ATM's

[QUOTE=Captain Looney]So I just wanted to share my experiences with ATM's over the years. I used to travel down there just using my Bank of America account, I would usually draw out 500 pesos three times at each ATM visit. After staying usually a month each time I would ring up about 280-300 in ATM fees from BofA. They would charge me 5 per transaction and so each trip was 15 in fees. I called and complained to no avail, so was resigned to it pretty much. Then last year I got an email from my E-Trade account spouting off about their checking account, I looked into it and it looked pretty good for traveling given their fee structure. They say that technically they are allowed to charge up to 1% of the withdraw in fees, but they told me more then three different times on the phone that they are currently not collecting those fees at this time, it seemed fishy but three different operators said the same thing, so I shifted some money into that new account to use during my trip last December. So you do get the tiny fee from the Local bank in BsAs but it was usually in the order of $.50 to a $1 I think, it was so small I hardly gave a shit considering I was enjoying the slide of the peso at the time. It turned out saving me about 300 because as promised they did not collect any fees for international ATM use, this actually works in the states as well, since they don't have a network of their own ATM's they pretty much refund every single ATM fee no matter where. I have in one month of normal use in San Francisco had them refund $92 in fees. They simply refund them as they occur, so if I withdraw $80 from a BofA ATM the charge shows up as $83 charge from BofA and then it is followed in my online statement with a $3 credit. I am no shill for ETrade but they have saved me a fortune in fees and make it so I can simply use any ATM and just laugh at whatever ridiculous fees they want to charge. So worth a look if you are getting hit with asinine fees by your local bank while traveling in Argentina, or anywhere else.

Captain Looney.[/QUOTE]I have a Fidelity Investments debit card and they've also refunded all ATM fees when I've made withdrawals in Argentina.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get good ol' US dollars from ATMs here? I think that I've seen that option on some machines but I've never used it and I think that I've heard that it doesn't work most of the time.

If it does work would I be charged that damn foreign currency transaction fee?

Thanks, Bob

Try Citibank across from Galleria Pacifico, not the Balanco terminal but the regular Citi terminal they are the newer ones, you have to go into the main lobby which should not be problem with your ATM card. I am pretty sure they despense dollars.

I have never been able to get dollars out of an ATM in BA, and have never heard of anyone who has. I tried when I first moved here, went to banks whose ATMs said "Dollars" on the front. I found out that you had to be a client of the bank in order to take advantage of that.

Even banks like Citibank are local banks, not necessarily branches of banks from the States, if you happened to have an account at Citibank. A non-resident without a DNI has very little chance of opening an account where one could extract dollars.

However, Citibank ATMs (the modern ones) let me get up to my bank's limit, which none others in BA will let me do with one withdrawal. Who knows - maybe they have dollars for the general public?

OK, I read a bunch of posts and decided I couldn't figure out how I would fly from North America to Buenos Aires and get Peso's at reasonable rate. I am told banks give counterfeit, airports charge to much, and not to trust ATMS. So I decide to get from banks at home before leaving except every bank I have called has said Peso too unstable, US government sanctions against Argentina, or some other lame reason forces the bank to either not allow exchange for Argentine Peso at all or only with horrible rate. So. I am coming down to visit for a few days in a month. How do those of you with experience get your Pesos?

Thanks for help.

Over the past 6 years of coming to argentina 2 -3 times per year I have exchanged a fair bit of US cash in argentina. For the past 4 years I have exchanged bewteen 4-6k USD each trip. I always use the bank at the airport, located just before you leave security. I have always recieved the best prevailing rate based on me checking it just before I get on my flight the night before. I have never had an issue with a counterfit bill, ever! Unlike banks in BA, the airport bank has no trouble exchanging large sums. I have used banks in Recoleta on occassion and they always seem to balk at anything over 1k at a time. I understand that carrying these large sums of cash from the airport to your accomodation is not for everybody. That said, use the bank at the airport if cash is what you will be exchanging in argentina. Enough said.

Happy Mongering All. Toymann

I bring cash and use ATM's. I've never gotten a bad bill from either one. That's not to say that it doesn't happen, just that it has not happened to me in the 15 or so trips I've made over the past 7 years.

The BANK at the airport has a normal exchange rates. It's the small cambios that are the issue. It's generally not an issue at the cambios in downtown.

Dear visitors.

I've lived here in Buenos Aires now for over 7 months and I always withdraw money from various Citibank ATMs throughout the whole city like in Avenida Santa Fe, Florida and Perron, Callao and Alvear or from the one in front of Galeria Pacifico. I think Citibank now is the only bank that doesn't charge you an additional 11.42 Pesos to your bank regular bank fees (for me U$4.5 with UBS Switzerland) for each withdrawal. A big advantage is that they've modernized all their ATM's the past two months and you can get big amounts from them (already got 4000 Pesos at one time! Most others like HSBC, Rio Santander or Galicia will let you only withdraw 700-900 Pesos at one time with the before mentioned 11.42 extra fee on top of it. Never had any problems with counterfeits at Citibank either!

