First time post, but we moved back to the U.S. after living in Buenos Aires for three years. Absolutely take cash, and yes, $100 bills are best. In Buenos Aires there are a ton on "cuevas" where you can exchange your USD for pesos, but the easiest place is Florida street, which is a mostly pedestrian street that is pretty centrally located in the touristy part of town...there will be a ton of people kind of standing outside businesses saying "cambio...cambio...cambio". It seems pretty shady the first time you do it, but I haven't heard of anyone having any issues (and I personally have changed money there many times). With Milei's recent devaluation of the official rate it's not quite as lucrative for U.S. travelers anymore but it's still worth bringing cash. You should also be able to use your credit card in most places...I would avoid ATMs at all costs. As far as travel goes, if you are traveling much outside El Chalten, be extremely aware of your fuel state...there is a single place on the way into town that sells gas (and they can occasionally run out), and if you're going almost anywhere outside of town you'll want to leave on full. Sorry this is a bit off topic, but the weather changes in an instant...always bring more layers than you might think you need...and if you haven't booked in Chalten, Hosteria El Pilar is super charming (although a bit outside of town). Have an amazing time and if you're looking for one of the best deals on a great steak dinner, head to La Cabrera in Palermo...and be sure to be waiting when they open and have your bill closed out by 8 pm...they will give you 40% off the entire tab (wine included)---we used to go about twice a month.
Is the issue the rate they give? The extra charges? Or getting mugged or... ?I would avoid ATMs at all costs.
Statistics: Posted by Valuethinker — Tue Jan 02, 2024 3:25 am — Replies 12 — Views 984