Argentina isn't the cheapest

[Macanudo]

A sadly ageist reply, which takes no consideration of seniors, even if we ignore all the other objections to such a scheme.

What happens when the store or kiosk has no net connection, as frequently happens here. Or when the power is off. Nobody can buy anything.
There are multiple serious flaws in such a flippantly suggested idea.

One possible solution would be a rechargeable gift card, like a sube card as a supplement to using cash. Have you ever been on a colectivo where your sube card didn't work because of a blackout?

 

[Redpossum]

One possible solution would be a rechargeable gift card, like a sube card as a supplement to using cash. Have you ever been on a colectivo where your sube card didn't work because of a blackout?

Now you're being deliberately obtuse. Or do you seriously not understand that a bus has a battery, charged by an alternator?

AND you're proposing setting up a whole new payment system, nationwide, all across the 8th largest nation on earth. What's that going to cost? How long will it take to setup and test? What happens when some clever Johnny hacks it?

Cash works, always. It requires no external power. It cannot be hacked. Everyone already knows how to use it.

 

[Redpossum]

During the pandemic, seniors adapted to using debit cards and electronic wallets, as there were no other options. Pension payments were made electronically, either to a bank account or to a digital wallet.

Except the ones that didn't. Did you seriously miss somehow the pictures of the seniors lined up around the block, waiting in the sun to get paid in person because they could not or would not use a debit card? Did you miss the announcements about what last digit of DNI cards would go line up on which days?

If the power is out for so long that you can't delay your shopping, you probably should just be waiting for rescue helicopters.

Flippant dismissal like this is just so callous there are no words, or at least not any that I am allowed to use in these forums, though I promise you there are several rude ones which occur to my mind right now.

 

[lunar]

Except the ones that didn't.

I guess these are the same five million people who do not eat that Macanudo is talking about.

Did you seriously miss somehow the pictures of the seniors lined up around the block, waiting in the sun to get paid in person because they could not or would not use a debit card? Did you miss the announcements about what last digit of DNI cards would go line up on which days?

It was in its early stages. Now, all pensions are delivered electronically.

Cash works, always. It requires no external power. It cannot be hacked. Everyone already knows how to use it.

They could maintain a very limited supply of pesos in circulation for emergencies. Better than start printing Patacones.

 

[Macanudo]

Now you're being deliberately obtuse. Or do you seriously not understand that a bus has a battery, charged by an alternator?

AND you're proposing setting up a whole new payment system, nationwide, all across the 8th largest nation on earth. What's that going to cost? How long will it take to setup and test? What happens when some clever Johnny hacks it?

Cash works, always. It requires no external power. It cannot be hacked. Everyone already knows how to use it.

Maybe that's not the solution, but do you really think stores couldn't have a battery to maintain power during a blackout? Don't you think that cashless societies are already being planned? Don't you have a Mercado Pago account?

 

[Macanudo]

Cash is such an atavism, anyway

Atavism? Had to look that one up. Great word!

 

[sts7049]

I think the point about change is overrated. every time you have a large bill at a kiosco or market they never have change anyway to give you, and they get pissy at the notion that they should have sufficient small bills to make change. it's been that way for years.

 

[earlyretirement]

You can make everyone to pay using debit cards. It's better for collecting taxes.

Cash is such an atavism, anyway

Yes, THIS is spot on target lunar! Argentina is already making a push for ALL stores to require to accept debit cards. THIS is the solution. To move more towards Digital society. It works very well. I use my debit card in ALL places including taxis. They can't say no. They are NOT set up yet with foreign credit cards but if you are a local and have a debit card, it works beautifully and I'm very proud of the progress Argentina has made with this over the years. A huge leap forward.

I've offered Milei's transition team and advisors to help advise them. I hold degrees in Political Science and other degrees. I do a LOT of consulting even at Board level public companies. My advice would be a golden visa program. Get EVERY retiree from whatever country that wants to live here and meets basic financial requirements to get a retirement visa which includes DNI. Mexico has a very easy process which I've done myself personally. Make a similar program but even make it more seamless. You can easily streamline it where part of the process includes opening a free bank account instantly so they can transfer funds into it. I know it will take a LONG time for people to build up trust but you have to start somewhere.

