Newcomer First visit to Buenos Aires – a few inquiries

[galaxy]

Hello,
I'm planning a trip to Argentina at the end of February, visiting Buenos Aires and El Calafate, and I have some questions.

Currency
I'm a bit confused about the currency situation in Argentina. Should I bring cash in USD or EUR? And how can I ensure I get the best exchange rate for Argentine Pesos (ARS)?
Is using Visa/Mastercard not recommended?
I read about online transfers through the Western Union website and then withdrawing cash from any Western Union location. Is that correct?

Uber
Is it safe to use Uber? And is cash also accepted as payment?
Public Transportation
Is public transportation reliable and safe?

Safety
Is it safe to walk alone during the daytime (before dark)? Are there any areas that should be avoided?
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Hello,
I'm planning a trip to Argentina at the end of February, visiting Buenos Aires and El Calafate, and I have some questions.

Currency
I'm a bit confused about the currency situation in Argentina. Should I bring cash in USD or EUR? And how can I ensure I get the best exchange rate for Argentine Pesos (ARS)?
Is using Visa/Mastercard not recommended?
I read about online transfers through the Western Union website and then withdrawing cash from any Western Union location. Is that correct?

Uber
Is it safe to use Uber? And is cash also accepted as payment?
Public Transportation
Is public transportation reliable and safe?

Safety
Is it safe to walk alone during the daytime (before dark)? Are there any areas that should be avoided?
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance!

We are all confused about the currency thing and many of us have been here for years!

USD is easier to exchange . EUR is not always possible especially outside the capital.

USD should be 100 dollar bills with no marks or blemishes

Using an international credit card will get you a rate slightly below the MEP rate - you lose a few per cent but don't have to carry loads of useless notes in your pocket.

WU works well - sometimes you have to wait in line for a fe minutes . I still use it after many years.

Uber is as safe as all public transport methods - As long as you declare prior to your ride , you can pay with cash . Buut it is sometimes easier just to use your normal payment method. Paying by cash may save you a dollar , nothing more.

Public transport is safe. The problem is getting hold of a compulsory SUBE Card , which you need to use it.

The subway is great by the way.

Safe to walk almost everywhere. Just don't flash cash or your ROLEX.

The worst area is close to the Boca football ground

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Look at the rates here

Dólar hoy, cotización del dólar, precio del dólar, dólar blue, precio histórico del dólar, valor del UVA | Dolarito.ar

Seguí la cotización del dólar minuto a minuto, compara cotizaciones, visualiza los valores históricos, conocé el precio del dólar, evolución del valor UVA

www.dolarito.ar

 

[Carl80]

Currency
I'm a bit confused about the currency situation in Argentina. Should I bring cash in USD or EUR? And how can I ensure I get the best exchange rate for Argentine Pesos (ARS)?
Is using Visa/Mastercard not recommended?
I read about online transfers through the Western Union website and then withdrawing cash from any Western Union location. Is that correct?

Review and peruse some of the previous entries related to this topic, specifically focusing on the recent modifications that have taken place.

Is using Visa/Mastercard not recommended?

Examine past discussions where individuals delve into seeking affordable destinations and strategizing to maximize their currency value during travel. While some opt for frugality, my approach differs. For those pursuing cost-effective options, it's crucial to comprehensively grasp the dynamics to make informed decisions on economizing during their journeys.

I read about online transfers through the Western Union website and then withdrawing cash from any Western Union location. Is that correct?

You have the option to do this as well. However, please be aware of the fees and charges associated with it.

Uber
Is it safe to use Uber? And is cash also accepted as payment?

Apologies, but I don't personally use Uber. However, based on my understanding, it operates similarly in your location as it does elsewhere.

Is public transportation reliable and safe?

I haven't encountered any problems during my visits to Buenos Aires.

Is it safe to walk alone during the daytime (before dark)? Are there any areas that should be avoided?

I've explored various destinations on foot, often covering substantial distances. However, the approach may vary depending on the circumstances. I adhere to certain principles, such as staying aware of my surroundings, applying common sense, and trusting my instincts. I find it essential to remain flexible, observing and assessing the situation upon arrival, and making necessary adjustments to my plans. There's no universal rule for travel; adaptability and on-the-go decision-making play a crucial role.

 

[Carl80]

Here are some additional suggestions: consider carrying only a limited amount of cash for daily expenses, along with a single card. Optionally, you can keep some local emergency cash in a discreet location, such as a necklace pouch or another secure method.

It's a good practice to always have emergency cash on hand. USD notes in denominations of 100 can be convenient due to their compact size. Additionally, you may choose to carry some larger Euro notes, such as 50 or 100, as they are also compact and widely accepted. You can keep the majority of your funds in a secure location, like a hotel safe or a hidden spot in your room.

