Exchanging Currency

[QUOTE=Mpexy; 427870]Pretty outdated / inflated local rates coming from a local source. You either know it firsthand or you don't. You admit in most recent reply you don't have firsthand xp and get girls other ways, yet quote here inflated numbers as if you did have firsthand xp. That's pretty odd.

Newports. Relatively very few chicas will quote in dollars and when they do, yes it's $200 USD and once in blue moon if they smell no Spanish speaking sucker tourist, $300 USD. But they all quickly back pedal off this the minute you laugh, tell them you just want to rent their pussy for awhile not buy for life, etc. Most chicas quote still in pesos. Keep it that way.

Cost. The chica network tells new girls coming in the "standard" short time 1-2 pop price is 500-600 pesos. Doesn't mean you won't get plus / minus 100 pesos of this but a trusted chica who was training a brand new girl starting first day at NP that I and other AP monger met told us this was what she knew as "standard" rate and encouragd new chicas to know as "standard" rate.

Doesn't mean you won't have the hottest or mercs try to charge more, but if you have to baseline from somewhere, I'd use this.

What you GET for that price totally depends on you though. One hour, all night, whatever. Want more, pay more is usual rule though. At the higher end, such as the handful of blacks girls that rotate on off nights in np, getting to be lot more rare now, they take minimum 800 and sometimes 1k. But these chicas also are more amenable in my xp for that price to deliver half night or toda la noche. Their ego just wants that price, what they deliver is up to negotiation and you not being a jerk.

Madahos, Blacks. Have already posted my price xp from this aug to now; in short, my xp is nothing short of 800p for the avg range girls will get them out of club, with more luck towards 3am and later because even these avg chicks want bit more earlier in night; 1000p for the hotter / they think they are in hotter range chicks there. 1200p+ for the 4-5 hottest on any given night and they know it. These ego chicks would rather make zero than go for you for one peso less than their absolute min 1200. However unlike indies that charge 350 / hr generally, this takeout "session" from club girls can last much longer. Depends on you, what and how you negotiate into their takeout price, etc.

I'd say Internet indie chick is better value if you want an hour or long hour 90min. Club gals cost more for sure but session length more controllable based on your negotiation and willingness to tell that chick no and go onto another fish in the club pond to try.

Not been into hippo this trip so can't say. Highly suspect given chica network that it is much different than Madahos or blacks.

Indy. The vast range of indies including highly rated, reviewed and know exactly what you get is right at 350 per hour, with a smaller base at 400, and a very few handful at 500. There is a couple I've seen at 600-650 now but those are the outlier exception. Even a casual glance at either of the two major local forums will show you vast range of good looking, well reviewed chicas are at the 350p baseline.

Some of these chicas will give decent price break for a 2hr or 3hr session. Some won't, but some will. YMMV based on who you are, act like, repeats, etc.

350 vs 600 is pretty far off even for horseshoes and hand grenades and I'm pretty well up on the scale the price police would say is high. You should pay whatever the heck you want to pay, but pretending 600 is close enough to stamdard hour is pretty dumb unless you want to be peddling the idea that the "standard" is 600 / hr from indies.[/QUOTE]Thanks, that was an excellent and educated response.

I guess I should have clarified that 400p is for a decent or long hour and 600p can become a solid 2 hour ride; it just depends on the girl.

That's the way I negotiate it.

If the girl wants 4oop for 1 hour I will counter with 600p for 2 hours and maybe 800p for 3 hours, always negotiating the time instead of the price.

Remember that I get paid to take the Boys to the clubs so I have heard every quote from every girl in every bar worth going to.

Not every girl but you know what I mean.

Also, they see me having to translate every word so they think they have a winner!

I am the first person to tell the girl that she's fucking crazy and this country uses Pesos not Dollars.

Shit, the owner of Hook hates me for telling the boys that 1 drink is good enough, he tells me that I should not help the Boys save money.

Hippo's pricing is the same as Madahos and it's a much nicer bar, atmosphere and general layout with up to 120 girls on a good night.

So what was the question?

Do I think 600p for a true hour from an Indy is normal?

I hope not but that's what I mean about a lack of experiance with Indies.

I'm more familiar with the Club pricing and I have NEVER used an Escort site in my life.

I have always relied on girls that I meet while working or girls that I know from my restaurant and on girls that I have known for years and on the girls that the Boys recommend on this board.

The best ones are the ones the Chica God drops in your lap when you least expect it.

Thanks,

TL.

Although I get out a lot I must not be getting out as much as you.

Hey Mpexy, you have provided a lot of good info lately, thanks.

I'm with you on the multi-hour or TLN deals. Not only possible with the club girls and escort independents, but also the chicas in the privados and massage places (after work) and massage independents. They are all options.

Of course some of the massage chicas won't do full service, but some guys (myself included) don't always look for that, there are many other ways to have fun. There are plenty of very good looking massage chicas. Since their rates tend to be lower, they should also be a less expensive option for multi-hour / TLN deals. Of course you got to find the ones willing to do it and work around their schedule.

Last trip I went to Brisa Spa and had a very good selection. I picked a "9" and knew one hour with this hottie would not be enough. In the room I offered her 600 pesos for 3-4 hours at my place after her shift (a few hours later) and she jumped at the opportunity. It worked out quite well. I will definitely pursue this type of arrangement again on my next trip.

[QUOTE=Esten; 427876]Hey Mpexy, you have provided a lot of good info lately, thanks.

I'm with you on the multi-hour or TLN deals. Not only possible with the club girls and escort independents, but also the chicas in the privados and massage places (after work) and massage independents. They are all options.

