If you're looking for something free to do in Buenos Aires, take a look at these 15 suggestions: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SbWeHJy68fY.html
@rosela candy Hi Rosela, I went to Yerevan a few years ago for a short time. It was in winter and very cold! :) I think you will enjoy Argentina if you decide to come. It's quite different from Armenia, but there is so much to love! :)
Ma’am , I am a market analyzer , forex professional Trader , I live in Tehran , and cause of political problems I choose to live in B.a , I just want it to know which neighborhood you recommend me to rent for long term cause my girlfriend is Pregnant , we have a baby on the way for my family safety , and another question , Banks like HSBC Or European banks works there or just Argentinians ? Or it’s better to keep my money on my Turkish bank ?
@@ehsansoleimani2530 Hello Ehsan! My next video will actually be about neighborhoods, so I suggest you subscribe so you'll see it. Then you can decide which one feels right for your situation and lifestyle. Foreigners are able to open local bank accounts, but I'm not positive which bank is the best for that. The best thing to do is to make sure you send yourself money via Western Union. I have a whole video about how to do that.
As of December 2022, foreign credit cards get the MEP exchange rate now, which is pretty much equivalent to the Blue rate. No need to haul around buckets of cash anymore.
Foreign credit cards now provide the Dollar Blue rate. Last month we had a two-week holiday in Argentina: BA, Ushuaia, El Calafate, and back to BA. We were informed by our tour guide for the Recoleta Cemetary that Visa pays the blue dollar rate. We had to pay by card to enter the Recoleta Cemetary as they don't accept cash. I used my Visa card and discovered that I was only charged GBP 4.74 entrance fee to the Recoleta Cemetery. I then started to use my Visa card and discovered that I was getting an exchange rate of AR$340 to 1 US$. Which is not too different from the current blue rate of AR$380 to 1 US$. We found lots of vegan restaurants and most other restaurants have at least a vegetarian option. We did not starve during our Argentine holiday! I'm planning a second visit to Argentina in October to check out Cordoba, Mendoza, and Salta as I'm looking for a place to retire in 2026.
I live in Argentina and all you don't mistake to have selected Argentina as a place to retirement. This country have plenty of beautiful places to live and dead jajaj I love you all
This is a really good explanation of how it works. From now on I will just send this video to friends instead of trying to explain it. One experience I had with western union was sending myself $500 and when I showed up they didn't have enough money. WU tip: If it's a smaller WU kiosk they won't have that much cash on hand and it's best to show up at the end of the day when they've accumulated more cash.
Hi Oliver! Thanks so much for watching, and for the potential future shares!! :) You’re totally right about WU. I’ve heard stories of them not having enough cash, though fortunately that hasn’t happened to me personally!! Great tip additions! :)
Great video!! Congratulations. I am Argentinia and I have to explanation this every single time that someone is going to visit Argentina from another country. Now I will just send the link,😉
I always love a good cost (or food) video! I didn't know about the red and blue exchange rates so that's super helpful for anyone planning to visit Argentina. Keep producing awesome content!
Such an amazing and informative video, thanks as always Nicki! (beautiful graphics as well) Quick personal question please, I’m currently living in Auckland. Before visiting should I save New Zealand dollars or go back home to NYC and save USD?
No problem, Calvin! I really hope this will be helpful! Thanks for watching. :) It's hard to tell you whether or not you should save money in NZ or NYC. I think it really depends on you and your situation, and where you think you'll make the most money. However, if you're going to bring foreign currency to Argentina, I definitely suggest bringing USD rather than NZ dollars to exchange; it will be much easier. Though as I mentioned, I think transferring money to yourself via Western Union is the best option. You should be able to connect an NZ bank account and transfer from there if that's what you prefer to do.
Thank You Nicki for another great informative video...curious if you had to choose between BA and Cordoba which would youcchose and if you were to add a third city in Argentina would you have one in mind. Safe travels 😊
Hi Rob! Thanks for watching. It's a good question you ask, because it is the decision I'm already trying to make! I'm planning to spend some months in Mendoza as well, and then choose between the three of them. I haven't been to Mendoza yet, but I absolutely love BA but have good friends in Cordoba, so it will be a tough choice! :)
Hey Nicki, another great video full of useful tips! Is it possible to find great apartments at non-Airbnb prices? I'm looking to try BA for a few months starting this September. Thanks and keep up the great work, we definitely appreciate it!
