1

You can use the ATM to withdraw local money and USD (almost all ATM provide USD). Mostly your bank will charge you 2 pounds for each withdrawal so it would be better to take more money for each try. Pickpocket is quite common in SA so better keep your money in safe place.

2

When your dollars run out you can use xoom that gives you rate very close to black market minus commision. Being from UK you have to pay with your card, then it will be converted into USD and from USD xoom will give you just bellow 6 pesos
Still much better option than simply using ATMs

Depedns where you stay you can also make a day trip to Uruguay or Bolivia where you can simply withdraw USD from ATM


NEVER part with your money, I had $7000 with me on my first South American tour, but I had it in my trousers all the time in internal pocket
I suggest using something similar or at least a money belt, if you stay in hostel dorm I suggest even sleeping with the money, but I would avoid having any excessive amount of cash if you don't have your own room
Few bucks savings is not worth it - just get your room and you'll be fine, of course never leave your money there

#1

How about not talking nonsense about things you have no idea about?
None of the ATMs in Argentina dispense USD nor it is possible to obtain it in legal way.

Edited by: banjanti_respawn

3

I certainly haven't come across a method of getting usd from an ATM in Argentina. My guess is if one could you would do so and then turn around and sell it on the black market at a handsome 33% profit. There is a way of changing pesos legitimately back into USD but it's a few forms and you must keep the receipt from here you got the pesos from in the first place. It's not a straightforward or quick process.

We're in Argentina for a few months and have brought enough usd to last us out. Pickpocketing is a problem but found any form of money belt and common sense (walking around dodgy areas on the dark) to be a non concern with so much cash.

If you do run out pop over to Uruguay or chile and you'll get usd from some (not all) ATMs. Some will give more than others and charge different fees as well.

4

#3 I didn't found any ATM in Chile that will give USD and I was looking pretty well. I doubt it's possible, maybe someone will confirm.
Uruguay shouldn't be too much problem (not in Montevideo for sure) and in Bolivia as I've said almost any ATM dispense USD.

5

You might want to look at the responses to an earlier posting: US Dollars in Argentina (posted Nov. 22).