So certainly a good, economical and safe choice!

Have fun withdrawing!

Citibank is the best choice for a gringo anywhere in latin america. Unless of course your bank is tied in with a foreign bank and you get free debit card transactions.

The Citibank machines seem to be the most reliable as well. At least in my case they have been.

[QUOTE=Artisttyp]Citibank is the best choice for a gringo anywhere in latin america. Unless of course your bank is tied in with a foreign bank and you get free debit card transactions.

The Citibank machines seem to be the most reliable as well. At least in my case they have been.[/QUOTE]Man, I was with Mara last week and she performed an awesome ATM!

No fee for withdrawal either!

There is a small fee for making deposits or entries!

TL.

P. S - ATM is not Texas A & M!

Gig'Em Aggies!

I was wondering because I don't trust sucking machines.

[QUOTE=Ralphy Boyy]I was wondering because I don't trust sucking machines.[/QUOTE]Can someone please tell me if there are ATMs (Don't have to be Citibank) that only slide? I'm afraid of losing my card in some machine.

[QUOTE=Ralphy Boyy]Can someone please tell me if there are ATMs (Don't have to be Citibank) that only slide? I'm afraid of losing my card in some machine.[/QUOTE]I've never heard of anyone losing a card in a "suck" machine here. The Citibank machines are "insert", if that is "suck". If you go to Citibank, and you should, use the Citibank ATM and not the Banelco.

Most ATMs in Argentina RETAIN the card during the transaction. If you card does not get release but is instead retained as can happen if you go into the bank, if they are open, or if you arrive first thing in the morning (usually 1000) of the branch in front or where the card was retained with proper documentation (passport or DNI if local) they will return to you the card. Once it has passed 24 hours you ar lost as they return them or destroy them.

[QUOTE=Kevins]most atms in argentina RETAIN the card during the transaction. If you card does not get release but is instead retained as can happen if you go into the bank, if they are open, or if you arrive first thing in the morning (usually 1000) of the branch in front or where the card was retained with proper documentation (passport or dni if local) they will return to you the card. Once it has passed 24 hours you ar lost as they return them or destroy them.[/QUOTE]The new Citibank ATMs don't retain the card. It is a quick insert and then pull out. Sorta like Exon.

CockSucker.

Exon

[QUOTE=Exon123]CockSucker.

Exon[/QUOTE]Love ya baby.

In 4 years of living here, and using my ATM card at least once a week, I have never lost a card in a machine. I'm sure it happens, but no more often than, say, the States (where I also never lost a card)

But as Doggboy says, Citibank has the kind of machine you put the card in and pull it out again to read it. There's one at Callao and Alvear, one near 9 de Julio on Santa Fe, between 9 de Julio and Libertad, another within a block or two of Callao on Santa Fe. Also on Corrientes almost at the corner of Callao.

I HAVE tried to get money out of an ATM, the machine cogitates and makes like it's counting the money, then says "Please take your cash" when there is nothing there. On looking later, I discovered that indeed I was charged the amount I should have received but didn't. The first two times this happened I panicked, talked to the local bank and my bank, and was told by both that this was not uncommon and the bank who operates the ATM would give me a credit within a day or two. I didn't even have to file a claim. This has happened to me 4 times over the last 4 years, once at a Citibank ATM, and every time I have indeed received a refund within two days, usually within one.

BTW - I don't know if this is my bank, or something to do with some ATMS here or what, but I found out that I am getting bad conversion rates when I go to banks other than Citi.

That is, I know that Macro and Standard gave me HORRIBLE conversion rates, consistently, checking it in my account later. 3.77 last week, when a Citibank ATM gave me 3.92 the same week.

My bank only charges me $1.50 per transaction and I never get charged local ATM fees. So I'm not sure exactly why the bad exchange rate if it's not originating from the bank that operates the ATM.

At any rate, I now try to restrict my withdrawals to Citibank and for other reasons as well, such as I don't have a limit on how much I can take out at Citibank ATMs, except for the limit my bank itself puts on ATM withdrawals.

BTW - notice that in Citibank there are two different types of ATMs, as well as bill-paying machines. Citibank has regular Banelco ATMs that will act like an ATM in any other location - I. E. It will screw you on rate and not give you your ATM limit.

Make sure you go to the modern-looking machines, with touchscreen access. But their bill-paying machines look similar to that, so make sure you go to one that says ATM.