Of course some of the massage chicas won't do full service, but some guys (myself included) don't always look for that, there are many other ways to have fun. There are plenty of very good looking massage chicas. Since their rates tend to be lower, they should also be a less expensive option for multi-hour / TLN deals. Of course you got to find the ones willing to do it and work around their schedule.

Last trip I went to Brisa Spa and had a very good selection. I picked a "9" and knew one hour with this hottie would not be enough. In the room I offered her 600 pesos for 3-4 hours at my place after her shift (a few hours later) and she jumped at the opportunity. It worked out quite well. I will definitely pursue this type of arrangement again on my next trip.[/QUOTE]Hi Esten.

Location? Address? Phone #?

Thanks, Mountaineer

I was able to get 6. 2 at the "Western Union"@$500 USD without even trying. He offered 6. 1 and I pushed a little and he said, OK. 6.2.

[url]http://www.brisamasaje.com.ar/[/url]

[QUOTE=Mountaineer; 427942]Hi Esten.

Location? Address? Phone #

Thanks, Mountaineer[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=AllIWantIsLove;427949][url]http://www.brisamasaje.com.ar/[/url][/QUOTE]

Website does not list their address but I found it AP massage list. Esmeralda 847, piso 12 H, at Paraguay, (Brisa Massage).
PS- Also this post should be listed under a different thread than Exchanging Currency. There is already a thread started.
See below:
AP THREAD- Esmeralda 847, piso 12 H, at Paraguay (Brisa Masajes)

Posted by Smokey on 10/10/12 Terrible experience. 200P, nice looking girls but really bad service. A little back rub, roll over and in less than 10 mins started to rub the shit out of my pole like she was trying to get fire. 25 year old but the experience of. Well, much much less. Not going back, that shinny button is going to get tarnished if they keep that up. I speak Spanish, offered extra pay, not a bad looking guy and I showered. They just were not into the work.

[QUOTE=World2012;427944]I was able to get 6. 2 at the "Western Union"@$500 USD without even trying. He offered 6. 1 and I pushed a little and he said, OK. 6.2.[/QUOTE]Is the Western Union open on SUNDAYS?

[QUOTE=Red Raider;427953]Is the Western Union open on SUNDAYS?[/QUOTE]Just do the Florida stroll and people will be exchanging. Rates are generally a little lower on Sunday because less people are doing it.

[QUOTE=TejanoLibre; 427853]The educated girls know and follow the blue dollar without a doubt.

Any girl at Madahos, Black, Hippo, Newport, etc will probably hit you at $200. 00 dollars these days and a decent counter offer is $800. 00 pesos MAX!

That's for a very hot Boliche Chica.

Otherwise you can count on about $400. 00 to $600 pesos an hour for an Indy.

$600. 00 pesos or a flat $100. 00 bucks is close enough for horse shoes and hand granades so you don't want to piss the girl off over $5. 00 dollars because she will take it out on you in the bedroom.

TL.

P. S. Guerrero, how did you come up with that screen name?

I've never seen you before.

Just curious.

Also, nobody knows what the Dollar will be worth in January; it may actually become outlawed.[/QUOTE]TRES3, TejonLibre, Mpexy, Daddy Rulz and Sunseeker, many thanks for your comments, very much appreciated.

TejonLibre, I used to live in Buenos Aires in during 2004 and 2005 (probably one of the best times in my life) and since then apart form a few posts on some mongering in Spain I have not really contributed to the site. Regarding my screen name (Guerrero) my friends used to call me a warrior to descibe my partying, however as the years have passed this has considerably quietened down

I decided to do one last xfer through Xoom. Send another $500 bucks. Last night I got a call from More Casa and the guy asked me what I planned to do with the money. I asked him why he had to know and he mumbled something about the law. So I told him I intend to spend every peso on hookers, whisky and beer. He said "como?" To which I repeated, whisky, cervesa, why gatos. He said "bueno, listo" and hung up. Today I picked up my money and the guy behind the counter barely looked at my passport. He entered the transaction number and immediatly counted my funds. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes.

Maybe I'm on to something here.

[QUOTE=Daddy Rulz; 428002]I decided to do one last xfer through Xoom. Send another $500 bucks. Last night I got a call from More Casa and the guy asked me what I planned to do with the money. I asked him why he had to know and he mumbled something about the law. So I told him I intend to spend every peso on hookers, whisky and beer. He said "como?" To which I repeated, whisky, cervesa, why gatos. He said "bueno, listo" and hung up. Today I picked up my money and the guy behind the counter barely looked at my passport. He entered the transaction number and immediatly counted my funds. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes.

Maybe I'm on to something here.[/QUOTE]They've called me twice but I never called back. When I went to More I got the usual hassle.

We need to test this via empirical reduction of variables. I'm going to call the More hq guy back next time I get contact and just say "hookers!"

I'm betting the whiskey and cerveza are just bookends to what he really wants to hear how all that stash is being spent. Chicas why chicas why chicas.

I'll take one for the team and send an extra large xfer this week to test this theory

[QUOTE=Mpexy; 428018]They've called me twice but I never called back. When I went to More I got the usual hassle.

We need to test this via empirical reduction of variables. I'm going to call the More hq guy back next time I get contact and just say "hookers!"

I'm betting the whiskey and cerveza are just bookends to what he really wants to hear how all that stash is being spent. Chicas why chicas why chicas.

I'll take one for the team and send an extra large xfer this week to test this theory[/QUOTE]Never got to say why. Did large xfer yesterday and picked up today. Got call from More and woman said she was from More and my xfer rdy for pickup at location on Libertad.

No question re why, just said listo after I said I knew where the Libertad location was and she hung up.

Went I went to pickup, got a no hassles no phone call fast pickup.

Maybe long as you take that call, the pickup clerk only has to do quick web check of txn number instead of full deal plus long phone call to back office to approve

Was looking forward to shouting chicas y chicas y chicas!

