Western Union money transfer

[Filipo]

Up to now I had 3 transfers with reduced fees using the pago facil app, but it seems to depend on the region from where you send money. Apparently it does not work for US.

By the way, the Pago Fácil app currently offers an interest rate of around 35% per year. In the past, it wasn't worth it because the exchange rate was constantly rising. However, since July, rates have been consistently decreasing. It's uncertain how long this trend will continue. Currently it's preferable having less transfers with larger amounts.

 

[pmacay]

FYI, We needed some pesos so I checked Western Union and they were giving 1,154.0000 ARS but wanted to charge a $46.99 fee for $1,000 USA transfer or $60 fee for a $2,000 transfer. Factoring in the fees the rate was either 1102.21 or 1119.66

Remitly was 1074.54

xoom.com was 1,079.4131 ARS

I still can't figure out how to do it with MoneyGram as someone suggested. Another friend mentioned wise.com but their website said you can only send money OUT of Argentina, not in.

Our favorite cambio guy offered us 1,110.00 ARS so even though WU at $2,000 might be a slightly higher rate, the last WU transfer took 8 days. I've only done one transfer with WU so I don't know if a second transfer would be quicker.

 

[Frank2000]

FYI, We needed some pesos so I checked Western Union and they were giving 1,154.0000 ARS but wanted to charge a $46.99 fee for $1,000 USA transfer or $60 fee for a $2,000 transfer. Factoring in the fees the rate was either 1102.21 or 1119.66

Remitly was 1074.54

xoom.com was 1,079.4131 ARS

I still can't figure out how to do it with MoneyGram as someone suggested. Another friend mentioned wise.com but their website said you can only send money OUT of Argentina, not in.

Our favorite cambio guy offered us 1,110.00 ARS so even though WU at $2,000 might be a slightly higher rate, the last WU transfer took 8 days. I've only done one transfer with WU so I don't know if a second transfer would be quicker.

It would take 2 or 3 business days most of the time in my experience after the first transfer, but not guaranteed. If it is a transfer to your bank or wallet, then I would go with WU; otherwise, get the cash from your favorite cambio guy, especially if he delivers it to your home. I don't like going to a WU and walking out with a lot of cash in a bag.

 

[Lanick]

Today, even I got set up! I say even I because I’m not a complete gringo nor a complete porteno. I got so stressed with all these bales of cash and I took the money without having it count in front of me. It was the same location I went for many years and instinctively established a sense of trust. Never take money without having it counted in front of you. It was $40 less. Also I’ve tried sending a small amount to my Arg bank account via WU connecting my UK bank account. It said 4 days and zero commission. We shall see.

 

[pmacay]

It would take 2 or 3 business days most of the time in my experience after the first transfer, but not guaranteed. If it is a transfer to your bank or wallet, then I would go with WU; otherwise, get the cash from your favorite cambio guy, especially if he delivers it to your home. I don't like going to a WU and walking out with a lot of cash in a bag.

Yes, I have the transfer go right to my Santander account, I agree I always felt uncomfortable going to an exchange house because everyone walking in and walking out has cash on them. We do have a guy who comes to the house, at first I didn't feel comfortable knowing they know where I live, but the recommendation was from a friend and the "cambio" guy is her nephew, so good old Latin way, "I know someone who knows someone". Good to hear future transfers will be quicker, after the first transfer they did make me fill out a form with photos of my DNI info and that is supposed to be good for the next 15 months.

 

[Filipo]

You may try the PagoFacil App. Although you do not get reduced fees, it might be worth using it. Money arrived instantly for all my 3 transfers I have done. From the app you can transfer the money to your bank account, or leave it there where yo get some interests (around 35% p.a.).

You can find the app under https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.westernunionwallet. On android the app is limited to google accounts having set their google pay region to Argentina (which is the case for many Argentinian apps). I just registered a second google account for Argentina and use that to install apps that are only available in that Region. BTW: You can also find the app linked on the PagoFacil website https://www.pagofacil.com.ar/app (leading to the same google play page or to the App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/app-pago-fácil/id6443566167).

 

[pmacay]

I tried to download the Pago Facil app and it says it's not available in my country?? WTF? I have an Argentina based phone number. I couldn't find it when I searched on the app in the Google play store on my phone, so I went to the https://www.pagofacil.com.ar/app on my computer and it displayed a Q code to scan, which I did and got the following screen.

 

[Lanick]

I have tried this WU “connect your bank account get your money in 0-4 days service” and the money is in my account the next day. Zero fee and the best rate. Impressed! No need to go and queue up and carry the bale around anymore!

 

[lunar]

WTF? I have an Argentina based phone number.

Have you added your US card under "Payment methods" for this account?

It's better to have two separate accounts, one for each country, and switch between them as needed. Make sure not to mention addresses, cards, or any other details from another country in your Argentinean account.

 

[pmacay]

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. I have Personal phone service, but they don't have my credit card information, I pay them online through my Santander bank account. On my cell, when I try and download the Pago Facil app on my cell and it says it's not available in my country.