Do the ATMs work 24/7 or just on weekdays? Thanks.

[QUOTE=Benjoe]Do the ATMs work 24/7 or just on weekdays? Thanks.[/QUOTE]24/7 in Buenos Aires, though any particular ATM may be unavailable for whatever reason. Also they often run out of money on Sundays.

What is the general cash limit at the ATMS?

Thanks

[QUOTE=Benjoe]What is the general cash limit at the ATMS?

Thanks[/QUOTE]My ATM Cards limit me to 1000 pesos a day (Bank of America and Patelco Credit Union) the fees are high, $15pesos per transaction, and a horrible exchange. Moral of the story, bring enough cash for your trip (USD) and buy Pesos at Banco de la Nacion at the airport, or downtown for a slightly better rate. Do not change money at Global Exchange, they have the worst rates in town.

Fred.

[url]www.silverstarcar.com[/url]

English Speaking Premium Private Car Services in Buenos Aires

[QUOTE=Oliverito80]Dear visitors.

I've lived here in Buenos Aires now for over 7 months and I always withdraw money from various Citibank ATMs throughout the whole city like in Avenida Santa Fe, Florida and Perron, Callao and Alvear or from the one in front of Galeria Pacifico. I think Citibank now is the only bank that doesn't charge you an additional 11.42 Pesos to your bank regular bank fees (for me U$4.5 with UBS Switzerland) for each withdrawal. A big advantage is that they've modernized all their ATM's the past two months and you can get big amounts from them (already got 4000 Pesos at one time! Most others like HSBC, Rio Santander or Galicia will let you only withdraw 700-900 Pesos at one time with the before mentioned 11.42 extra fee on top of it. Never had any problems with counterfeits at Citibank either!

So certainly a good, economical and safe choice!

Have fun withdrawing![/QUOTE]Where did you get 4,000 pesos from? I tried the Citibank on Alvear and Callao and it limited me to only $1,000 pesos:(

[QUOTE=Benjoe]What is the general cash limit at the ATMS?

Thanks[/QUOTE]A. T. M?

Would that be an ¨Ass to Mouth ¨Chica?

Citi-Bank allows about 2500.00 pesos per day I think.

TL.

Chicas are quite a bit less per deposit or withdrawal!

By the way, try to receive as many small bils as possible!

Nobody except chicas and clubs accept change and never ever give a taxi driver a hundred peso bill!

I went to three different Citibank ATM's, and they all had the same limit of 1000 pesos and charged that outrageous fee of 15 peses, as all the other ATM's in BA. Now, I have an ATM card which has international CURRIS sign on it, and a NYCE sign as well, but it is not a Citibank card; I am not a Citibank customer. Perhaps this is the reason for a discrepancy between the recommendation here and my own experience. There were Citibank terminals there which did not accept my card at all, and in each banch there was one "Cojero Automatico" terminal which did, but was as bad as all the other ones in BA.

I hate to pay those high fees, plus my own bank fee, and all of this for a relatively small amount of money.

[QUOTE=Potemkin]I went to three different Citibank ATM's, and they all had the same limit of 1000 pesos and charged that outrageous fee of 15 peses, as all the other ATM's in BA. Now, I have an ATM card which has international CURRIS sign on it, and a NYCE sign as well, but it is not a Citibank card; I am not a Citibank customer. Perhaps this is the reason for a discrepancy between the recommendation here and my own experience. There were Citibank terminals there which did not accept my card at all, and in each banch there was one "Cojero Automatico" terminal which did, but was as bad as all the other ones in BA.

I hate to pay those high fees, plus my own bank fee, and all of this for a relatively small amount of money.[/QUOTE]The Citibank ATM at Santa Fe near Pued. Ave gives out 2,500AR, but only the 1st machine closest to the door, furthest to the left. The others give out 1,000AR.

Fred.

[url]www.silverstarcar.com[/url]

¨For when you want the best and safest way to and from the airport¨

The citybank near the Alvear Palace let me take out 4k pesos at one shot a few months ago. It gives the last 100 in change also, one 50 and 5 10's.

There are 5 atms, the 2 closest to the bank entrance are the ones you want.

I have been using it for years, I hope it does not change!

[QUOTE=Gato Hunter]The citybank near the Alvear Palace let me take out 4k pesos at one shot a few months ago. It gives the last 100 in change also, one 50 and 5 10's.

There are 5 atms, the 2 closest to the bank entrance are the ones you want.

I have been using it for years, I hope it does not change![/QUOTE]That's great to know, I had gone there and only got 1KAR!

Fred.