Hi Corey! Yes, it is absolutely possible. I have found the best place to find apartments is on Mercado Libre. I actually left a few different links in the details section of my other video BA TIPS. I suggest checking the links I left there, to try and avoid the Airbnb prices. Another thing you can do is contact owners on Airbnb and see if they would be willing to move off the app and negotiate a price between the two of you, to avoid all the extra Airbnb fees. Obviously you wouldn't have the protection of Airbnb if something went wrong, but it is a possible way to get a more affordable price if they are willing to negotiate, and let you pay in cash. Best of luck, and thank you so much for watching! :)
Excellent explanation my friend. I think that with US dollars, they will be fine, more than here in Argentina, the local currency, is worth nothing. Hugs friend
Going to Argentina next month! Very excited. Thanks for all your videos. Quick question: I set up a WU account but I was wondering to send myself money, do I need to send it to Argentina? Or if I send it to myself/my account, will it just be readily available wherever I withdraw it? Maybe that is a question I should be asking WU...
Hi James, yes you do need to send it to Argentina. When you go to do the transfer, you will see that it is an option to send to Argentina. I actually have another video detailing how to exactly send yourself money on Western Union. Check it out, I think it would be really valuable to you! :)
How were you able to find an apartment for only $400/month in Buenos Aires? Did you use AirBnB? AirBnB listings look pretty expensive for a 1 bedroom. Typically between $750 to $1000 per month. Also, what area did you live in? Any tips on finding affordable rentals?
Hi Ken! You're right about Airbnb in BA- everything is super expensive! Take a look at my video BA TIPS, as I mention some other housing options there. I also have some links in the description of that video. Personally I have found that Mercado Libre has worked the best for me. However, in the case of BA, I actually contacted a host on Airbnb, and then we talked off the app and worked out a price away from the app.
Hey Cris, check out the other videos on my channel; I think you might find what you're looking for, like ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bb4Ezdif6so.html
Thank you so much for this video. I learned a lot. A question, if I only spend a few days in Argentina (on a cruise), what is best way to get money ? Would hotel give me blue rates or at exchange places instead of opening a Western Union account?
So Western Union charges $25 and on top of that the bank charges $10 totaling $35? I think I will bring enough cash for 3 months then renew my Visa in Colonia Uruguay and take out dollars in Uruguay. I use Charles Schwab debit card and they pay back All charges, I have used it all over the world.
Western Union charges a fee no matter what, price differs depending on which route you go. You only get charged the additional $10 from your credit card company if you choose to do a wire transfer from your credit card. My regular bank doesn’t charge me anything for it.
Is the denomination of USD important in terms of getting the blue dollar rate? Meaning does it matter wether you have a 100 USD note or 5 x 20 USD notes to change?
Hello! Argentinian here. No, the denomination does not matter at all. However you might get a different rate if you have older, "small face" bills. For some reason brokers prefer the newest series.
@@alebassmusic Thank you. However, I really have to ask, because our landlord told us, that they highly prefer 100 USD bills. He even said, that you get a far better rate for a 100 USD than for 2x 50 USD bills.
Haha try not to have cash leftover! 😅 Nobody in the world will accept Argentine pesos to exchange back into another currency. Really though, once your trip starts nearing the end, try to budget and figure out exactly what you’ll need. It’s better to pay with a credit for a couple things at the end, then to have a ton of cash left. Or maybe you can contact someone on the FB page and ask if they want to exchange directly with you.
Thank you for this video! Signed up for a WU account using your link :) Question: do you have to enter an Argentinian address on the receiver end if I'm sending it to myself or it can be a US address?
Is anyone familiar with the Argentina foreign tourist rate (MEP) rate? Apparently it started in December and it works with foreign credit cards. I've already used it to pre-book flights and it worked. Nevertheless, I would like to know how I can check the actual, live MEP rate just like I can check the blue dollar rate. Does anyone have an input on this?
Would it be cheaper to book a trip to say Antarctica or Patagonia once we are in Buenos Aires? Any good recommendations for travel agencies (websites) etc? Thanks and very informative!
