Argentine Peso

Maybe someone will have an idea, but what's your opposition to just getting currency from a bank ATM once you land?

Due the currency instability, you will not be able to get Argentine Pesos at a bank here in the US. You could try a currency dealer. However, I recommend waiting until you land in Buenos Aires.

At the airport, there is a currency exchange. Turn 180 degrees to the right immediately after coming through Immigration and past the car services. You can come back to book a car after you get cash.

Blue Market currency exchanges are legal in Argentina. I had trouble with the ATMs in Mendoza, and it was after banking hours. I asked a waiter outside a restaurant for directions to National Bank. He then motioned to follow him. He led me into an outdoor mall area. Another man arrived who asked in English how much I wanted to exchange. We quickly bargained over the exchange rate, and I left with the pesos.

If you choose to try the Blue Market, go during the daytime. BA has a road that has several of these stores, so you can bargain better.

After the fact, I realized I was lucky nothing happened to me as I exchanged money on the blue market. The outdoor mall was deserted due to the hour. Not so smart. Then, I felt like a bad arse because normally I'd never do something like that.

US Dollars are definitely preferred by those in the tourist business. Credit cards are preferred over pesos, too, and some businesses will give a discount if you pay with one.

Thanks for the input. I hoped to have ARS when I landed bc it makes me feel comfortable to have currency of the country when I arrive. For taxi, tips, emergency, etc.

It appears my only option is to exchange at the airport upon arrival.

I did see the option of the blue market exchange and it didn’t sit well for me. I’ll exchange pocket cash at airport and adjust on the fly.

Thanks for your help sir. First trip to Argentina for us. Me and the lady friend are excited. I’ll report back to the board with any hints/tips we discover.

Taking the GoPro to BA, Iguazu, Bariloche!!

quote:

---

I would not recommend paying in USD as a lot of times this will end in you getting short-changed or them choosing a worse exchange rate.

---

Great advice which rings true for many countries where you "can" apy with dollars. Local currency is always best. If you pay by credit card have them run the charge in their currrency. Your credit card company will give you a better exchange rate. Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a must. If you have to pay in US dollars negotiate the price up front. Learn the conversion and negotiate as close to the conversion rate as you can.

Take brand new, crisp dollars with no marks for exchange. They prefer $100s and $50s. This is the official exchanges I’m referring to. The rate is the same at every official exchange.