We are headed to Argentina in a few weeks, and I would like some advise. We have arranged to spend our first week at an estancia in Cordoba -but communications have been sketchy. Can anyone tell me where to go to exchange funds? Our local banks take 10% off the top to buy Argentinian pesos - can we get a better deal at the Cordoba Airport or somewhere else in Cordoba? The estancia wants the balance paid in cash - is this typical? Do small businesses and shops take US dollars? Has anyone heard of or spent time at San Pedro Viejo estancia about 70 miles north of Cordoba? I am used to planning vacations in Europe where everything is much more formal. My nerves are getting the better of me.

We were in Argentina in May, and used ATM machines for all of our money exchange transactions. However, we never needed to withdraw a large amount at once--we generally got $100 - $200 US at a time, using our US ATM/Debit cards. As is the case elsewhere in the world, some ATMs have their own cap on the amount you can withdraw, so you may have to do multiple transactions. See this thread for some recent information on FlyerTalk.

We were with a choral group on tour, and some of our members did have a difficult time with withdrawals because they had not notified their banks they were traveling, and the banks would not release funds. So don't forget to let your bank know you will be in Argentina, and also confirm what your daily withdrawal limit is at their end (they may be able to increase it for you if it is low).

As for using USD for transactions - some of our group did use dollars for small transactions - but if memory serves, that was while we were in Uruguay; and since I did not carry much US cash with me (other than a couple of $20s), I had no direct experience with this.

If you use the "Find" button at the top of this page and enter Foreign ATMs, or some similar phrase, you will find several threads with general answers to the how to get money issue.

Have a wonderful trip. We did not manage to get to Cordoba, although it is on my wish list for "next time". We loved the people, the food, the atmosphere, the interest in the arts and music. I'm sure you will love it.

I was with TourMama in Argentina in May and, like her, used mostly ATMs to get cash. However, I did need to exchange money in Buenos Aires and had no trouble finding an exchange house (Casa de Cambio). It was very quick and easy. Be sure you have your passport with you. USD were accepted in some places in Buenos Aires, but not everywhere. And less often outside of BA. I would always have pesos.

I also would love to go back and see some parts of the country that we didn't make it to. It was a wonderful trip, full of friendly, welcoming people, good food and wine, beautiful scenery. You will have a great trip, I'm sure.

BarbJim/KateMike

I have not been to estancia you mention but I have a twice been to an estancia outside of Buenos Aires,Los Dos Hermanos.

I paid in cash like all the estanica's guest and paid in US currency. Which made it easy because I would have to go to a ATM in Buenos Aires to make a couple of withdrawns. If they price quoted your price in USD and they accept cash they should accept US currency.

Bill