Pick pocketed

[steveinbsas]

A regular photocopy of a passport is sufficient for walking about town, but they'll alway be a need for the real thing for credit card purchases or signing contracts. Only the US govermnent would have the power to issue something that might equal the credit card size ceduela (sp?) that citizens and permanent residents of Argentina use.

 

[BAwithkids]

Based on someone here's advice, we made color copies of our passport and laminated them. They fold to the size of a regular I.d., and look pretty official. No one has batted an eyelash when we have presented them for credit cards, etc.

 

[TheBlackHand]

you weren't on your " p's " and " q's ". Lesson learned.

 

[steveinbsas]

A photocopy of a passport can be "notarized" by an Argentine escribano. That might make it acceptable to some businesses that won't accept a plain photocopy.

When I applied for citizenship I had an original state issued copy of my BC with an original Apostille, a plain photocopy of it, and a photocopy with the escribano's notarization. They took the photocopy that was notarized.

 

[cruizes]

And a photocopy is even good enough to make a police report (for any reason).

But not good enough to use at Coto Market. They are real jerks there. Certain employees accept without blinking and then others as well as managers say no. So load your basket to the brim. Go when it is the busiest time. Place everything on the conveyor belt (doesn't work) so when they say no just walk away. It only adds another 20 minutes to your 45 minute adventure. Viva Argentina! And if the Coto has a meat market get the best choice meat personally cut for you. Maybe someday these idiots will learn.

 

[John.St]

A regular photocopy of a passport is sufficient for walking about town, but they'll alway be a need for the real thing for credit card purchases

Nope. I have used a hard-plastified colour copy of my passport for 2 years in Chile and 3 in Arg. w/o a problem. In SA they are used to carnets de identificación and think my copy is one.

I have advised people on expats fora to do the same time and again.

 

[xtrasback]

hum ? I always show my drivers license when asked for ID in supermarkets, restaurants and stores and never had anyone ask for my passport (I only carry a copy with me at all times.)

 

[steveinbsas]

Nope. I have used a hard-plastified colour copy of my passport for 2 years in Chile and 3 in Arg. w/o a problem. In SA they are used to carnets and think my copy is one.

I have advised people on expats fora to do the same time and again.

You've had good luck but there will always be an exception. I was amazed how often my folded up photo copy was accepted in CF. EASY in Palermo accepedted my photocopy for almost four years, but last time I was there they insisted on the original passport or no sale.


Here is some useful info:

http://www.lawguru.com/legal-questi...aking-color-photo-copies-passport-306709419/a

 

[John.St]

You've had good luck but there will always be an exception.

Good luck? in 5 (five) years of use? BAwithkids has the same experience.

There are rules in the US, yes, pero estamos en Argentina, so use it here and not in the US.

 

[steveinbsas]

Good luck? in 5 (five) years of use? BAwithkids has the same experience.

There are rules in the US, yes, pero estamos en Argentina, so use it here and not in the US.

How many of your 3 years in Argentina were in CF?

I was not able to get a driver's license in CF because my US license had expired and had an "unsigned" renewal sticker (in English) on the back.

In Punta Alta it was easy. I can also use my credit card at Carrefour in Bahia Blanca without even showing my ID. They just ask for my number.

Estamos en las provincias.

The reason I provided the link about the legality of making a copy was in case someone reentering the US with a copy of their passport wouldn't have to worry if they were searched and it was discovered. I was searched once and they looked at everything in my wallet. I wouldn't ever want to have a problem with those guys. One false statement can result in $250K USD fine and or 5 years in prison.

How long has BAwithkids lived in Argentina?