@Blockchain absolutely, you get 1,210 pesos per dollar now:
https://www.ambito.com/contenidos/dolar.html
...and MEP with Visa real-world rate is 1,152, so using a card without discounts is already 5% ahead if you don't mind the risk of walking with $100 bills, the possible scams, the possible commission costs (what is your friend paying, 3% total?), and with a 10% cash discount (i don't see much 15% ones here in Mendoza) you're ahead 15% already at least, if you have some Blue Dollar time under your belt
🙂
but having a MODO app with a DNI number/residency means
15-40% discounts, no cash needed, and real easy to track your budget. and my Santander app gives me 1,221.36 ARS/USD right now, and only takes less than an hour after i click the Sell button. so i am WAY ahead of the tourist-paying-cash rate. and i already have paid 3 different businesses in Mendoza with USD (hardware shop, health food store, accountant office), so it looks like the worry of illegally using Dollars is going away. even my fruit stand family had USD in their cash register, so i'm going to ask them if they'll take Dollars for a good discount!
@MikeYoung yeah i've been doing other stuff, but i do enjoy this forum. keep sharing it when you talk to people!
@Uncle Wong let's chat on this thread about living experiences, so we can keep this MEP thread on-topic...see ya there!
https://www.expatsba.com/threads/li...asia-insights-from-an-expat-perspective.5122/