Money Changing In Buenos Aires

Please tell me about the exchange kiosks that offer the best rates for US$ cash. Thanks, I'm leaving for BA tomorrow night.

They all pay about the same rate which is around $12.30.

The places cannot be named as this exchange is normal but illegal. Also advertising goes against the rules of this forum.

Without naming any places, we can help a foreigner who does not know how it works and might get in trouble if he deals with the wrong people.

The "official" exchange bureaus do not give you the best rate. But if you walk along the main tourist pedestrian mall (Florida) you will hear lots of people saying "cambio" (exchange). If you approach one ask him how much, they will ask you how much you want to change and what denomination you carry (20s, 50s, 100s), then will give you a quote. If you agree they will lead you to the inside of one of the many magazine kiosks in the street, or the backside of an "official" exchange bureau, and you exchange your money there. That works fine in the vast majority of cases. But if they try to take you to a private building, turn around and get lost. Those are the (few) cases when people get robbed.

I have just sold US$1600. I got $12.38.

Earlier in the morning I had to buy US$300. I paid $12.68.

Follow up: Calle Florida seems to have at least 30 "agents of change" for every block. The rates are pretty consistent. I got 12.55 to the dollar as of 2 days ago.
I'll just say that you should avoid receiving torn bills in your exchange as not everyone wants to accept them.

Frank, I'm glad it worked for you. I forgot to mention the torn bills -indeed, many unofficial exchangers only accept crisp, fresh off the bank notes.

Note elsewhere in Argentina you may not get such a good rate. We're in the north now and have been getting 12 for $50 and $100 bills but 11 for $20 or below. Some places offer even less.

Hi guys. I tried mymoncy.com since I was not stayin downtown, or planning to go to Calle Florida. It truly worked out for me as I paid a 2% comission and then met with a local guy near my hotel and exchanged US$ 500. And the following week I did it again but with US$1000.

Jenny, Currently the rates on mymoncy are about a peso less per dollar than on Calle Florida, minus another 2% for commission.
Still better than the official bank rates though. Thanks.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.