Taxis in Rio and Buenos Aires

[joybook]

Do taxi drivers in Rio and Buenos Aires accept US dollars? What is your experience? Thanks :)

[VidaNaPraia]

Do taxi drivers in Rio and Buenos Aires accept US dollars? What is your experience? Thanks :)

 

The Brazilian Real is the only currency legal in Brazil. Taxis accept reais.

[4774Papa]

We never tried to pay our taxi driver in Buenos Aires in US dollars, but I'd be willing to bet that they would take dollars.

 

Taxis are inexpensive in BA.

US dollars are wanted and there is a thriving "Blue" (black) market to buy Arg. Pesos with dollars.

The Blue market exchanges operate openly, but are occasionally raided by the police. Corruption is rampart.

 

We managed to acquire about $300 US worth of Pesos via the Blue rate, which saved us money over using credit cards.

 

The only issue with using dollars to pay the taxi driver would be what exchange rate he would take. He might give you the Blue rate, but then might take advantage and demand the official rate.

 

We took a long taxi ride from one end of the city to the other and it cost about $15 in Blue Pesos.

 

Buenos Aires is a great city and you can walk around freely in the main areas, but some areas are not good. There are a million homeless people in the city and you don't want to be in a bad area on your own.

[dr__dawggy]

Don't count on taxi drivers in Buenos Aires taking US dollars. Some will. Most don't. Best ask in advance. And, as the previous poster said, be sure to ask about exchange rate if they do take dollars.

[Laylam]

Don't count on taxi drivers in Buenos Aires taking US dollars. Some will. Most don't. Best ask in advance. And, as the previous poster said, be sure to ask about exchange rate if they do take dollars.

I have organised our BA transfers with this company, and they have quoted in USD. http://www.buenosairestaxis.com/city-tours/

Edited August 25, 2014 by Laylam

[dabear]

One word of caution about taxi drivers in BA. We took one from our hotel to the port and the taxi driver took us to the commercial port and was unsure where the cruise terminal was. We ultimately got to where we wanted to go, but with some difficulty & dispute for fees. Thus, make sure the driver knows where to go.

[Laylam]

One word of caution about taxi drivers in BA. We took one from our hotel to the port and the taxi driver took us to the commercial port and was unsure where the cruise terminal was. We ultimately got to where we wanted to go, but with some difficulty & dispute for fees. Thus, make sure the driver knows where to go.

Great advice. The good thing about http://www.buenosairestaxis.com/city-tours/ for those of us with VERY limited Spanish, is that English is their first language.

Edited August 26, 2014 by Laylam

[Keith1010]

Also want to add not to just get into any taxi in Buenos Aires. Use a radio dispatched taxi. Go by and hotel and have them call you one.

 

Plan to use local currency for taxis in each country.

 

Keith

[palermo22]

Also want to add not to just get into any taxi in Buenos Aires. Use a radio dispatched taxi. Go by and hotel and have them call you one.

 

Plan to use local currency for taxis in each country.

 

Keith

 

That's good advice for anyone who doesn't speak Spanish. If you do speak Spanish there is no problem getting into a street taxi as long as it is an official taxi.

[cuartito]

use local currency.Todays black market rate-- rate,sept. 1st is about 14 pesos.--Choose radio taxis whenever possible.Our largest bill is pesos 100 abou $7,00 US

[cuartito]

Use local currency.Todays black market rate-,sept. 1st is about 14 pesos.--Choose radio taxi.Our largest bill is pesos 100 about $7,00 US

[Merlinite]

Use local currency.Todays black market rate-,sept. 1st is about 14 pesos.--Choose radio taxi.Our largest bill is pesos 100 about $7,00 US

 

Where is the best place to change dollars. Trustworthy and safe. tia cuartito!

 

Should we get pesos at the airport for taxi to our hotel?

[4774Papa]

Where is the best place to change dollars. Trustworthy and safe. tia cuartito!

 

Should we get pesos at the airport for taxi to our hotel?

The Blue Market change shops are illegal, but do operate openly. I was told by a local that corruption is widespread and the police are paid off. Every once in a while they raid these shops for show.

 

You can probably find one from someone in your hotel after you arrive. That is what we did. Also, when paying your bill at a restaurant, many restaurants will gladly accept dollars (make sure the bills are not old, marked or torn).

[cuartito]

Hi, If you do not have any pesos upon arrival you can change a few dollars--say $50,00-- just to get you around until you arrive at your hotel.A trusted place is close to the Alvear Palace Hotel. Look for an agency on 1564 Posadas street in Recoleta area.It is trustworthy and you get a good rate.Also you do not need to exchange a lot of US. If you are planing to stay one or two days $ 300 will be fine for good food and good wine. Also bear in mind that you will get piles of pesos for your dollars-inflation stands at 40%!!!

 

Good luck!