[QUOTE=Mpexy;428055]Never got to say why. Did large xfer yesterday and picked up today.![/QUOTE]What is the largest transfer you have done so far?

Can I do 5000 us$ in single transfer? Please advise?

[QUOTE=Member #3320; 428069]What is the largest transfer you have done so far?

Can I do 5000 us$ in single transfer? Please advise?[/QUOTE]Single largest xfer done so far is $1500 USD. No idea if mythical"10k"+ pesos in one xfer will trigger additional More Casa scrutiny but decided might as well not chance it and with swinging exchange rates, no point doing more than 9k pesos at a time. Other than first test with $350 USD, vast majority of my 1-2x / week xfers are $1000 or $1500, depending on exchange rate. Xoom for USA to Argentina xfers has increasing fees as you send more money but interestingly they cap total fee at max $30 USD regardless of send amount above $1000.

So, if you send less than $1000, you pay sliding scale up to point where you reach $1000 sent = max $30 fee, but anything above that remains at capped fee. E. G. Send $1500 and you still pay max $30 fee, which helps your actual equivalent exchange rate once you factor Xoom and any pickup costs like taxi. Sending to other countries like Uruguay for example doesn't seem to have this capped max fee for amounts even up to $2500 that I tried on their calculator.

You can, and can't, do $5000 USD in a single transfer. Read below for complete details. Depends what permission level you have achieved / proven with Xoom AND with More Casa. They both have separate walls you need to climb to attain certain levels.

Xoom walls:

Level 1. Newbie account, created today from scratch will have send limits of $2999 max single transaction, $2999 max total sent per 30-day revolving period, and grand total $9999 max total sent in 180 days revolving period. Revolving period is my term. It's unclear on Xoom FAQ but what happens is your limits are reduced on a daily basis as prior transactions are 'erased', it does not reset your entire 30-day period on day 31. For example, if you sent $750 per week for 4 weeks every Monday and hit your $2999 limit on day 28. On the 31st day from your first recorded sent transaction date, your 30-day window limit will have that first $750 transaction erased. Your account will show that you are now able to send $750 more dollars, not $3k.

Therefore, it is best that whether you need the money or not, if you plan on consistently using Xoom or have as backup, that you send in roughly equal spaced periods so that you never need to wait an extra long period of time to be able to send. Example, if you send $749 on first Monday of week 1, then waited till day 29 to send another $2250, you would need to wait another 31 days before that $2250 cleared.

Level 2. At any time, earlier the better I recommend if you know you will need or have backup need for Xoom on consistent basis, you may apply for Level 2 status. I wrote a lengthy post about it here on this thread. I had to send into Xoom a copy of any government doc proving my I'd. Suggested by Xoom was driver license or passport. They only required one but I sent in photo pics of both my driver license and passport. Also required for this stage was example of any standard utility or bank statement showing your home address of record. I could have just downloaded an electricity bill statement but I sent in one of my lesser used bank statement PDFs downloaded from my bank.

This Level 2 will increase your Xoom side limits (again please note we still haven't even gotten to the More Casa crap). Limit per single transaction stays same at $2999, but increases 24 hour limit to $6000, 30-day period limit to $6000, and grand total 180-day limit to $19, 500.

Level 3. There may be some custom level above this but unaware. Level 3 is technically a "custom" level because unlike above Level 2 where you are automatically directed online to provide the additional info soon as you go above the Level 1 limits, this Level 3 can only be granted by your own self initiative to call into Xoom customer service where a verification team will ask for additional docs (some might have already sent in as part of Level 2). I had to send in a current or most recent bank full month bank statement. Used PDF of bank statement I had to use for support of funds for More Casa, read below. I emailed the PDF BTW, no snail mail here. Also was asked for photo I'd, again, and just pointed out had already sent in passport and DL for level 2 and they were ok with that, but new one was asked for support of income like pay statement or in my case because private business my income disbursement check statement.

This last pre-set "custom" level raises limits to. Single transaction still $2999, 24 hour limit to $9999, 30 day limit to $20000, and grand total 180 day limit to $60000.

All of the above, once passed, clears you fully on Xoom side and never once get hassled from Xoom.

However, since we're talking about Argentina and there is no other choice here (versus Uruguay) , our only cash pickup provider and location in Capital is More Casa on Libertad 1057. And they have a completely separate set of walls.

Wall 1. Believe never hit it on first transaction ever, least my case didn't and hand't heard anyone getting it first go. But on my 2nd xfer, was asked by More Casa to fill out short form noting my personal details again, name, phone, US and local Argentina address, US and local phone numbers, occupation, and business website. At that time, while I was hassled for this info, I was not pressed on it, More did not check any info, and only had to fill it out to get my 2nd xfer cashed.

Wall 2. In my case, stupid More Casa apparently lost or did not file to the back office that verifies stuff for the pickup location my above occupation, business website, info, etc. They yet again asked me to fill it out. So I did, then no problems.

Wall 3. After a number of xfers but before the 50k peso limit discussed below, clerk at More Casa pickup location had to call into back office because something was flagged on my account. The back office wanted exact clarification now of the details I had filled in for the Wall#1 item above.

The big sticking item which should shock no one who has xp with Argentina more than few weeks was while my occupation, personal info and US / local addresses and phone numbers was easily re-asked, and me verbally restated, they got really hung up on my having more than 1 business website URL. For some Argie reason, the concept of a private business owner having more than 1 URL for his business somehow triggered some suspicious red flag. So they went around and around about what my "true business" really was, which one did I really make money from, if more than one how is that possible, etc. Seriously this like a 30 min Abbott and Costello routine. Finally they decided either this highly suspicious inconsistency was ok, or just got tired of me saying 'no entiendo' in spanish a lot to their stupid insistence that ONE of the website URLs must be the correct, true one. I guess my tip here to private business owners or if your public company you work for has multiple sites, just write down one damn URL and not go through this idiocy.

