Latest legal USD exchange rate?
Replies: 12 - Last Post: Feb 5, 2013 2:17 PM Last Post By: travelwiz13
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Latest legal USD exchange rate?
I will be in Buenos Aires in mid-February. Recent posts on this forum mentioned that the latest exchange rate in the black market is now 7.50 ARS to USD. However, I am only counting on exchanging money legally (I don't know anyone in Argentina and don't know how to get to the black market). What is the exchange rate I can get at regular cambios? Does the exchange rate vary a lot among different cambios?Thanks for your help!
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I'm here in Buenos Aires right now. Legal exchange is around 4.95 pesos to $1 USD. Well worth the black market exchange rate if you're here for more than a few days. You can also try XOOM, which gives a rate closer to the black market exchange (it's 6.95 pesos to $1 USD now). They're a little annoying because you have to pick up the cash from one of their 3 offices in BsAs.2
Thanks sundays945! I cannot use XOOM because I'm in Canada (they only send money from US bank accounts). How do I excess the black market rate? Where should I go?5
Thanks bamemory! We're staying at a private apartment in Palermo that I booked online. I emailed the owner about exchanging USD but he didn't reply me... Can you suggest what kind of places I should try? Hotels? Stores that advertise that they buy gold (I read about this one online)?If you know any specific contacts, can send me a private message? I understand if you wouldn't want to though. Thanks! ;-)
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If you want to try the black market, go to Calle Florida between Av. de Mayo and Av. Cordoba. It's a pedestrian street with lots of guys on the sidewalk calling out "Cambio!" You run the risk of fake bills and even legitimate transactions feel sketchy. A few of my friends here have done this with success. I'd probably try it if I run of out Argentine friends interested in trading for dollars.8
Ask the agency you rented the flat from. All those who work in tourism know specific places. It is not so difficult to find them in downton Buenos Aires.10
I asked my BA apartment landlord about currency exchange again and he only suggested the black market on Florida (I can't pay him in cash because the apartment is booked through AirBnb; this web site is credit card only). We are planning to exchange 2500 USD, and it seems not everybody in my group is comfortable with the black market for this amount.We will try our luck with exchange houses then. If anyone knows any exchange house that offers good rates, please let me know! We're not aiming for 7 ARS to USD, 6 would be fantastic.
