried to short us so take the time to count the money until you are satisfied.
In Salta there are cambios everywhere and people changing money on street corners. Very strange indeed.
I am not sure what transpires in the rest of the country but in Salta it was easypeasy and not threatening at all. Just be sure to not get rattled and count the money yourself until you are sure it is correct.

Hi Cindyjo, Thank you for your reply. Have you changed money in Buenos Aires?

I assume we need to bring US cash. Is that correct.

We have unfortunately changed all of our dollars. Wish we had brought more but we are on a 5 month trip and didn't want to carry around enough cash to get us through.
It will be ATMs for us unless I try Xoom. Our daughter used this service successfully in Buenos Aires. The blue rate seems to be edging closer to the official rate (at least this week) so it may not be as beneficial in the future.
I would still recommend asking your hotel for help as the easiest and least stressful way to go.
Hopefully avrooster will see,this and give you on the ground advice from Buenos Aires.

Hi, Shelley!

Cindyjo is right, the "blue" or black market exchange rate is now closer to the rate you'd get from an ATM, but it would still save you about one third on anything which can be paid with a CC.

You can check the "oficial" versus the "informal" or "blue" rates here: http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

This hotel review describes a good place to exchange in our elegant Recoleta quarter:
http://tinyurl.com/l272j2h

Obviously, you need to be careful with the cash, keeping it in a safe, money belt, or inner pocket.

I also suggest exchanging and right away paying all the expenses which can be paid in advance, such as your hotel stay, so as to reduce the amount of cash you are carrying.

You didn't ask, Shelley, but my advice about safety in BA can be summed up this way:

1) Don't make yourself a target, meaning, for instance, leave your expensive watch (if you have one) at home.

2) If anything strange happens near you, such as the "bird poop trick", assume it is intended as a distraction to get you off guard, hold firmly on to your belongings and don't allow anyone to get close to you.

3) At our airports, NEVER board the black and yellow cabs waiting outside. Only take transportation which can be PREPAID INSIDE the terminal.

4) In town, have a radio taxi CALLED for you, or board only the black and yellow cabs which have the driver's data hanging from the front seat, in full view of the passenger. If you board one and it does NOT have this info, simply get off, before the trip starts.

Any other questions, Shschief? I will also answer your question about transportation in the other thread.

Have a great time in my country.

I found the normal cash machines easier to use since the exchange rates are pretty close to what you'd get on the street and you don't have to worry about carrying around large quantities of cash.

I obviously don't know what hayestrip means by "what you'd get on the street", but, if you go to the right place to exchange, you should get today about 1250 pesos for 100 dollars, whereas you'd get 850 from an ATM. If anyone feels that is "pretty close", it's a matter of taste.

Also quite obviously, there is the risk of carrying cash.

Have a great time in my country.