Property purchase - seeking advice

Welcome to the wonderful country of Argentina my fellow compatriot!

I too had this pleasant conundrum and I walked out the bank with a backpack full of my life savings. It was a wonderful walk down centro to reflect on my life choices and all the modern marvels that Argentina has to offer (sarcasm intended).

You have two options...say yes to the seller, or say no. It's as simple as that. Personally, I find this "standard practice" of cash-only a disgusting habit worthy of the lowliest mafia bookie. You can definitely request a transfer only and tell the seller to shove it but be prepared for the deal to fall apart or for the additional fees to be added to the purchase price. Evading taxes in this country is a national sport.

That being said, understand that it's considered "mutually beneficial" to pay at least some portion in cash. A wire would imply 100% en blanco. The full purchase price is rarely declared on the compra/venta which allows you to "save" on your closing costs and for them to reduce taxes. It's all a "wink wink" lie and you don't have to be complicit if you don't wish to. It's not however always avoidable.

If you have to get cash... have a trusted car waiting for you right outside the bank so you go straight from the bank door to the car door (10 feet). The car will take you directly to the front of the escribano's office where you will go straight from the car door to the office door (10 feet). I would also recommend having an extra friend to accompany you to the cashier and to the car. It is a stressful moment to see that much cash and it helps to have someone there to ensure everybody is paying attention to the withdrawal (you included). Let the bank know a few days in advance you will withdraw all your dollars and ask if they have the proper bills on hand. New issue blue bills, no cara chica/grande. It's a lot of bills and you will definitely not have a chance to review every single one of them for scratches, tears or stains. Do not tell the bank exactly what time you will be there to withdraw the cash. Some cashier's may tip off an unsavory friend.

God speed and congratulations.
"I find this "standard practice" of cash-only a disgusting habit worthy of the lowliest mafia bookie."

+1,000
 
FWIW,...I would contact Casa Puente. When I bought my apt. here I was able to transferred the money from my US bank account to their office here in BA. They're over 100 years old, very reputable. Not a cueva or anything shady. We even did the closing right in their office here in downtown BA. Everything went very smoothly. Very happy with the service. I had to pay a small commission for their service but don't remember the details. The company is based in the UK.
Brilliant. Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out.
 
FWIW,...I would contact Casa Puente. When I bought my apt. here I was able to transferred the money from my US bank account to their office here in BA. They're over 100 years old, very reputable. Not a cueva or anything shady. We even did the closing right in their office here in downtown BA. Everything went very smoothly. Very happy with the service. I had to pay a small commission for their service but don't remember the details. The company is based in the UK.
Out dated Info. They do not offer such services anymore.
 
We had researched and then contracted for two security firms, one to bring us to airport in US and one from airport straight to the closing with the cash in Argentina. Both were professional and surprisingly affordable, all which increased our level of comfort with the whole situation (and while this wasn’t a real factor, the cost with bringing the money ourselves and hiring security was ultimately cheaper than if we went with a casa de cambio).
 
Back
Top