It's already VERY easy to get a bank account at Banco Galicia (https://www.galicia.ar/personas/cuenta-gratuita-universal) once you have a DNI. I did it ALL online and over WhatsApp. I didn't have to even go into a branch. The ATM card came within 5 days to my apartment in Buenos Aires. You make it seamless like that and you can have debit cards working for EVERY local as well as foreigner coming here. It's completely FREE and takes only days to get. A huge thanks to members on BA Expats as that is where I learned about this account.

You make it so these retirees, NEVER have to pay asset taxes on assets (cash, real estate, stocks, etc) abroad outside of Argentina. Only inside Argentina and maybe even waive the property tax on their FIRST property. This will get a tremendous amount of people around the world moving here. People underestimate the amount of money that people spend on a DAILY basis. This spurs economic development and growth and helps the economy.

You would have developers all over Argentina building retirement communities for foreigners around the world. The economy would boom here as those people moving in aren't just building homes or buying properties but they are dining out, buying groceries, buying stuff and supporting the local economies.

The downside is It WILL cause real estate prices the country over to skyrocket. You'd have an influx of MANY billions of dollars from people that can't afford to live in their own countries (USA, Canada, UK, etc) and owning here. The quality of life is much better in Argentina, the health care system is much better. The food is much better. People have to think big to turn things around in Argentina.

I have tons and tons of ideas like this.

 

[Caribbean Cool]

Yes, THIS is spot on target lunar! Argentina is already making a push for ALL stores to require to accept debit cards. THIS is the solution. To move more towards Digital society. It works very well. I use my debit card in ALL places including taxis. They can't say no. They are NOT set up yet with foreign credit cards but if you are a local and have a debit card, it works beautifully and I'm very proud of the progress Argentina has made with this over the years. A huge leap forward.

I've offered Milei's transition team and advisors to help advise them. I hold degrees in Political Science and other degrees. I do a LOT of consulting even at Board level public companies. My advice would be a golden visa program. Get EVERY retiree from whatever country that wants to live here and meets basic financial requirements to get a retirement visa which includes DNI. Mexico has a very easy process which I've done myself personally. Make a similar program but even make it more seamless. You can easily streamline it where part of the process includes opening a free bank account instantly so they can transfer funds into it. I know it will take a LONG time for people to build up trust but you have to start somewhere.

It's already VERY easy to get a bank account at Banco Galicia (https://www.galicia.ar/personas/cuenta-gratuita-universal) once you have a DNI. I did it ALL online and over WhatsApp. I didn't have to even go into a branch. The ATM card came within 5 days to my apartment in Buenos Aires. You make it seamless like that and you can have debit cards working for EVERY local as well as foreigner coming here. It's completely FREE and takes only days to get. A huge thanks to members on BA Expats as that is where I learned about this account.

You make it so these retirees, NEVER have to pay asset taxes on assets (cash, real estate, stocks, etc) abroad outside of Argentina. Only inside Argentina and maybe even waive the property tax on their FIRST property. This will get a tremendous amount of people around the world moving here. People underestimate the amount of money that people spend on a DAILY basis. This spurs economic development and growth and helps the economy.

You would have developers all over Argentina building retirement communities for foreigners around the world. The economy would boom here as those people moving in aren't just building homes or buying properties but they are dining out, buying groceries, buying stuff and supporting the local economies.

The downside is It WILL cause real estate prices the country over to skyrocket. You'd have an influx of MANY billions of dollars from people that can't afford to live in their own countries (USA, Canada, UK, etc) and owning here. The quality of life is much better in Argentina, the health care system is much better. The food is much better. People have to think big to turn things around in Argentina.

I have tons and tons of ideas like this.

If Jesus Christ had had you as an advisor, things would have worked out better for him. But they didn't and we have been hearing his tale of woe for 2000+ years. About you.....who is listening? And finally, when ARE you going to tell us the size of your...oh....you know what I mean

 

[earlyretirement]

If Jesus Christ had had you as an advisor, things would have worked out better for him. But they didn't and we have been hearing his tale of woe for 2000+ years. About you.....who is listening? And finally, when ARE you going to tell us the size of your...oh....you know what I mean

Ha, ha. Yes, we always say if only we were around JC times. Hey CC I sent you some pics via WhatsApp. Ha, ha. Just kidding. It is nice chatting with you however.