To enhance financial security, consider having a second emergency backup card from a different bank. This ensures that if one bank faces issues, you have an alternative for financial transactions.

 

[Nicholas]

Here are some threads that may be helpful to you:

Newcomer - Financial guidance, please!

Hello, We are about to embark on a month-long journey to Chile and Argentina. Our itinerary involves spending most of our time in Chile, with the final week in Argentina, exploring Patagonia and Buenos Aires. Typically, we rely on a cash card in UK pounds and withdraw the local currency as...

www.expatsba.com

Banking - ATM or Cash Exchange

Hello, We're planning a trip to Argentina in January, with Buenos Aires as our initial destination. We anticipate carrying a modest amount of cash for the journey, perhaps a few hundred USD equivalents. Is it convenient to exchange cash in Buenos Aires, and is the exchange rate reasonable...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Getting around in Buenos Aires with Taxis & Ride Share Apps (Uber, DiDi and Cabify)

Buenos Aires ride share apps work very well. Taxis are also totally safe to take no matter where you hail them from. Just keep in mind that while not common, you can get a taxi meter that is rigged and moves faster. I've taken tens of thousands of taxis in Buenos Aires the past 21+ years and...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Guide to BA Transport System

Hey there! Exciting times ahead for your first trip to BA! If you're looking for a guide on navigating the bus and train system, especially tailored for English speakers,

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Pedestrian Safety

In Buenos Aires, the traffic dynamics can be different from European cities, and pedestrians might not always have the same priority. Crossing streets without traffic lights can vary depending on the area. In some busy intersections, it might be challenging as traffic can be intense, and drivers...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Safety prep for Buenos Aires, opinions?

During our 11-night stay in Palermo Soho next year, I'll be employing some precautions to ensure our safety. I have a discreet Pacsafe Coversafe waist bag that sits comfortably under my shorts, concealing my phone. Additionally, I plan to stash credit cards strategically around my body beneath...

www.expatsba.com

 

[galaxy]

Thank you all for the great help!
It was good to find this forum!

 

[StatusNomadicus]

yes, @Nicholas with the links i was going to post! @Walter W just asked a lot of these questions...check out that one!

Newcomer - Questions related to the practical aspects of cash in BA

There has been a wealth of information in this forum regarding topics like exchange rates and where to exchange money. However, there are a few questions that I haven't seen addressed, which would be useful to know in preparation for a visit to Buenos Aires. How many dollars per day should I...

www.expatsba.com

and for daily credit card costs @galaxy, i put data on a Twitter/X page for fellow Expats: www.x.com/ArgentinaMEP

 

[barlow]

Here are some threads that may be helpful to you:

Newcomer - Financial guidance, please!

Hello, We are about to embark on a month-long journey to Chile and Argentina. Our itinerary involves spending most of our time in Chile, with the final week in Argentina, exploring Patagonia and Buenos Aires. Typically, we rely on a cash card in UK pounds and withdraw the local currency as...

www.expatsba.com

Banking - ATM or Cash Exchange

Hello, We're planning a trip to Argentina in January, with Buenos Aires as our initial destination. We anticipate carrying a modest amount of cash for the journey, perhaps a few hundred USD equivalents. Is it convenient to exchange cash in Buenos Aires, and is the exchange rate reasonable...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Getting around in Buenos Aires with Taxis & Ride Share Apps (Uber, DiDi and Cabify)

Buenos Aires ride share apps work very well. Taxis are also totally safe to take no matter where you hail them from. Just keep in mind that while not common, you can get a taxi meter that is rigged and moves faster. I've taken tens of thousands of taxis in Buenos Aires the past 21+ years and...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Guide to BA Transport System

Hey there! Exciting times ahead for your first trip to BA! If you're looking for a guide on navigating the bus and train system, especially tailored for English speakers,

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Pedestrian Safety

In Buenos Aires, the traffic dynamics can be different from European cities, and pedestrians might not always have the same priority. Crossing streets without traffic lights can vary depending on the area. In some busy intersections, it might be challenging as traffic can be intense, and drivers...

www.expatsba.com

Newcomer - Safety prep for Buenos Aires, opinions?

During our 11-night stay in Palermo Soho next year, I'll be employing some precautions to ensure our safety. I have a discreet Pacsafe Coversafe waist bag that sits comfortably under my shorts, concealing my phone. Additionally, I plan to stash credit cards strategically around my body beneath...

www.expatsba.com

Wow you the man for posting all these links!!

 

[galaxy]

My friend is there now and he said all of this advice was all 100% correct. Thanks again. I can't wait to arrive in a few days.