Exchanging Currency

[Aqualung]

I had a discussion with the owner at one of the cuevas I go to (not the one a Florida, a more serious one, or maybe the correct term is not an arbolito?) about this. I had brought him a stack of 20s and 100s to buy some pesos, knowing the 20s might be a problem. He told me that since I was a long-time client he'd try to deal with them, but the problem is that many people in South America are fixated by a desire for perfect bills, and in denominations of 100. Most people he does business with will not accept 20s although they will accept some older bills. Often when they do accept them, as Silver Star mentioned, they offer a poorer rate on whatever currency is being bought. He told me that if he could move them without problem he'd let it stand, but if I came back next month and he hadn't been able to move them, I'd have to cough up some $100s to replace them or take a hit on my next conversion rate.

I wouldn't say there's no problem with 20s, but somewhere someone will take them, just maybe not at the price you'd like.

The problem is that they need to move / smuggle huge amounts of money around and out of the country. A million $ in 20's take a lot more space than a package of 100's.

[Silver Star]

I had a discussion with the owner at one of the cuevas I go to (not the one a Florida, a more serious one, or maybe the correct term is not an arbolito?) about this. I had brought him a stack of 20s and 100s to buy some pesos, knowing the 20s might be a problem. He told me that since I was a long-time client he'd try to deal with them, but the problem is that many people in South America are fixated by a desire for perfect bills, and in denominations of 100. Most people he does business with will not accept 20s although they will accept some older bills. Often when they do accept them, as Silver Star mentioned, they offer a poorer rate on whatever currency is being bought. He told me that if he could move them without problem he'd let it stand, but if I came back next month and he hadn't been able to move them, I'd have to cough up some $100s to replace them or take a hit on my next conversion rate.

I wouldn't say there's no problem with 20s, but somewhere someone will take them, just maybe not at the price you'd like.

So moral of the story is to come here with 50's (no problem) or 100's in good condition (not written, stamped, torn, etc) , the problem is the American ATMs spew out 20's many of which are in ratty condition. Argentines are very fussy about the quality of their USD, and other so called hard currencies.

[El Queso]

I had a discussion with the owner at one of the cuevas I go to (not the one a Florida, a more serious one, or maybe the correct term is not an arbolito?) about this. I had brought him a stack of 20s and 100s to buy some pesos, knowing the 20s might be a problem. He told me that since I was a long-time client he'd try to deal with them, but the problem is that many people in South America are fixated by a desire for perfect bills, and in denominations of 100. Most people he does business with will not accept 20s although they will accept some older bills. Often when they do accept them, as Silver Star mentioned, they offer a poorer rate on whatever currency is being bought. He told me that if he could move them without problem he'd let it stand, but if I came back next month and he hadn't been able to move them, I'd have to cough up some $100s to replace them or take a hit on my next conversion rate.

I wouldn't say there's no problem with 20s, but somewhere someone will take them, just maybe not at the price you'd like.

[Aqualung]

Yes, they have no issue with that. In general there is not an issue changing 20s in Argentina.

Things have change very much here. A year or so ago changing smaller bills was no issue, today it is.

[Silver Star]

Yes, they have no issue with that. In general there is not an issue changing 20s in Argentina.

Some places will not accept 20s, and / or will offer a lower exchange.

[Dickhead]

Hi Amigos,

Arrived into town on Monday. Already have had two experiences, more to follow. Does the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino accept $20s? I hear alot of money changers prefer to deal only with $100s.

Best,

Cheerfull

Yes, they have no issue with that. In general there is not an issue changing 20s in Argentina.

[Silver Star]

Anyone know an exchangerate for euros at a cuevo?

Probably about 8. 24 or so.

[Esten]

Does the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino accept $20s?

Yes they do

[Cowboy2]

US tourist shot in Florida street.

A US tourist was shot as he was robbed by two men in Florida street in downtown Buenos Aires, according to police sources.

The incident took place in a shopping mall located at Florida 500, where the tourist, along with another person, was purchasing dollars to an informal street vendor and two men tried to rob him.

The US citizen began fighting with the thieves and was shot in in his gluteus. He was immediately taken to the Argerich hospital in La Boca, while police officers detaineds the robbers on Maipú street.

Florida is a pedestrian walkway and one of the most popular touristic spots in downtown Buenos Aires.

[Kurty]

FYI: just exchanged yesterday 1000$ on florida. First they wanted 6. 1 and after 4 guys got it at 6. 3 rate.

Chose a guy on florida and Cordoba ave.

[Gauntlet77]

Hi Amigos,

Arrived into town on Monday. Already have had two experiences, more to follow. Does the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino accept $20s? I hear alot of money changers prefer to deal only with $100s.

Best,

Cheerfull

$20's are no problem. But if there is another "huelga general" (general strike) like this week, it will be closed. So check the news in the morning before you go.

[Cheerfull]

Thanks to whoever originally shared the info for the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino. Just to the left of Freddo's at the corner. This place is a gem.

Rate today was 6. 15. Very smooth, I just walked in (no other customers) and went to the window and was done in 5 minutes.

Hi Amigos,

Arrived into town on Monday. Already have had two experiences, more to follow. Does the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino accept $20s? I hear alot of money changers prefer to deal only with $100s.

Best,

Cheerfull

[Esten]

Thanks to whoever originally shared the info for the place at Scalabrini Ortiz and Cervino. Just to the left of Freddo´s at the corner. This place is a gem.

Rate today was 6.15. Very smooth, I just walked in (no other customers) and went to the window and was done in 5 minutes.

[Mpexy]

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

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.

[Member #3320]

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