Hello Chef, heard! :) I really don't know much about booking trips to Antarctica, but from what I've heard, it's quite expensive, and I imagine something you would need to book quite a bit in advance. Booking trips to Patagonia will be much easier, I think. You can check Flybondi or Jetsmart for flights. As far as specific agencies for travel, I'm really not too sure. It would also depend on where you want to go in Patagonia. You could always start with Getyourguide and see what kinds of trips they offer to Patagonia. I'm actually in the midst of researching a trip to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia for whale watching. If you want to go there, there are 6 companies that organize whale watching: www.puertopiramides.gov.ar/whale-watching/?lang=en You can also check out the blog for SolSalute. She has been in Argentina for several years, and may have some good advice on trips down south. Unfortunately I haven't been to the south yet. I wish you the best of luck on your trip to Argentina!
Hi Nicki, thank you for the video. Very instructive and well done. I will visiting Buenos Aires with my 13 year old son late October. He a massive soccer fan and we're planning to attend a few games if possible. Any tips on where to get tickets? What to avoid? I've reached out to my Airbnb contact but they are asking for US$350 per ticket... seems a little off to me. thanks in advance!
There is a BA blogger called Sol Salute. I have seen her talk about getting tickets for games. I suggest looking at her blog and reels on instagram. :)
Argentina is an amazing place, I hope you’ll have a great time. I personally never had an issue with counterfeit bills, but I never exchanged with the sketchy guys on the street. I think the safest way is to use western Union. Since it’s a legit company, you won’t get counterfeit bills.
Hey nice vid! I am heading to Bariloche, do you know of i can get the blue dollar rate there too? It's a pretty touristy place, or is this just capital city kind of thing
You should absolutely be able to get the blue dollar anywhere in the country. I got it in Cordoba, and right now I'm in the north of the country and see Western Unions all over. You should have no problem! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Haha... No... But I need an accountant to manage my personal & travel expenses! lol... Thanks for all the helpful tips on Argentina. I will use them in my upcoming trip.
Hi Linda, it’s not possible to update videos once they have already been uploaded. The blue dollar changes so fast anyways that you could never keep up. But the usd prices should still be pretty accurate.
Planning on visiting Buenos Aires soon and will be staying at a 4 or 5 star hotel. Am I better off making reservations on line or paying cash upon registration? Thnaks in advance for your reply.
Usually you’re better off paying with cash. If possible/available, try to book online with the option of paying in person. Many places will allow that. Sometimes you can even call them directly to make the booking and skip the middle man. Recently if happened that paying with visa or Mastercard can get you the “tourist rate,” which is almost the blue rate. But I’m not sure if it also applies to online purchases.
how secure is it to keep cash at home? it seems criminals might follow gringos exiting these blue exchange places so that gringo's residence can be targeted for robbery. perhaps even repeated robbery.
Hi Lucia! They will take it to make a photocopy and double check some details, and then they give it back. I actually just made another video where I go more into depth about Western Union as well: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EI3O207GLdg.html
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Watched it! Thanks for the effort of making video's. Once the money comes through, how many days do you have to pick it up, do you know?
@@lucia26 Hey there, thanks so much for taking a look! I believe you have 90 days. But even though, the money won't just disappear. They will probably just send you a letter that your money hadn't been picked up yet.
Hi Nurse Jean. Great question! I have done several different things throughout my many years of travel. I have taught English in many different countries, and online. In some places, I worked in bars and restaurants. Over the last several years I taught English as well as worked remotely for an American health care company. At the moment, I'm focusing on freelance design, illustration, and video work.
Great information.thanks However we are trying to book a two week stay in BA and not having any success in hotels allowing us to make reservation with credit card and paying AR$. If they will take payment in AR$ they want to do it on the official exchange rate. Any suggestions???
Sorry to hear you're having a hard time with it. With booking.com there is a filter for something like "pay later" or "doesn't require payment in advance." Try that. I've used that filter often to find places to stay that allow me to pay in cash when I arrive.
Thanks for the tips! I'm a bit confused about the blue currency benefit when you pay in cash. Do you only get the blue currency if you pay in dollar? or paying in local currency?
The blue dollar rate when i was there was just when you gave a local exchange person american cash, and they give you “blue dollar” value (as mentioned). From what I know it’s to avoid the fees and complications of going through the government, which is why you get screwed over for exchanging with government banks 😊
I believe so, but I'm not 100% sure. I know you will with USD and Euros. I imagine it would be the same with pounds. I'm sorry I can't give you a full concrete answer on that!
