Cheapest way to get cash

[HeyBA]

Hi All,

So I've got two debit accounts in the US that I can get cash from. They both charge me hefty fees for this.

The only other option I see is buying pesos on a credit card at a cambio place. Is this cost effective?

I don't have a D.N.I., so I can't bank locally.

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[legilber]

Western Union. They charge a $3.00 fee for up to $2500 USD although you´ll receive pesos.

 

[legilber]

post script: this only works for you if you´ve planned out your monthly expenses as the $3.00 fee does come is a three-day delay. I typically look at all my expenses, factor out how much I want, and then send myself the money. Easy peasy!!

 

[BAFinance]

Western Union never has dollars and their peso exchange rate sucks! Casa de cambio is the best way to go! Send me a PM.

 

[sesamosinsal]

Get a Schwab account, and you pay ZERO fees: http://www.argentinafaq.com/how-can-i-withdraw-money-from-an-atm-without-paying-any-fees/

 

[HeyBA]

Thanks to all posters. I'm looking into all of that. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated

 

[elalancito]

First, if you can, get a DNI number. It is not that difficult. You will spend a couple of hours at Migraciones and that's about all. If you need help with that, contact me personally. That will permit you to open a bank account here and make wire transfers. That is absolutely the cheapest method. My wife and I just transferred enough money into our bank account to pay our rent and our child's schooling until the end of the year.

Short of a Schwab account, the next best thing is a legitimate Casa Cambio. They charge a 1% fee and will give you $US. It will take about two days to receive your cash.

Another useful method is Xoom. Go to their web site and register. They charge $66 fee for $2500 US (about 1.7%). You will receive your cash within hours and in US$.

Any of these methods is preferable to paying the exorbitant ATM charges. For example, I bank with JP Chase Morgan. In addition to the $16 peso fee at the ATM for a mere 1,000 pesos, my bank changes another $5 US for use of a foreign ATM and then there is a dollars to pesos conversion fee. It cost roughly $13 to take out $240 (1000 pesos)!

 

[French jurist]

Another useful method is Xoom. Go to their web site and register. They charge $66 fee for $2500 US (about 1.7%). You will receive your cash within hours and in US$.

Unless things have changed with Xoom in the past two years (do they still work with Latin Express & Banco Frances ?), you can cash in USD only at Banco Frances and a DNI will be required (passport = no).

 

[PhilipDT]

Does anybody know if Amex is still doing the cash advances in USD?

 

[igor]

First, if you can, get a DNI number. It is not that difficult. You will spend a couple of hours at Migraciones and that's about all. If you need help with that, contact me personally.

What??? I think you confuse DNI with CDI.

Unless things have changed with Xoom in the past two years (do they still work with Latin Express & Banco Frances ?), you can cash in USD only at Banco Frances and a DNI will be required (passport = no).

From what I've heard, passport is OK to receive money from Xoom in Banco Frances. If cachier is in a bad mood, he/she asks for a Tax ID. In this case, you can show your CDI.