Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
many locals use them and know where they are. Be aware that this shady activity -
although commonplace (newspapers even publish the going blue rate) - is tech-
nically illegal. Scams and fake bills do exist, and unwary travelers make very good
targets.
Instead of using arbolitos, some people change money (or pay for services) at
certain stores, travel agents, restaurants and accommodations for rates close to
the blue market's. Outside BA, some cambiosmight give you the unofficial rate.
Hundred-dollar bills get the highest rates.
Note that ATMs in Argentina don't give out US currency, no matter what their
screen says. Some ATMs in Uruguay will, however, though there are daily limits for
withdrawals.
Another way travelers bypass the official exchange rate is by using international
money-transfer services such as
www.xoom.com
(for those with US bank ac-
counts) or Azimo (for those with UK bank accounts).
Do your research very carefully before coming to Argentina. And no matter how
you end up getting your pesos, use them all before your flight home. It's unlikely
you'll be able to change them back to a hard currency at a decent rate - if at all.
Credit Cards
Many (but not all!) tourist services, larger stores, hotels and restaurants - especially in the
bigger cities - take credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. The latter two are most
widely accepted credit cards, though American Express and a few others are valid in
some establishments. Before you leave home, warn your credit-card company that you'll
be using it abroad.
Some businesses add a
recargo
(surcharge) of 5% to 10% to credit-card purchases.
Also, the actual amount you'll eventually pay depends upon the exchange rate not at the
time of sale, but when the purchase is posted to an overseas account, sometimes weeks
later.
If you use a credit card to pay in a restaurant, be aware that tips can't usually be added
to the bill. Many lower-end hotels and private tour companies will not accept credit cards.
Many places will give you a small discount if you pay in cash, rather than use a credit
card.
Moneychangers
US dollars are by far the preferred foreign currency, although Chilean and Uruguayan
pesos can be readily exchanged at the borders. Cash dollars and euros can be changed
at banks and
cambios
(exchange houses) in most larger cities, but other currencies can
be difficult to change outside Buenos Aires. You'll need your passport to change money; it
might be best to avoid any sort of street-tout moneychanger.