If you were to send yourself money using western union, the rate is 45000 for $100. Can’t you take that amount of pesos back to usd and double your money? Or it doesn’t work that way? Thanks
@@InsaneGamingLegendz Well, pesos have no strength or value in the U.S. so if you take 45,000 pesos back to the U.S. and want to exchange them back to that same $100, you will actually lose money (I believe). Just how much you will lose, I’m not sure. But, I am sure that the pesos will NOT increase in value when exchanged for dollars.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff By the way, your video helped IMMENSELY because no other online info on the subject really explained EVERYTHING. I’ve continuously done the “go to Uruguay” thing to extend my stay and I will be trying the “just stay and pay” thing for the first time in June. I’ll let you know how it goes 🤞🏽
Hola Bonsay. Si es disponible la version con subtitulos en castellano. Las instrucciones para ver con subtitulos estan en la descripcion del video: "PARA MIRAR CON SUBTITULOS EN CASTELLANO: Hace un click en los settings (la rueda)-- subtitles-- English (auto generated)-- subtitles (auto generated)-- auto translate-- Spanish"
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff El Salvador has Bitcoin city a means of transfer and a whole lot more Unless the local governance is against it would seen to be a perfect fit .. search Bitcoin City ..
What do you mean by if you use your bank account to transfer and not your credit card? Are you referring to a debit card as a bank account? Sorry, I never heard it this way - 4:55
Can you get the blue dollar at any WU in the world? In other words can i get some pesos before going to Argentina or do i need to wait until i get there? Thank you
It's unlikely you'll be able to get pesos before you go. The inflation and devaluation is so crazy in Argentina that most other countries won't carry it. That also means you should spend all your pesos before leaving the country because it will be really hard to exchange them back to USD when you leave.
Hi any tips for using the WESTERN UNION App without an Argentian phone #? I saw a post from another person who had issues receiving the money and had to purchase a sim to obtain an Argentian phone #.
You can also use the regular web version on your computer. Just make sure to write down all the info you need when you go to the Western Union to pick up your money (MCTN number, total amount in pesos. Plus bring passport). I think it's strange that you would need to have an Argentinian sim card in order to pick up your money. I had an Argentine sim, but I use an American number. Maybe that other person just needed local data in order to open the app on the spot? If you take a screenshot of the transaction page before you go, that has all the info you need. But if you do want to get a local sim, it's way cheap. If you go to Claro, they'll actually give you a sim card for free. Then you just have to go to a kiosko to charge it. There are several options, but it's usually around $5 or less.
I used WU twice online. First time online in UK Just before departure which was easy and picked up the cash on arrival in BA. In Argentina I found the WU website was blocked, and had to use a vpn to appear to be outside Argentina. I also changed money in the street no problem. The street guys are happy with Euros as well as USD.
Haha fair enough! It’s complicated. But the good thing since I made this video is that you can now use most credit cards. Not quite the blue rate, but almost. :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Well I need to ask that if I have $10 and exchange it in blue dollar rate with almost double pesos and the money which I will be getting is about $18-19 in pesos(original rate) , so my question is that if I deposit(pesos) in the bank and get dollars, will I be able to do it again and again ?🤑to become rich
The inflation rate is 75% Pick-pockets are everywhere. Never carry your passport with you! Any cash & credit cards must be kept under your shirt, in a pouch around your neck. If you step onto any form of public transport; busses, subways, or trains, you will be accosted by several thieves at once. Strange hands will be in every pocket, in every nook, and cranny. Hands will go down your pants, and up your shirt. Wear you valuables under your shirt, and have a belt tightly fixed below that pouch. Only by reaching down the neck of your shirt will access your money, that way. Taxi drivers cannot be trusted: They will pretend that you have them a much smaller banknote than you actually did! Carefully hand them the notes, and say the amount! Stealing is part of Argentine culture!
Interesting perspective. While robberies do happen (my phone was stolen too), I never experienced being accosted and hands down my pants and up my shirt on public transportation, nor have I heard of that happening to anyone. I'm so sorry to hear that was your experience. However, I think it's really unfair to say that "stealing is part of Argentine culture." Sure, there are people who steal, like in any country, but overall the people in Argentina are honest and thoughtful.
My best friend is from Buenos Aires, he said it is very dangerous these days. How did you find this? He advised me not to go when I told him I was thinking of moving there from Spain