Wall 4. For some insane reason, maybe this is more a insane clerk thing at this one location, and not overall More Casa, but the clerk noticed after all of the above already checked that on one of my next xfers my local argie phone number did NOT match the recipient info I had filled out. I sent money. To myself. Using my sent from US addresses and phone, and to myself here in Argentina, using my local Argie apt address which they never once checked and I've kept same addy despite moving to another local apt address, and my US cell phone. I figured that sending from me to me was good enough. But the clerk got caught on the personal info form I had filled out in Wall #1.

She noted that my Argie info was local apt address X, and local argie phone number 15-xxxx-xxxx. She insisted I could not receive the funds because my local recipient info did not match what my xfer said was my local info (because of the US phone number). I insisted my US phone worked just fine here, but did not use much because of roaming charges so my info was accurate and correct. She said I had to change my local recipient info on my next transaction of they would not accept them. So she let me slide on this xfer and released the money but wrote down somewhere I had to match next time. So I changed in Xoom my recipient info to use Argie phone number and More Casa nazi backed off.

Wall 5. More Casa told me that I now had to provide "saporte el fondos" or something like that. Basically, they told me that I had hit a 50k peso limit. Was not absolutely clear whether this is within a certain time limit, or grand total ever, but as I hit this pretty fast I don't really know but assume from what they told me and I could understand, that it was no time limit.

Anyway, More Casa, despite my assurances from Xoom I was well under any limits they set, said no more funds released including current xfer unless I could prove the support of my own funds, being sent to myself. I'm sending from me to me, and they want to have proof that I own the funds I am sending. To me. Welcome to Argentina. I told the clerk why don't I just send whatever small amount she names, like say $5. 17 cents. That would prove I own and control the bank account sending to my recipient, in this case me. She said no, and gave me item I had to send in. She said I could fax or email to back office but if I brought in personally to Libertad pickup location it would be lot faster to verify.

So, accessed a bank account online, downloaded and printed my full recent month close statement showing account name, details, funds in account, and as demanded. At least one full month of Xoom transactions being shown deducted from that account. Basically, they wanted the macro list detail shown in standard month end bank statement. So downloaded, printed at an internet cafe using what an AP board member recommended was safer way via a burner email address created just for that purpose then deleted with document afterwards. Went back to More Casa on Libertad following business day, handed the statement over and some back office guy at the location I'd never seen before verified it or at least glanced at it, whatever they do. The clerk scanned each page and sent that to the back office then returned originals to me. Complete gory details of this also posted in my prior xp on this thread.

Thus far, after above wall, I have not been hassled by More Casa further. At least not yet. I assume there will be a 100k peso wall or something else. Right now, only thing bit different that I never got before until I passed above wall, is after each xfer I send, I get a all about next day from More. I ignored first couple thinking it was trouble, but turns out like DaddyRulz posted and I discovered in this recent XP it's just a call saying your xfer is ready to be picked up.

In DR's case he was asked why he needed this cash. In my case it was just simple it's ready.

So far I have Level 3 access but just barely passed Level 2 limits so not sure whether More Casa will ban me before Xoom limits hit. My paranoia assumes that they will. They also asked what day I was leaving and gave them that. I plan on telling them I will stay another 3 months as allowed by standard argie 6 month rule but will see how that plays when I come up to it early Dec.

[QUOTE=Mpexy; 428075]Single largest xfer done so far is $1500 USD. No idea if mythical"10k"+ pesos in one xfer will trigger additional More Casa scrutiny but decided might as well not chance it and with swinging exchange rates, no point doing more than 9k pesos at a time. Other than first test with $350 USD, vast majority of my 1-2x / week xfers are $1000 or $1500, depending on exchange rate. Xoom for USA to Argentina xfers has increasing fees as you send more money but interestingly they cap total fee at max $30 USD regardless of send amount above $1000.

So, if you send less than $1000, you pay sliding scale up to point where you reach $1000 sent = max $30 fee, but anything above that remains at capped fee. E. G. Send $1500 and you still pay max $30 fee, which helps your actual equivalent exchange rate once you factor Xoom and any pickup costs like taxi. Sending to other countries like Uruguay for example doesn't seem to have this capped max fee for amounts even up to $2500 that I tried on their calculator.

You can, and can't, do $5000 USD in a single transfer. Read below for complete details. Depends what permission level you have achieved / proven with Xoom AND with More Casa. They both have separate walls you need to climb to attain certain levels.

Xoom walls:

Level 1. Newbie account, created today from scratch will have send limits of $2999 max single transaction, $2999 max total sent per 30-day revolving period, and grand total $9999 max total sent in 180 days revolving period. Revolving period is my term. It's unclear on Xoom FAQ but what happens is your limits are reduced on a daily basis as prior transactions are 'erased', it does not reset your entire 30-day period on day 31. For example, if you sent $750 per week for 4 weeks every Monday and hit your $2999 limit on day 28. On the 31st day from your first recorded sent transaction date, your 30-day window limit will have that first $750 transaction erased. Your account will show that you are now able to send $750 more dollars, not $3k.

Therefore, it is best that whether you need the money or not, if you plan on consistently using Xoom or have as backup, that you send in roughly equal spaced periods so that you never need to wait an extra long period of time to be able to send. Example, if you send $749 on first Monday of week 1, then waited till day 29 to send another $2250, you would need to wait another 31 days before that $2250 cleared.

