Banking US credit card not accepted anymore

[MenClerk]

Hello friends,
I've been here with my husband now since May of this year, and suddenly, our Chase credit cards are no longer accepted in two chains of supermarkets. Any idea why is that, or can anyone suggest what can be done to solve this problem? Thank you all!!!

 

[CarlosDEr]

This would be news to me, I have used my debit card without any problems what's so ever. Just curious, is yours a debit or credit card? I know you said credit, but I am just making sure you didn't mean debit.

 

[Dexter]

Stores that accept foreign credit cards pay a 10% service charge. It costs them more to process a credit card transaction.

I have a debit card with a credit union, and use it on rare occasions for purchases over 1,000 pesos.

 

[AmirJacks]

I used my chase debit card yesterday (and every week) at carrefour for over 4000 pesos with no problems.

 

[MenClerk]

I'm back with news on the US Credit Cards. I contacted my Chase cc company three times. The first one, I called from a landline. After dialing the toll-free cc number, Telefónica Argentina informed me that the number I dialed was not reachable at this time (!!!!). I tried again from my husband's cell phone. I managed to reach the cc company when I was abruptly disconnected 5 minutes into my conversation with an assistant about my cc issue (!!!!). I called again using my cell phone, and the same happened (!!!!). I started getting pretty stressed wondering why ain't I able to reach my cc company? So, I got hold of my laptop and called using Skype. Had no problems anymore, and talked all the time I needed. Spoke to a third attendant who investigated the matter, confirmed my ID, and even pointed the places where our cards were rejected. The lady said that there's no cause, whatsoever, why our cards should not work. She said that she could read in her system, that the expiration dates on both our cards were registered as 00/00, which of course, is totally incorrect. She also mentioned that our security codes read 000. She was puzzled as I still am too. I assume this has zilch to do with the US cc company, but is mostly a manipulation from the cc systems here in Argentina, to stop people from using US cards after an extended period of time, and force everyone to get an Argentine cc card which will mean absurd maintenance and/or very high money transfer costs. I'm sure that several foreigners living here longer than 6 months and with Argentine IDs are or will be experiencing the same soon. Mind my words! Allow me to clarify that so far, our cards are being rejected in two (2) lines of supermarkets, but not in restaurants. I also went for a haircut yesterday, and when I was done, I paid with my Chase cc, but the stylist added an additional 10%. So, I ended up paying $600 pesos for the haircut, and an additional $60 just for the hell of it, without any previous warning. Sickening!

 

[RichardOne]

At Coto supermarkets while using a USA credit card the cashier called the supervisor who instructed her on how to use it. When swiped on the side doesn't work must be inserted in the front of the device. Sometimes debit cards must be read as Credit to work...?

 

[SerchMinm]

Stores pay an additional 10% for the cards? REALLY? Then Argentina must be the only country in the world that does that.
Forget getting local credit cards - the requirements are extremely strict and it won't be possible to qualify if you can't show that you have a job in the country and a regular income.

 

[NigjeFs]

Conspiracy? Give me a break!!! Calling a US toll free number and getting disconnected?? totally normal here. 15 years using US cc in BA never a problem.

 

[CarliNeces]

The best solution is have multiple credit and debit cards ( master, visa, American Express) ; various banks and various types issued in various countries. Dont depend on 1 !

 

[earlyretirement]

I’ve Been using my US credit cards for almost 20 years in Argentina without problems. I’m using them now more than ever the past few weeks and no problems at all. And now that the white rate is higher past few months, I’ve even gotten secondary cards for my close friends and they just give me the cash. And all the better as I’m getting points!

 

[PoulCess]

That's a scary thought. I've been using a US credit card for over twenty years without problems, but those AFIP guys keep getting smarter.

 

[SerchMinm]

That's a scary thought. I've been using a US credit card for over twenty years without problems, but those AFIP guys keep getting smarter.

I really would like to know if the AFIP detect use of foreign credit cards by people with DNIs.

 

[earlyretirement]

I really would like to know if the AFIP detect use of foreign credit cards by people with DNIs.

I almost never have anyone that asks to see an ID when I charge something. Especially at restaurants I NEVER get asked for ID. If a store does ask for ID, I just show them my US driver's license. I never write my actual DNI # on any of those receipts.

 

[SerchMinm]

I almost never have anyone that asks to see an ID when I charge something. Especially at restaurants I NEVER get asked for ID. If a store does ask for ID, I just show them my US driver's license. I never write my actual DNI # on any of those receipts.

Yes this was stated elsewhere in this thread. At the supermarket they do ask for the DNI though not usually in restaurants. I've never tried to use foreign ID. You do this even though you have permanent residence?

 

[earlyretirement]

Yes this was stated elsewhere in this thread. At the supermarket they do ask for the DNI though not usually in restaurants. I've never tried to use foreign ID. You do this even though you have permanent residence?

Yep. I just use my US driver's license even though I've had permanent residency in Argentina for almost 15 years. I never carry my DNI around. In the USA it's super easy to get your driver's license replaced so I just use that for an ID. Yes, in the supermarket they might ask for ID but I just use my US driver's license. Even if they ask for DNI you'll notice they NEVER fill in your DNI # on the receipt. They leave you to do it and nothing stopping you from writing in fake #.

I just don't see any rational or good reason why I'd carry around my DNI when using credit cards in Argentina.