Tourist exchange rate in Argentina: Everything Explained
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- čas přidán 18. 07. 2023
- Tourist can travel to Argentina and use their credit card at the tourist exchange rate. But what is it exactly? How does it work? And what to look out for. All explained by Glenn of Secrets of Buenos Aires.
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My preparations to go to Argentina (BA) are getting more and more complicated. Thank you for your help. from Canada.
According to the official VISA and Mastercard websites Debit cards will get the MEP rate
I was in January 2023 in Buenos Aires and paid sometimes with my VISA Credit Card. The oficial exchange course was applied without refund. After asking the Credit Card issuer …. no answer!
Very interesting information. Thank you. It was nice to hear this information from an Argentinian before I travel to your country.
Very interesting informations, thank you!
Thanks for the video! It's really helpful! We are planning to go to Buenos Aires and Patagonia at the end of October/November. We’ve done some research about this but have the following questions:
1. Do you have to fill out any paperwork to get the benefits, or do you automatically get the credit once you buy something in Argentina with an international credit card?
2. If the advertised price is in Argentinian Pesos, does this mean that they would “have to honor” the program?
3. Is there an amount or date limit for it? For example, you can only spend $5,000 USD in 12 months, etc.?
4. If I buy an online ticket directly with a local airline, like Aerolineas Argentinas, in Argentinian Pesos using my international credit card, would I get the credit automatically?
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us!
Hi, everything goes automatically but I would test it first with a small amount. The price on the payment terminal needs to be in ARS. The maximum amount depends on your bank.
The prices of Aerolineas Argentinas are more or equal to usd conversion rate. My friend tried and his payment was rejected. If you wait until in BA to get to the ticket office, probably the price will increase.
I appreciate the tips because I'm going to BA next month.
OMG - really complicated!... Thanks for the amazing explanation.
How is it going with changing cash dollars outside of Buenos Aires, especially trekking areas like El Chaltén etc? Any idea? Are there arbolitas? Western Union?
Amazing video.
In El Chalten and El Calafate you have exchange offices. Also at some locations you see a little sign exchange tourist dollars here. There are not many.
Thank you! This is good information. Can you comment about the overall security in Buenos Aires? I am going there in 2 weeks and would like to get some insights. Thank you Glen.
Hi, I have a safe feeling in the city. But always take your precautions that you would do too in any other major city. :)
thank you your VDO
Thank you for the information - very interesting. So where do we exchange our US$ to Pesos with the MEP exchange rate? The airport exchange rate banks will have the official rate right?
To get the MEP rate (or close to it) you need to use your credit card. At the banks you will get the official exchange rate. 🙂
I was in Argentina in March '23 and used my US Visa debit card and received close to the MEP rate.
Yeah, I looked at the ARG Central Bank regulation (A7630), and there's no distinction between bank cards ("tarjetas de débito, crédito, compra o prepagas emitidas en el exterior"), also Visa documentation doesn't seem to have that distinction either.
Another thing is how quickly Argentine acquirers (the financial companies that actually deal with merchants, like Prisma or First Data) managed to implement this. I hope this is all completed and done by now, although I hear the internal method these refunds are implemented changes in a few weeks time.
I am a little bit confused. When I use my credit card, which rate is more benefit, MEP or Official Rate ?
Since you recommend not using an ATM to withdraw pestles in Argentina, how should we exchange dollars for pesos once there?
I see that you recommend always using a credit card, but assume that small vendors do not take credit card. For those instances, how does one exchange dollars to pesos to get the best rate???? Thank you in advance
Very informative! Thank you for sharing. Question: Which vendors would you recommend paying in cash (pesos) vs foreign credit cards? We will be visiting AR from the US in January 2024. Also, what is the best method of getting AR pesos? Local ATMs, Western Union? What rate would we receive if we used an ATM with a US Bank account? Official or mep?
I recommend paying restaurants and shops with the credit card. Other services I would make my calculation where I may have the benefit of paying cash. I never use an ATM to withdraw cash.
Thank you so much for the information. How would you recommend that Americans withdraw cash in Argentina? If it is advisable to bring US dollars in cash instead, how would you recommend we exchange into pesos?
I too would like your answer to the second question. If we shouldn’t take out $$ via ATM, how or where should we exchange dollars to pesos???
I've just watched a CZcams upload saying don't use a credit card. You're saying you can use a credit card. I'll be in Argentina in one month. I have a UK credit card. Should I use it or change dollars to pesos?
Thanks
You should use a credit card. It's a handy way to pay in Argentina :-)
Thanks for this great explanation. Seems like these numbers are changing rapidly.
Right now, as best I can tell:
Official Exchange Rate: 350 pesos per dollar
MEP rate w/ credit card: ~600-700 pesos per dollar
Blue Rate exchanging cash for Pesos in a Cueva (Florida Street): 1050 pesos per dollar
Is that about what you are seeing?
Yes
I have been to Buenos Aires in 2016 for 3 months, in 2019 for 2 months and I will be traveling there for month of January 2024. When I use my credit card, should I press pesos or dollars if it ask me? What happens at ATM if need some cash? Will I get MEP rate or what? I know some expats use Western Union…is that worth it for me for being there a month? My housing is paid for already!
At stores they will charge you in Pesos. But check first with something small to see if your card processes it correctly. ATM is the last option I recommend. The credit card will give you normally a bit below the MEP rate and the credit card fee i
We were in BA last November, and it didn’t work. We bought some Blue pesos instead!
Because MEP rates were brought in from DEC 22
How to keep those bundles of cash ,pesos and us dollars safe at a rented location AND carry it....!😅?
What is a MEP rate please? I am planning to go to BA in March ‘24. I’m thinking of bringing US dollars to pay for taxi, restaurants, gifts, museums etc…
Bringing USD is always a good option when traveling to Argentina :-)
Really confusing, wow, the situation not you........I am interested in your services in Buenos Aires, I will contact you. Thanks for this mind-bending info.
How about car rental services? Will they apply MEP?
Mostly the rental companies charge you in ARS. Best to make the calculation with the exchange rates.
I'll take some cash for taxis and bus but maybe use credit card for meals and larger purchases.
Just checking: there are comments that VISA/Mastercard debit cards are using MEP rate. Is that true? anyone know? anyone use wise card?
best way to exchange Dollars into peso ?
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Why do you say Revolut does not work? It can act as a credit card (and is VISA as well). Anybody has feedback about this?
The Tourist dollar only works with credit cards. Revolut is a debit card and therefoe will not work.
@@SecretsofBuenosAires I have beein in Buenos Aires this july, paid with my Revolut Visa debit card and had tourist exchange rate - after day or two they returned me the difference between official and tourist rate back to the card.
So, it's inaccurate that debit card does not work?
Visa website says that it works on credit cards, debit card, and prepaid even
@@magalynunez706 I did the test myself with Revolut Debit Visa card and it charged me at the official rate. Situation changes all the time, so maybe now yes (again). That's why I suggest to test it with a small amount first.
Debit card only
Not anymore as you know..
Hey I just subscribed to you on CZcams and instagram.