Level 2. At any time, earlier the better I recommend if you know you will need or have backup need for Xoom on consistent basis, you may apply for Level 2 status. I wrote a lengthy post about it here on this thread. I had to send into Xoom a copy of any government doc proving my I'd. Suggested by Xoom was driver license or passport. They only required one but I sent in photo pics of both my driver license and passport. Also required for this stage was example of any standard utility or bank statement showing your home address of record. I could have just downloaded an electricity bill statement but I sent in one of my lesser used bank statement PDFs downloaded from my bank.

This Level 2 will increase your Xoom side limits (again please note we still haven't even gotten to the More Casa crap). Limit per single transaction stays same at $2999, but increases 24 hour limit to $6000, 30-day period limit to $6000, and grand total 180-day limit to $19, 500.

Level 3. There may be some custom level above this but unaware. Level 3 is technically a "custom" level because unlike above Level 2 where you are automatically directed online to provide the additional info soon as you go above the Level 1 limits, this Level 3 can only be granted by your own self initiative to call into Xoom customer service where a verification team will ask for additional docs (some might have already sent in as part of Level 2). I had to send in a current or most recent bank full month bank statement. Used PDF of bank statement I had to use for support of funds for More Casa, read below. I emailed the PDF BTW, no snail mail here. Also was asked for photo I'd, again, and just pointed out had already sent in passport and DL for level 2 and they were ok with that, but new one was asked for support of income like pay statement or in my case because private business my income disbursement check statement.

This last pre-set "custom" level raises limits to. Single transaction still $2999, 24 hour limit to $9999, 30 day limit to $20000, and grand total 180 day limit to $60000.

All of the above, once passed, clears you fully on Xoom side and never once get hassled from Xoom.

However, since we're talking about Argentina and there is no other choice here (versus Uruguay) , our only cash pickup provider and location in Capital is More Casa on Libertad 1057. And they have a completely separate set of walls.

Wall 1. Believe never hit it on first transaction ever, least my case didn't and hand't heard anyone getting it first go. But on my 2nd xfer, was asked by More Casa to fill out short form noting my personal details again, name, phone, US and local Argentina address, US and local phone numbers, occupation, and business website. At that time, while I was hassled for this info, I was not pressed on it, More did not check any info, and only had to fill it out to get my 2nd xfer cashed.

Wall 2. In my case, stupid More Casa apparently lost or did not file to the back office that verifies stuff for the pickup location my above occupation, business website, info, etc. They yet again asked me to fill it out. So I did, then no problems.

Wall 3. After a number of xfers but before the 50k peso limit discussed below, clerk at More Casa pickup location had to call into back office because something was flagged on my account. The back office wanted exact clarification now of the details I had filled in for the Wall#1 item above.

The big sticking item which should shock no one who has xp with Argentina more than few weeks was while my occupation, personal info and US / local addresses and phone numbers was easily re-asked, and me verbally restated, they got really hung up on my having more than 1 business website URL. For some Argie reason, the concept of a private business owner having more than 1 URL for his business somehow triggered some suspicious red flag. So they went around and around about what my "true business" really was, which one did I really make money from, if more than one how is that possible, etc. Seriously this like a 30 min Abbott and Costello routine. Finally they decided either this highly suspicious inconsistency was ok, or just got tired of me saying 'no entiendo' in spanish a lot to their stupid insistence that ONE of the website URLs must be the correct, true one. I guess my tip here to private business owners or if your public company you work for has multiple sites, just write down one damn URL and not go through this idiocy.

Wall 4. For some insane reason, maybe this is more a insane clerk thing at this one location, and not overall More Casa, but the clerk noticed after all of the above already checked that on one of my next xfers my local argie phone number did NOT match the recipient info I had filled out. I sent money. To myself. Using my sent from US addresses and phone, and to myself here in Argentina, using my local Argie apt address which they never once checked and I've kept same addy despite moving to another local apt address, and my US cell phone. I figured that sending from me to me was good enough. But the clerk got caught on the personal info form I had filled out in Wall #1.

She noted that my Argie info was local apt address X, and local argie phone number 15-xxxx-xxxx. She insisted I could not receive the funds because my local recipient info did not match what my xfer said was my local info (because of the US phone number). I insisted my US phone worked just fine here, but did not use much because of roaming charges so my info was accurate and correct. She said I had to change my local recipient info on my next transaction of they would not accept them. So she let me slide on this xfer and released the money but wrote down somewhere I had to match next time. So I changed in Xoom my recipient info to use Argie phone number and More Casa nazi backed off.

Wall 5. More Casa told me that I now had to provide "saporte el fondos" or something like that. Basically, they told me that I had hit a 50k peso limit. Was not absolutely clear whether this is within a certain time limit, or grand total ever, but as I hit this pretty fast I don't really know but assume from what they told me and I could understand, that it was no time limit.

Anyway, More Casa, despite my assurances from Xoom I was well under any limits they set, said no more funds released including current xfer unless I could prove the support of my own funds, being sent to myself. I'm sending from me to me, and they want to have proof that I own the funds I am sending. To me. Welcome to Argentina. I told the clerk why don't I just send whatever small amount she names, like say $5. 17 cents. That would prove I own and control the bank account sending to my recipient, in this case me. She said no, and gave me item I had to send in. She said I could fax or email to back office but if I brought in personally to Libertad pickup location it would be lot faster to verify.

So, accessed a bank account online, downloaded and printed my full recent month close statement showing account name, details, funds in account, and as demanded. At least one full month of Xoom transactions being shown deducted from that account. Basically, they wanted the macro list detail shown in standard month end bank statement. So downloaded, printed at an internet cafe using what an AP board member recommended was safer way via a burner email address created just for that purpose then deleted with document afterwards. Went back to More Casa on Libertad following business day, handed the statement over and some back office guy at the location I'd never seen before verified it or at least glanced at it, whatever they do. The clerk scanned each page and sent that to the back office then returned originals to me. Complete gory details of this also posted in my prior xp on this thread.

