As far as I can tell, everywhere and everyone in Argentina prefers or demands to be paid in cash. I have been reading about ATM issues which seem to make it very difficult to withdraw any significant amount of cash.... So does everyone just take huge wads of cash along when they travel there? Doesn't that make every arriving tourist a target for robbery? Any suggestions? Thanks Barbara
I think only people who rent apartments would have this problem, so thieves won't have any way to specifically target them out of the legions of tourists. If I were carrying large amounts of cash anywhere, I'd wear a moneybelt under my clothes, and either arrange for a driver or get a safe taxi when transferring from the airport to the apartment.
Where are you renting? I am going to Buenos Aires in April 2009.
I have been reading about ATM issues which seem to make it very difficult to withdraw any significant amount of cash.... So does everyone just take huge wads of cash along when they travel there? Doesn't that make every arriving tourist a target for robbery?
When I was in Buenos Aires I never has any trouble with the ATMs other than my own bank limits and I also never had any problems using my visa/mastercard - they were widely accepted.
I felt perfectly safe walking in Buenos Aires at all hours of the day, maybe because I flew thru São Paulo in Brazil (where I looked over my shoulder every minute of the day - even in broad daylight!); of course there are areas where you should be careful but that happens everywhere (con artists and pickpockets are an "international franchise" unfortunately) but maybe a local like Sandy01 could fill you in on those.
We are flying into Cordoba and heading out into the country. The estancia, San Pedro Viejo, where we are staying will only accept cash, and the small villages nearby are cash only also. We are spending the second week in Mendoza and they also have requested that we pay our balance due in cash. I have read several travel articles recently that said that most ATMs have a $300 daily limit, and since we will not be near ATMs for several days at a time, this means they are not really an option.
Barbara - have you checked with the places where you will be staying to see if they will accept the cash payment in US dollars? We only found out after we arrived in Buenos Aires that our B&B hostess would have been delighted if we had brought enough dollars with us to pay her with them!
If they are willing to receive dollars, you could withdraw enough cash from your bank, divide it among the members of your party to carry in a secure moneybelt, and avoid the anxiety you are feeling now.
Judy
Posts: 1880 | Location: Berkeley, CA | Registered: 22 March 2005
I suppose, as you go directly to Cordoba, that you have all transportation inside Argentina previously arranged, so even if you are carrying large amounts of cash you won't be walking around with it to become a target for robbers. Estancia San Pedro Viejo belongs to NH Town & Country hotels, so I think they must accept dollars or other method of payment, like a wire transfer. Try to contact them again to see if they will accept American Express Travelers Checks, those are widely accepted here too. They have a telephone in Buenos Aires, I can call and ask them for you if you wish. Just let me know.
Do traveler's checks work down in Argentina? We are tossing around ideas about a trip there and thought that ATMs and credit cards would suffice. Didn't know that accessing cash was a problem and that one could not use credit cards to to pay hotel/accommodations balances.
I have a co-worker of mine that moved out to Argentina. I have been considering visiting him, my only concern was carrying cash around. He reassured me if you blend in and don't attract too much attention to yourself no one will bother you, but as soon as you open your mouth they know your from out of town. So either way be careful when walking around make sure your money is in your front pocket and hove someone you trust walk you around. Thats my 2cents I got from him.
I too have withdrawn money many a times in Buenos Aires from ATMs without problems so I wouldn't worry too much about it but I have been reading that crime rate has escalated in the BA suburban areas (kidnapping, assault, murder, etc).
We just returned from our visit to Argentina, and thought I would post an update. Turns out that both the ranch in Cordoba and the Lodge in Mendoza were delighted to accept US $, and a significant number of merchants would accept them also, although usually at a significantly reduced exchange rate. Both places were able to change some dollars into pesos, and we went to a bank in Mendoza which changed our dollars at the current exchange rate at no charge. We were met at the airport by our ranch representative, and when we took the bus to Mendoza, we were met at the station by our Mendoza Holidays guide, so we felt totally safe, even though we were carrying a lot of cash. To answer someone's question, travelers checks were not accepted by either of the places we stayed.
To address the issue of crime in general, we stayed on an estancia way out in the country. Our room had a safe, and we didn't go anywhere where we needed cash. The only time we felt at all in danger was when we rode too close to some irritated bulls.
While in Mendoza, we stayed in a gated and guarded B & B. When the day person left, and armed guard arrived to patrol the property all night. This seemed excessive to us as we were staying in a very upscale area, but who were we to question. All of the wineries we visited were gated. But we were always with our guide and driver, and never felt threatened in any way. The one day we spent on our own in downtown Mendoza was delightful. So - not sure what the deal is with the guards and gates everywhere, but we had no problems at all.
I highly recommend Argentina - our dollars went a long way, the people we friendly, and the scenery was amazing.
and I also never had any problems using my visa/mastercard - they were widely accepted.
