So this is that famous inflation yall been talking about

It’s what we call Dollar Inflation.
(Most) peso earners are seeing big - like 20%, 30% or 40% depending on sector - increases in their wages, which is a main driver of price tag inflation while on the other hand the parallel exchange rates that are the basis of the real economy slow down while the official catches up to them, so the phenomenon is less apparent to peso earners than it is to those living off foreign currency. In some ways is actually positive news for Argentina, but rarely is it sustained for long.

Note that most contracts in USD are usually not adjusted for inflation - the FX shifts vs the peso is / should be roughly the inflation - but I understand, as always, the government want to regulate that as well and forbid it to rent anything linked to USD values and do it in ARS and apply the current law which is a single annual adjustment. If your landlord is today charging you US$1500 and tomorrow asks to put it up by 48% ... they must really think you’re a clueless foreigner. It’s contract in pesos OR a contract in dollars.
 
So a lease here means that the price of rent isn't locked in for the term of the lease? The only thing locked in is your obligation to stay, or at least pay, for the duration of the lease whatever it is the landlord decides to charge?

I've been wondering how that's all handled here. I get a landlord's need to keep their rent current with inflation, but can they just jack the rent to whatever they want at anytime during the lease?
Leases in Arg are standard mostly. They are for 2 years. At the end of the first year there is an increase at a percentage determined by the gov. You can cut the less eby paying extra months based on how long you've been in the lease. At the 3rd year you can work the new rent directly with the landlord. This is of course for peso leases. For dollar leases and other non standard leases you can make whatever arrangements you want with the landlord.

For me the pesos lease was the best because I did not have to provide actual dollars each month and I can use western union (for now) to bring pesos at a better rate. If wu rate keeps going down I might start selling some dollars locally to pay the landlord in pesos. I really try to avoid selling my dollars because I think it's dangerous for people to know you have dollars and you never know when you'll need them in the future.
 
Thanks for that clarification. I wish it were only quality coffee I was referring to. Even the less expensive coffee with added sugar is subject to inflation; not just the 100% pure coffee. Same brand for both - Cabrales. That sugar added to the grounds isn't luxury in my book, but coffee's a staple, like mate to Argentinians. Not that I think govt. pricing controls should reflect what I consider to be a basic food needed for my survival. I should probably put that in the 'What you miss from the US' thread. Coffee, beans, plenty of them, with variety and decently priced.
Yeah, I desperately miss the selection and price of coffees at Trader Joe's in my old hometown of San Diego. But if I was still there, I'd be homeless on the income I have now. So...sleeping under a bridge and brewing up great coffee over a smoky fire built from old pallets and cardboard? No, thanks. I'll stay here, the good Lord willing.

AS far as cheap coffee that's at least halfway drinkable, without being covered in burnt sugar, I suggest you try Morenita. Light tan bag with big orange circle. It's still Brazilian dogshit, but it's tolerable.
 
Yeah, I desperately miss the selection and price of coffees at Trader Joe's in my old hometown of San Diego. But if I was still there, I'd be homeless on the income I have now. So...sleeping under a bridge and brewing up great coffee over a smoky fire built from old pallets and cardboard? No, thanks. I'll stay here, the good Lord willing.

AS far as cheap coffee that's at least halfway drinkable, without being covered in burnt sugar, I suggest you try Morenita. Light tan bag with big orange circle. It's still Brazilian dogshit, but it's tolerable.
Good coffee and beans here.

Lattente

USA is lost. We loved San Diego... And Seattle... And Santa Monica... And NYC etc. Until they all became like this....

Just the way it is. And getting worse. Quickly. Be grateful you're here. Good choice. One of the last best places.

















77
 
Good coffee and beans here.

Lattente

USA is lost. We loved San Diego... And Seattle... And Santa Monica... And NYC etc. Until they all became like this....

Just the way it is. And getting worse. Quickly. Be grateful you're here. Good choice. One of the last best places.

Thanks for the heads up. You and I may occasionally disagree on political issues, but on matters of personal taste like this, your tips and pointers have always been impeccable.
 
Wow! If my rent jumped from 1600 to 2400 I'd move. This is why when I actually tried to do a 6 month short term lease they all tried to push it to 2 years. I'll stick to my monthly arrangement. If they want to raise the price 50 percent that's fine because I'm not in a lease and I can just move.

That's not how it works 😅 Inflation is in ARS only. Peso devaluation generally keeps up with inflation, so prices in USD stay constant, increase only marginally or even decrease.
 
That's not how it works 😅 Inflation is in ARS only. Peso devaluation generally keeps up with inflation, so prices in USD stay constant, increase only marginally or even decrease.
It appears to be working the opposite way lol. Prices up and exchange rates down compared to when I arrived. Let's see if they rebound.
 
It appears to be working the opposite way lol. Prices up and exchange rates down compared to when I arrived. Let's see if they rebound.


In 2021 the dollar went up only 32%, instead ajustable peso CD went up 49.2 %
 
In 2021 the dollar went up only 32%, instead ajustable peso CD went up 49.2 %
Yes, we are losing ground. Professor presidente is doing the same thing Macri did his last two years; he's using all the resources of the state-controlled economy to desperately hold down the exchange rate, while failing wretchedly to even partially restrain inflation.
 
Back
Top