Thus far, after above wall, I have not been hassled by More Casa further. At least not yet. I assume there will be a 100k peso wall or something else. Right now, only thing bit different that I never got before until I passed above wall, is after each xfer I send, I get a all about next day from More. I ignored first couple thinking it was trouble, but turns out like DaddyRulz posted and I discovered in this recent XP it's just a call saying your xfer is ready to be picked up.

In DR's case he was asked why he needed this cash. In my case it was just simple it's ready.

So far I have Level 3 access but just barely passed Level 2 limits so not sure whether More Casa will ban me before Xoom limits hit. My paranoia assumes that they will. They also asked what day I was leaving and gave them that. I plan on telling them I will stay another 3 months as allowed by standard argie 6 month rule but will see how that plays when I come up to it early Dec.[/QUOTE]Wow! That's a lot of detail.

Here's the detail of how I get my cash into Argentina:

Level 1. I have my USD transferred into the agency's foreign account. The next day I go and pick up the USD in their office in Microcentro, minus their commission.

Level 2. Erm. See Level 1.

[QUOTE=DavieW; 428102]Wow! That's a lot of detail.

Here's the detail of how I get my cash into Argentina:

Level 1. I have my USD transferred into the agency's foreign account.[/QUOTE]Where to find this agency?

I did a transfer of close to $3, 000 USD a few months ago.

I had to submit some paperwork to Xoom, but in the end it all went through, and I assume I won't have to jump through those hoops next time around.

[QUOTE=DavieW; 428102]Wow! That's a lot of detail.

Here's the detail of how I get my cash into Argentina:

Level 1. I have my USD transferred into the agency's foreign account. The next day I go and pick up the USD in their office in Microcentro, minus their commission.

Level 2. Erm. See Level 1.[/QUOTE]Almost certainly the better route. For sure more efficient. But no matter how small the chance, bit more risky.

Long as you have even reasonable bank and / or status with bank, Xoom is a zero risk option.

Xfer to cueva account to be paid out in pesos here is if through trusted referral and source very low risk from what I hear. But very low vs zero are the choices every individual will make. I will eventually do a cueva xfer. For now though I use Xoom. If anyone else makes that same choice I assume their reply would be different than yours

I posted the depth of detail because that is what this board is for. Info, and sharing of. Some other poor bastard is going to go through what I did first time and if even knowing step about having some of the verification docs pre printed before leaving the states helps him, will be worth it because I found that to be an extra hassle step once you are actually in country

[QUOTE=Kazzooey; 428117]I did a transfer of close to $3, 000 USD a few months ago.

I had to submit some paperwork to Xoom, but in the end it all went through, and I assume I won't have to jump through those hoops next time around.[/QUOTE]You won't with Xoom if you already did level 2 doc which sounds like you did since any txn 3k will put you at first level limit

You definitely will have hoops with More Casa as I described if you continue to do Xoom pickups

Hello, Guys,

Thanks for all the info.

I will be in BA in few weeks, Hotel in Microcentro next to Florida.

What is the best way to change a thousand buck to pesos? Is it with the street guys on Florida street?

And what are the exchange rate I should expect?

I guess bank and the rest of formal exchange don't give that that great rate?

Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=Creedence;427824]Went to this coin store today, very close to my hotel, got 6:1, seems like they will do it for just about any amount.[/QUOTE]Originally Posted by Toymann [View Original Post]

Thanks WhiteCat. Got a great tip from blanco gatita. I am staying on junin kitty corner to the cemetery in recoleta. As you head down junin after vincente Lopez and before las heras there is a coin store across from the newly renovated recoleta mall. Walked in and asked for cambio. Nice young fella walking me into the back room that is setup like a bank tellers window. No hassles and very professional. Was offered 6:1 for 1000 countered with 6. 2 for 2000 used. Agreed after a short discussion with the boss. Good bills, checked them all out, looked just fine. Very convenient as this store is 10 meters away from my apartment. Highly recommended. Thanks Kitty. Mongering on all. Toymann

6. 1-1 for 500 USD today at the cervino location.

How do we a determine what is a fair rate of exchange? The current buy and sell rates are 5. 78 and 6. 37, respectively. See.

[url]http://dolarblue.net/.[/url] Since dollars are in demand, and bases on the forgoing, I would think that a fair rate would be 6. 32.

Unfortunately, I never received close to the foregoing rate.

Thanks

[QUOTE=Mpexy; 428131]You won't with Xoom if you already did level 2 doc which sounds like you did since any txn 3k will put you at first level limit

You definitely will have hoops with More Casa as I described if you continue to do Xoom pickups[/QUOTE]You can save some hassles with a XOOM transfer to MORE if you are not completely truthful, and tell them that you are retired, have no job or other employment, and are just a tourist. Also give them the Argentina phone number of your hotel or apartment. I did not go beyond "level 1", so I do not know what pitfalls await.

Tres3

[QUOTE=Santa; 428211]How do we a determine what is a fair rate of exchange? The current buy and sell rates are 5. 78 and 6. 37, respectively. See.

[url]http://dolarblue.net/.[/url]

Since dollars are in demand, and bases on the forgoing, I would think that a fair rate would be 6. 32.

Unfortunately, I never received close to the foregoing rate.

Thanks[/QUOTE]A 'fair' rate of exchange is pretty easy to get here on the streets of BsAs.

The first thing to do is ignore that web-site.

Then go to one of the trusted cuevas mentioned a hundred times on THIS web-site, or take a walk down Florida / Lavalle and compare a few offers.

It IS possible to get 0. 1 or maybe even 0. 2 higher if you've been here long enough and have the right contacts, but for the amounts generally being exchanged it really isn't worth jumping through the hoops and worrying about the extra 50 pesos you might be able to generate!

