Keeping US bank cards while living in Argentina?

[sergio]

As noted, more stability is a good thing to have. It probably won't be Madrid, but even there is acceptable for us (after NorCal, everywhere is cheap). But factor into the COL things like health insurance ($800 annually for me) and the scales start to tip. Another huge factor is Spain's aggressive support of small business, from the fed all the way down to the city level - lots of financial support available.

Spain is a lot more predictable than Argentina and uses the same currency as most European countries. You say that health insurance is inexpensive in Spain. And Madrid is almost certainly the most expensive city. There are cheaper ones. Quality of food will be much better in Spain. Public transport is far better. The intercity rail system is one of the best in the world and will connect you to everywhere in Europe. I see many advantages to settling there.

 

[vizovcccard]

I’ve kept my US accounts active using a trusted physical mailing address and online access. As long as you maintain a valid US address and keep accounts in good standing, most banks don’t mind. Just be cautious with renewals—arrange secure forwarding or pick up replacements when you visit.

 

[Johngwyn]

Unless wineguy has found a smaller and cheaper location in Spain, if the "high COL" is the reason is the reason he would leave Argentina, why would he or anyone else set their sights on any city in Spain that might be comparable to Buenos Aires?

Especially if the following is accurate:

Cost of Living in Buenos Aires is 18.9% lower than in Madrid (excluding rent)

Cost of Living Including Rent in Buenos Aires is 31.6% lower than in Madrid

Rent Prices in Buenos Aires are 56.8% lower than in Madrid

Restaurant Prices in Buenos Aires are 2.4% lower than in Madrid

Groceries Prices in Buenos Aires are 15.4% lower than in Madrid

Local Purchasing Power in Buenos Aires is 56.4% lower than in Madrid

You would need around 3,285.0€ (3,850.2$) in Buenos Aires to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 4,800.0€ in Madrid (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare the cost of living and assume net earnings (after income tax).

Source: numbeo.com

3850 dollar per month, my friend who worked at USDA got fired this year doesn't even make this much. I don't think many would make this much in Argentina either. My expenses in Palermo is around 1500 in total including rent, and yet fullly decent. 4K must be for a family.