I just completed a transfer using
Xoom. I was very impressed with the simplicity.
I sent $1700 USD, at an exchange rate of 5.63, via the debit card attached to my bank account. The fee was 46.70, which is higher using a debit card (30 would have been a direct bank debit), but I wanted to try this first. I have since added my bank account to my Xoom account to try it that way next time.
My effective exchange rate including the fees, then, was 5.48 pesos to the dollar.
I had to fill out a form there in the office, when I went to pick up my money, with the exact data that is on the form Jimdepalermo attached, but in a printed format slightly different than the electronic one.
I choose "Services" as the type of transaction when I sent the money.
I assume that you can fill out the form when you go there, but since Jimdepalermo was kind enough to upload their electronic format, I would definitely do that. Had I seen it before I went, I would have.
Interestingly enough, I couldn't remember the complete address of my US corporation that sent the money officially. The girl at the desk told me not to worry, just fill in what I could and don't worry about it. I got the feeling this piece of paper is very cursory.
There are limits on Xoom transfers. Check the site to get the correct information, under "Help". Easy to find.
I believe that the declaration you fill out here to receive the money is based on the local ARS $5000 limit that was mentioned for More to give out money. But since More is here locally, I don't know that the Xoom forms and the MMT (More) forms serve the same purpose. As I understand it, to raise my limit to send from Xoom, I have to declare other documentation with them.
To send more than Xoom's default limits you need to fill out more information with Xoom. The website gives you telephone numbers to use to contact them to file this additional information. They mention something like an official government-issued ID (such as a driver's license) to be on file to comply with US regulations. They also say that if you try to send more than the limit, that you will automatically prompted to fill in the required information at the point you send on the website.
It took me about a total of ten minutes to complete the transfer. The girl behind the glass was pleasant and professional. They give you the money in an envelope, but be ready to put it somewhere quickly
But you're only 2/3 block from Santa Fe.
The area's quite safe overall. Technically it is in Retiro (I was surprised, thinking Retiro ended at 9 de Julio until I looked on a barrio map), but it's effectively part (or outskirts of) Recoleta. It's actually safer than parts of Recoleta where it gets closer to the Villa nearby.