If you need to change several thousand dollars on a regular (monthly) basis, PM me and I'll put you in touch with the best reliable rate available in BsAs.

With latest Xoom xfer and pickup yesterday, got my courtesy call from More again.

Was ready to yell chicas, chicas why chicas again if asked why I needed the money like Daddyrulz was asked.

Last time got asked nothing. Just told my xfer rdy for pickup. This time woman asked me what I'm pretty positive was a simple verification question to be sure I was the person she was calling. Asked what job profession I was. Again, pretty sure this is a double check against whatever you put down on their form.

After reply, she said ready for pickup. I can now positively conclude that if you wait for the More call, when you get to then pickup office it goes faster because they no longer do the back office verification call. Just lookup online and process. Basically my conclusion is that Xoom clears your xfer much quicker than More does, so when you get that Xoom side email saying ready for pickup it doesn't necessarily mean More Casa is. I'm now waiting to get both Xoom email and More call to make pickups less time and hassle.

However one security procedure or lack of it bothered me. Pretty bad slip really. Cashier didn't take my slip of paper with my Xoom xfer number written on it. She waived it off and just looked me up in their More system via my passport name / number.

I really don't like this because this removes the extra layer of protection that regardless of what Identification doc a person has, the release of your funds needs the actual unique per xfer transaction number. Similar to a protected Swiss bank xfer and pickup

On one hand they clearly know who I am by now, but on Xoom side it clearly states without the receiver presenting that xfer number and ID, funds can't be released. I prefer the double protection of ID and must present xfer number. Odd given how ultra paranoid and useless bureaucratic More Casa is that they chose to skip this procedure

My guess it is nothing more sinister than trying to give you the latino personal touch, since, as you say, they know you now.

[QUOTE=Dickhead;428439]My guess it is nothing more sinister than trying to give you the latino personal touch, since, as you say, they know you now.[/QUOTE]That's what I figured. Kinda like the ritual hazing and reward. I'd prefer they make me cough up the code though. Unlikely as it is that someone would create a nice fake I'd to scam 1 xoom transaction I send, still adds extra step to also need to hijack and know my code as well.

Where is the western union please?

Did you just walk in and ask to exchange or did you have to send it in from outside? Is there a specific denomination that is preferable (say $100 bills)?

[QUOTE=World2012;427944]I was able to get 6. 2 at the "Western Union"@$500 USD without even trying. He offered 6. 1 and I pushed a little and he said, OK. 6.2.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Adventureseeke; 428453]Where is the western union please?

Did you just walk in and ask to exchange or did you have to send it in from outside? Is there a specific denomination that is preferable (say $100 bills)?[/QUOTE]Whatever you do, don't go to a Western Union and try and change your USD!

The "Western Union" referred to (note the inverted commas) is a cueva at the junction of Florida and Lavalle. It's a mobile phone accessory shop which has a small "Western Union" sign outside it. You go into the back of the shop, tell them you want 'cambio' and go in and change your USD, no questions asked. USD100 bills are always preferable.

Ouch. Thanks a bunch.

Will do.

[QUOTE=DavieW; 428456]Whatever you do, don't go to a Western Union and try and change your USD!

The "Western Union" referred to (note the inverted commas) is a cueva at the junction of Florida and Lavalle. It's a mobile phone accessory shop which has a small "Western Union" sign outside it. You go into the back of the shop, tell them you want 'cambio' and go in and change your USD, no questions asked. USD100 bills are always preferable.[/QUOTE]

Is "Cervino" or the "coin store" open for exchange on Saturday. I am personally not a fan of exchanging money on Florida Street. I am trying to avoid the ATM due to a weekend arrival time. Thanks.

[QUOTE=Big Boss Man;428680]Is "Cervino" or the "coin store" open for exchange on Saturday. I am personally not a fan of exchanging money on Florida Street. I am trying to avoid the ATM due to a weekend arrival time. Thanks.[/QUOTE]Yes, they are open on Saturdays.

[QUOTE=Kurty; 428147]Hello, Guys,

Thanks for all the info.

I will be in BA in few weeks, Hotel in Microcentro next to Florida.

What is the best way to change a thousand buck to pesos? Is it with the street guys on Florida street?

And what are the exchange rate I should expect?

I guess bank and the rest of formal exchange don't give that that great rate?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]Argentinians are desperate for dollars.

I was today in Buenos Aires on my way to Uruguay and walking by Florida Street at Microcentro I was offered dozens of times pesos for american dollars. They were interested in euros too.

I've got to go back to Argentina next week, so I talked with this guy standing in the corner of Florida and Tucuman. He offered me directly 6, 20 pesos for each dollar. He took me to a store at the end of a gallery at Florida 681 and there I made the change.

No hassles. No passport needed. No questions asked.

Usual change at casas de cambio today was 4, 47.

You need to monitor this site. It gives you the official (unofficial!) exchange rate for dollars euros etc.

[url]http://dolarblue.net/[/url]

[QUOTE=Gaucho9; 428798]Argentinians are desperate for dollars.

I was today in Buenos Aires on my way to Uruguay and walking by Florida Street at Microcentro I was offered dozens of times pesos for american dollars. They were interested in euros too.

I've got to go back to Argentina next week, so I talked with this guy standing in the corner of Florida and Tucuman. He offered me directly 6, 20 pesos for each dollar. He took me to a store at the end of a gallery at Florida 681 and there I made the change.

No hassles. No passport needed. No questions asked.

Usual change at casas de cambio today was 4, 47.[/QUOTE]

One Euro change for 7. 5 until 7. 65 Peso.

