Just arrived: Cash, tips, and ATM woes

[Tliebert]

Surprising issues surrounding cash and tips. If anyone can advise me on causes for low atm withdrawals, no tips on credit cards and other strange features, it would be appreciated. Am here for eight days to take dance classes and escape US politics

 

[lunar]

If anyone can advise me on causes for low atm withdrawals ...

An ATM can dispense only 40 banknotes at a time. If it is loaded with 500-peso notes, the maximum withdrawal will be 20,000 pesos, which is about 16 dollars.

 

[Quilombo]

ATMs here are generally a scam, they charge upwards of $12 USD, and as lunar said, have a low max withdraw limit for non clients.

If I remember correctly, it's 60K, so even if you found one to spit out 20K bills you're only getting 3 of them while paying ~10 USD for the "convenience"

 

[jorisw]

To get cash, use Western Union or trade your cash (pristine 50 or 100 dollar bills) at an exchange office (‘cueva’) such as Cambio Baires.

Or just use your credit card

 

[Silvie]

Leaving tips with credit cards it’s something new here; I believe that there is a new law allowing it. Just ask the waiter if you can do it. It will take a while for people to get used to it

 

[Ries]

The causes are many and complicated.
You would require about five years here to begin to understand "why".
For a week, you will just have to observe and wonder.

 

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Just don't bother tipping it's what most Argentines do so you will fit in, throw in a bit of spare change if you must.

 

[Johngwyn]

Well, don't use the ATMs, most of them charge you like $15-20 on top of that your bank will likely charge you a fee too.
And each withdraw only lead to 40K pesos up to 70K pesos depending on the bank, and luck, pretty inconsistent.
Unless it's an emergency, otherwise would you spend something like $20-40 dollar to just get $40-70 worth of pesos?

The best bet is western union, or change your dollar cash to pesos.

 

[florence]

It's not that hard to pay with a credit card and then hand the waiter a cash tip. In his/her hand. Don't leave it on the table.

 

[newtraderoute]

Just don't bother tipping it's what most Argentines do so you will fit in, throw in a bit of spare change if you must.

Ttipping is generally at least 10% in cash on the table now more than ever.