Another tip: The currency exchange at the Money Exchange casas has been 365 pesos to one USD. On our credit card charges via Amex the exchange has been 198 pesos to one USD.
So, to really benefit from the best exchange rate you need to pay in cash. Also, if you take a cab make sure it is one with the meter in the upper right hand corner of the windshield.
There are "bandit" cabs that look just like the "good" cabs with no meters and will overcharge tourists. Today we took a "good" cab for about a 20 min ride. The fare was 585 pesos, less than $2.
Hi,
we are a couple from Canada and are on the road for a while. Last year on Nov 2 Argentinia brought out a new law regarding the currency exchange rates. Currently there are around 10 different currency exchange rates for different purposes.
when you look up exchange rate to Argentinia you will get the official exchange rate from the bank which is as indicated somewhere around 190 pesos. When you change in an exchange office or buy in a store with American Dollars you can get somewhere from 360-380 Pesos.
The government was very concerned as tourists carried a lot of cash around in their pockets which increased tourists being robbed. As well a lot of the stores when you pay in cash don't pay taxes for it - this is way you often get a cheaper rate when you pay in cash.
As of last Nov 2, 2022 foreign credit cards get a own exchange rate which is normally a few pesos more than the 360-380 pesos you can get. We were a bit curious too as it makes a huge difference.
As we are renting an apartment in Recoleta when we went the first time in the grocery store we paid with Visa. If I would have used the official exchange rate our bill would have come out to 67 CAD (sorry we have Canadian Dollars not US) the charge on our Visa was 33 CAD which is a way better exchange rate (even if we would have changed US$) You only have to check as some places charge you a Credit card fee.
Also if you pay in US$ - some places only accept the 50 or 100 $ bills.
"Live" Sapphire Princess, 32 Days, Buenos Aires to LA, 3/5/23 to 4/6/23
in Princess Cruises
Posted
Hi,
we are a couple from Canada and are on the road for a while. Last year on Nov 2 Argentinia brought out a new law regarding the currency exchange rates. Currently there are around 10 different currency exchange rates for different purposes.
when you look up exchange rate to Argentinia you will get the official exchange rate from the bank which is as indicated somewhere around 190 pesos. When you change in an exchange office or buy in a store with American Dollars you can get somewhere from 360-380 Pesos.
The government was very concerned as tourists carried a lot of cash around in their pockets which increased tourists being robbed. As well a lot of the stores when you pay in cash don't pay taxes for it - this is way you often get a cheaper rate when you pay in cash.
As of last Nov 2, 2022 foreign credit cards get a own exchange rate which is normally a few pesos more than the 360-380 pesos you can get. We were a bit curious too as it makes a huge difference.
As we are renting an apartment in Recoleta when we went the first time in the grocery store we paid with Visa. If I would have used the official exchange rate our bill would have come out to 67 CAD (sorry we have Canadian Dollars not US) the charge on our Visa was 33 CAD which is a way better exchange rate (even if we would have changed US$) You only have to check as some places charge you a Credit card fee.
Also if you pay in US$ - some places only accept the 50 or 100 $ bills.
Have fun in Buenos Aires
See you all on the ship