Hi
Is it common for tour operators, hotels etc to quote their prices in USD (eg 50$) but then say that that price is actually payable in Argentine peso, as converted from the USD price on the day of payment using the official rate? Obviously this mechanism increases the price in real terms as I would - if I just had to pay an agreed price in peso - convert my USD to peso using the black market rate. However, if this is a usual practice then I will have to live with it!
Thanks
Mel
Check hostelworld or hostelbookers for hostel prices. Change the exchange rate to Arg Pesos.
When I booked with those - I paid in the local currency.
In most instances, when a price is quoted in U.S. dollars, and they allow you to pay in pesos, it will be converted at the Blue Dollar rate, and not the "official" rate. Don't expect to profit from the arbitrage. When dealing with regulated companies (airlines, etc.), you generally can't pay in pesos.
Thanks - that seems like a reasonable approach. I am not expecting to profit but the approach of fixing a price in USD and then requiring payment in peso using the official rate on the day seems like the tour company / hotel is trying to take advantage of tourists. Either fix the price in peso or USD, is my view. The tour company in question sent me their prices in peso and then tried to insist on their USD price list instead (but with payment in peso). I have already tried to insist that I prefer peso prices as I am not from the States so have no desire to consider three currencies when I could just do two!
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