[QUOTE=Doggboy;428682]Yes, they are open on Saturdays.[/QUOTE]Like many BsAs businesses, they close early on Saturday, in this case, at 13:30.

Going to say this twice so the wolves don't derail my post with the 'it's cheaper to get dollars using method XYZ" replies.

I did not go to Colonia to get dollars.

I did NOT go to Colonia to get dollars.

I went to Colonia to do a visa run, in a place I genuinely like to visit, and via a means. Buquebus. That I enjoy. Something about being on the water every now and then is nice. While I was there waiting for my return boat, figured I might as well trying drawing dollars out.

Boat trip. Unless on a tight budget, paying for the primera especial is well worth it imo. Upper deck seating in quad-arranged full leather reclining chairs arranged around a private table for that quad. Given how few people upgrade, basically you have the entire quad to yourself. Not an exact count but there's something like 120-132 seating around these quad-chair-tables and on outbound trip there was exactly me + 4 other people. On return, about 20. Oddly, going into Buquebus store on Posadas got a promo 709p rate vs the promo online rate of about 920p. Go figure. In Argentina the human labor staffed promo is cheaper than eccomerce sale.

Timed my run to take the 12:30pm boat out. 1hr 15min trip, arrive 2:45pm Uruguay time which is 1hr ahead of bsas at the moment. Bit under 2 hours to kill in Colonia since you want to be back at the port going through reverse immigration 45-60min before boat leaves at 5:30pm.

Taking taxi is useless. Walked out of new / rebuilt port (last I did this in 2008 it was a temp floating dock that was hot as hell in warm weather) , up first street out of port gates. Rivadiva. 3 blocks or so to the main street running down old town Colonia, Gral Flores.

Turn left onto Gral Flores, not much going to the right, and walk 4-5 blocks, maybe 6. Near corner of Gral Flores and Suarez on the left side is a Banco Colonia. Two atms inside that dispenses USD in $300 increments max, but allows multiple withdrawals. Not sure if there is a max cap to number of withdrawals or if it will let you keep doing until you hit your own bank's daily atm withdrawal cap. Mine is pretty high so I didn't test that and this wasn't a dollar run per se, so just did 3x withdrawals of $300 on one account, another 3 on other account and took out $1800 in 2-3 min. Pretty easy. Nice crisp USD $100 bills, almost all of them in exact sequential series numbers.

Across the street about near this corner is a bank called Discount Bank, green vertical sign in front. I mention these landmarks because besides these two banks, couple others were hard as hell to spot, and the one really easy one, Santander Rio bank didn't withdraw in USD, only in Uruguayan pesos. So it seems only Uruguayan based banks do dollars. I can confirm that both the Banco Colonia (pretty sure that was name but it's the one right before the corner of Gral Flores and Suarez, and it's right before the locally famous ice cream store on that corner) and Discount Bank withdraws in USD. Both were pegged to $300 max per transaction.

It was about 4pm local time when I did these so apparently they hadn't run out of USD like some posts talk about. I decided to also post exact street corner address because on the baexpat board, every post I read was sadly vague about where a USD equipped atm was. Just guys saying 'oh yea, I took out $2400 in 8 operations. Woot. ' But no info.

The exchange rate for dollars to uruguayan pesos was 1 to 19. The exchange rate for arg pesos to uruguayan pesos was horrible. I worked out that the equivalent 1 USD getting you 19 uruguayan pesos, was that if you took that same 1 USD, converted at blue dollar exchange rate of about 6 pesos to a dollar, and then used those 6 pesos to exchange for Uruguayan pesos, you got about 15. So even if you brought arg pesos at blue dollar rates, you're only getting about 15 Uruguyan pesos for "$1 USD worth of blue dollar arg pesos" vs. Actual real $1 USD = 19 Uru pesos.

Since I was there so short a time I just used some small change US currency, like $5 to buy an ice cream.

Weather. Hotter and more humid than buenos aires. I was dripping all over walking around colonia.

Cell phone. Don't remember doing this last time, but my phone got some sort of push signal I figure since it didn't do that returning on the argie side, but entering Colonia airwaves, I got a message on my phone telling me new local roaming rates and that since it detected me in Uruguay would I like my time changed to be 1 hour ahead. Coming back to Puerto Madero, no message and no auto ask to reset time back. Was able to send / receive texts on boat up to about 10min offshore point, and then in Colonia via roaming which for prepagos is apparently about 3x the cost.

Thanks@Mpexy. Excellent Report.

I am glad you did the visa run rather than overstaying yr visa.

Meanwhile, intrigued, what was your exact time frame. Leaving your house and getting back to yr house? 6 hrs? 8 hrs?

Thanks

[QUOTE=Member #3320; 429075][email]Thanks@Mpexy.[/email] Excellent Report.

I am glad you did the visa run rather than overstaying yr visa.

Meanwhile, intrigued, what was your exact time frame. Leaving your house and getting back to yr house? 6 hrs? 8 hrs?

Thanks[/QUOTE]Complete door to door I'd have to estimate because after I came back I went to visit an AP friend, not return to my place. And I had the incredibly bad luck of returning just when power outages were sweeping all over bsas, including centro where subways were out, huge lines for cabs and buses.

Left my apartment via cab 11:00am. You can squeeze it tighter but recommended arrival is 1hr before boat leaves to go through immigration. In my case arrived at Puerto Madero just before 11:30am and had plenty of time after immigration to wait for my 12:30pm boat. Returned on first available boat after I arrived to Colonia, which is the 5:30pm that lands in Puerto Madero 6:45pm.

If power outages had not been a factor and I directly return to my apartment, would likely have arrived back about 7:20pm.

So call it end-to-end, door-to-door about 8 to 8. 5 hours.

If you take the morning boat, you end up needing to kill 6+ hours in Colonia so I always take the afternoon one.