[url]www.silverstarcar.com[/url]

English Speaking Executive Airport Transfers in BsAs

I went to Citibank near Alvear Palace, and got the same treatment as in all other banks: 1000 max and 16 pesos fee. Only one ATM (marked Banelco) accepted my card, others (Citibank terminals) did not, no matter how close they were to the front door.

I guess you need to have Citibank's own ATM card to enjoy higher amounts and lower fees.

[QUOTE=Potemkin]I guess you need to have Citibank's own ATM card to enjoy higher amounts and lower fees.[/QUOTE]Untrue. I don't have a Citibank ATM card and pull $1,500 pesos as often as I like using the Citibank machine. Never Banelco. I'm guessing your card is somehow incompatible with the Citi machine. Sounds like you might want to research your card / bank and see what the deal is.

Good luck

What kind of card do you have? Are you paying the 15 peso charge on each withdrawal? What's the exchange rate you are getting?

I have a debit visa card from my Federal Credit Union, which serves as ATM as well; it has PLUS and NYCE signs on it. I always use it around the World, so to speak. I do not know which rate I am getting here: I assume that the rate in all ATM's is pretty good -- this is what I always hear.

Actually, my question was directed at Doggboy since he seems to have the magic card that can pull more than 1,000 pesos.

[QUOTE=Easy Go]Actually, my question was directed at Doggboy since he seems to have the magic card that can pull more than 1,000 pesos.[/QUOTE]Hi Easy Go. I don't think it is a magic card, as I know a number of expats who can pull alot of pesos. In fact, I know some guys who pull $2,500p at a time. I've never tried to pull more than $1,500. I use a USAA Bank debit card. I pay a very small fee to USAA. Until the past few years there was no fee at all. I don't know the exchange rate. USAA is a damn fine organization and I would recommend them to anyone. Seeing as how their services are tailored for active and retired military, they are more attuned to overseas residents. You can however avail yourselves of their banking services even without a military background. Their other services, I believe, are solely for the military.

I think alot of the variations in what folks can pull here are related directly to their card, and not to the ATM. That is NOT the case with the Banelco machines. I remember all the hubbub two years ago when Banelco machines were limiting withdrawls to 300p. I don't know what the limit is now with them.

Humm. I have USAA and a CapitalOne cards and have not had any luck getting more that 1000 pesos as recently as June. I'll give my USAA card a try at the Citibank in October.

What USAA fee are you talking about? I've never been charged one for overseas ATM withdrawals. In fact, I suspect that USAA would actually reimburse the 15 peso fee if I asked under the usual ATM fee reimbursement policy.

[QUOTE=Easy Go]Humm. I have USAA and a CapitalOne cards and have not had any luck getting more that 1000 pesos as recently as June. I'll give my USAA card a try at the Citibank in October.

What USAA fee are you talking about? I've never been charged one for overseas ATM withdrawals. In fact, I suspect that USAA would actually reimburse the 15 peso fee if I asked under the usual ATM fee reimbursement policy.[/QUOTE]Hummm, I'll doublecheck the percent, if there is one, on ATM transactions.

Funny about the different amounts people can pull. I've been pulling $1,500p a pop at the Citi ATMs for years.

I only see the 1% when I use my USAA credit card overseas. If it's in ATM withdrawals, USAA isn't breaking it out.

As an FYI, I e-mailed USAA about fees and they told me:

1. There is a 1% fee that is part of all foreign currency ATM transactions that is charged by the network, not USAA.

2. Since the banks in Argentina don't break the ATM fee out in the transaction, USAA won't reimburse the fee like it would if it was broken out.

3. USAA doesn't charge any fees for ATM use. The ATM fees are strictly those charges by the owner of the ATM.

That still leaves the mystery of why most ATM's are limited to $AR1000 per withdrawal when using US (and I assume other foreign country) cards while a few others don't.

I scooted down to the Citi location on Alvear today and before the machine would give me my $1,500p, I was alerted that there would be a $15.96p fee. That's a new gouge as far as I know. I ordinarly use the Citi on Santa Fe, near Montevideo, and have never run across this fee. Maybe it's a brand new thing. I'll go to the location on Santa Fe and see if they are doing the same.

You can run but you can't hide from these cocksuckers.

[QUOTE=Doggboy; 411967]I scooted down to the Citi location on Alvear today and before the machine would give me my $1,500p, I was alerted that there would be a $15.96p fee. That's a new gouge as far as I know. I ordinarly use the Citi on Santa Fe, near Montevideo, and have never run across this fee. Maybe it's a brand new thing. I'll go to the location on Santa Fe and see if they are doing the same.

You can run but you can't hide from these cocksuckers. [/QUOTE]I noted today when checking my USAA account that they are reimbursing me for these penny ante ATM charges. Good 'ol USAA!