I originally ended up landing on the BAexpats site while researching for my trip to BA earlier this month.
I really appreciate the info I found on this site and would like to share some info that others might find interesting or perhaps even helpful for their trip.
I landed at Ezeiza mid morning. After going through passport check and customs, I went straight to the Correo Argentino office on the second level [Public Area] above the Departure Hall to pick up the money I wired to myself through Western Union. Through the Chat feature of the Airport's website, I've learned that the maximum pickup amount was 50,000 ARS, so I made sure not go above that amount. The gentleman there was very nice and helpful. After filling out the lengthy form and providing my ID, I was given a stack of $500 ARS notes.
I then walked back to the Arrival area to get a taxi at the Taxi Ezeiza stand. I paid 8,200 ARS cash. That was relatively inexpensive given the ~370:1 exchange rate I got from WU. Official Rate was ~200:1 at the time. There are cheaper options including Cabify, but I was escorted across the street to a car within a couple of minutes, so I was happy with the smooth process.
Some restaurants accept Debit Cards, but not Credit Cards. Tips generally have to be paid in cash. I preferred using my Credit Card, with Debit Card being my second choice even though I can get a higher rate by wiring myself the cash through Western Union. The convenience, time saving, and safety was just worth it for me. I made sure to use cards that don't charge any FX fees which are typically around 2%. For my VISA credit card, the pending charge was at Official Rate, but the charges are settled at the MEP rate (~350:1) in two or three business days. Debit Card charges are shown at MEP rate right away.
Just out of curiosity, I also did a test ATM withdrawal at Banco Galicia using my VISA Debit card that would refund ATM fees worldwide. An ATM withdrawal of 15,000 ARS has a 2,070 ARS ATM fee! Ouch! I did get the MEP rate (~350:1), which was what I wanted to test. I thought it was something interesting to know as a backup for times when you need cash and Western Unions are closed, or you just don't want to deal with the lines.
Buenos Aires is great, the people are great, but for goodness sake, fix the dangerous holes and cracks on the sidewalks! There are dangerous ones even in front of nice expensive buildings! Well, at least keeping an eye on the ground will also help you avoid the dripping water from the AC units above.
I really appreciate the info I found on this site and would like to share some info that others might find interesting or perhaps even helpful for their trip.
I landed at Ezeiza mid morning. After going through passport check and customs, I went straight to the Correo Argentino office on the second level [Public Area] above the Departure Hall to pick up the money I wired to myself through Western Union. Through the Chat feature of the Airport's website, I've learned that the maximum pickup amount was 50,000 ARS, so I made sure not go above that amount. The gentleman there was very nice and helpful. After filling out the lengthy form and providing my ID, I was given a stack of $500 ARS notes.
I then walked back to the Arrival area to get a taxi at the Taxi Ezeiza stand. I paid 8,200 ARS cash. That was relatively inexpensive given the ~370:1 exchange rate I got from WU. Official Rate was ~200:1 at the time. There are cheaper options including Cabify, but I was escorted across the street to a car within a couple of minutes, so I was happy with the smooth process.
Some restaurants accept Debit Cards, but not Credit Cards. Tips generally have to be paid in cash. I preferred using my Credit Card, with Debit Card being my second choice even though I can get a higher rate by wiring myself the cash through Western Union. The convenience, time saving, and safety was just worth it for me. I made sure to use cards that don't charge any FX fees which are typically around 2%. For my VISA credit card, the pending charge was at Official Rate, but the charges are settled at the MEP rate (~350:1) in two or three business days. Debit Card charges are shown at MEP rate right away.
Just out of curiosity, I also did a test ATM withdrawal at Banco Galicia using my VISA Debit card that would refund ATM fees worldwide. An ATM withdrawal of 15,000 ARS has a 2,070 ARS ATM fee! Ouch! I did get the MEP rate (~350:1), which was what I wanted to test. I thought it was something interesting to know as a backup for times when you need cash and Western Unions are closed, or you just don't want to deal with the lines.
Buenos Aires is great, the people are great, but for goodness sake, fix the dangerous holes and cracks on the sidewalks! There are dangerous ones even in front of nice expensive buildings! Well, at least keeping an eye on the ground will also help you avoid the dripping water from the AC units above.
