Blue Rate, What To Do As A Canadian Solo Female...

[canadiangirl]

Hi there,

I'm travelling to BA this week (solo female) staying for a month. I've rented a place on AirBnB and so I don't have a hotel/hostel to consult about this. Trying to wrap my head around the blue rate and what makes most sense in terms of currency. Should I bring cash in Argentine pesos, or am I better to swap my Canadian dollars to USD and bring US cash in?

Will I really waste a lot of money relying on a Canadian credit card and withdrawing pesos from ATMs? I've been digging around, just trying to get a handle on what the best approach is.

Lastly, is it dangerous to be changing money with the guys shouting 'cambio!' on the street as a solo female? That sounds a little dodgy to me.

Thanks!

 

[Napoleon]

US Cash ONLY!!

US$100s (& US$50s) are MUCH better than US$20s and smaller.

Bringing Argie pesos is about the dumbest thing you can do.

(Blunt but true.)

 

[estebandepraga]

ONLY USD 50s and 100s in good condition bad condition bills and lower denominations get you a much lower rate of exchange
when you get here youll get a feel as to where to exchange
check ambito daily to find out up to the minute blue rates
enjoy it

 

[ajoknoblauch]

If you have an iPhone (or presumably an Android as well), there is a free Dolar-Blue app.

 

[Joe]

There's a arbolito in Galerie Boston mentioned several times on this forum. So you can even get the Blue in very public place.

 

[khairyexpat]

Lastly, is it dangerous to be changing money with the guys shouting 'cambio!' on the street as a solo female? That sounds a little dodgy to me.

Thanks!

This is the REAL BANKING SYSTEM we've got here.
Arbolito's word is as good as a Banker's.

ONLY crisp $100 US .

P.S. Banks are totally useless for both Tourists and Locals.
You don't want to touch them with a 10 foot pole.

 

[HenryNisental]

Bring 100USD dollar bills if possible.
Go to Galería Boston (Florida 134, BS AS)
Very reliable and safe place

 

[PhilipDT]

Newer bills will also make your life easier too. I've never had an Pre 1990 bill rejected but when ever I present one the examination process is a whole lot more involved and involves calling friends over to look at it and generally a whole lot more commotion than one usually wants in such a situation.

 

[Chet]

I just got cash to bring when I come, its the new 100s, the ones with a line down the middle - hope those are ok.

 

[PhilipDT]

They're fine