TRIPLE Your Spending Power In Argentina With This EASY Method
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Traveling in Argentina is a totally different experience than most other countries, particularly when it comes to money. You can't simply use your credit card or go to the ATM. Watch this video to learn about the best and safest way to get money in Argentina.
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Western Union Branches that usually have money:
Belgrano: La Pampa 2451, C1428 CABA
Congreso: Rivadavia 1649, C1033 CABA
Micro Centro: Peru, San Nicolás 139, 1067
Palermo: Av. Luis María Campos 901, C1426 CABA (inside the mall)
San Telmo: Perú 1107 C1068AAM, C1068 CABA (on Wednesdays)
Villa Crespo: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortíz 333, C1414 CABA
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Chapter Breakdown
0:00 - Western Union, Really?
1:51 - Create Your Account in Western Union
4:50 - Download the Western Union app
6:44 - Pick Up Your Money at Western Union
8:27 - What to Bring With You
9:58 - Receive Your Money at Western Union
11:20 - TL;DR
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🎬TRIPLE Your Spending Power In Argentina With This EASY Method || • TRIPLE Your Spending P...
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Your videos are always so specific and actionable!!
super helpful! thank you Nicki!
Super helpful. Thanks!
This was sooo helpful. Easy to understand and straight to the point. Gained a new subscriber here, thank you so much!
I have never enjoyed a business video like this one, everything is so accurate and on point..
This is literally all of the exact things I was looking for, thanks Nicki!
Amazing to hear that!! So glad I could help! :)
Best informative video yet .
Oh wow thank you so much, Eddie. I really hope it helps! :)
Thank you so much I will be traveling to Argentina next month and this information is just what I needed thanks so much.
Fantastic. I'm so happy. Have a wonderful trip! :)
Outstanding insights, thank you!
Thanks for watching Bill 🤗
Well done.
Thanks.
You did the best to help. It's great.
Thank you 💙
Going to Argentina in a week, and your video helped me SO MUCH to prep for the trip!! Thank you so much Nicki!🫶
So happy to hear that! Have the best time!! :)
AWESOMENESS!
I wondered how to send money to myself via Western Union.
Thank You for your advice and wisdom.😊
Great tips thanks!
No problem, Christian. Hope it helps! :)
very few people understand how to make CLEAR, understandable videos. This is the third vid I have watched on this "blue rate", and the ONLY one that made any sense on the WU 'thing'. Have my sub, and thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I’m really happy to know how valuable the video was for you💙
Thanks Nicki!
You got it, Lucia. Have a great trip to Argentina! :)
It's nice to hear what's really going on in Country's I'm thinking about visiting. Especially from a seasoned mature expert. Thanks
Thanks Raymond! :)
Going the Buenos Aires in one week for a long stay. Good info Thanks!
Have the best time!! :)
Thank you SO much.
Thank you so much!
2 weeks ago I was in Salta and I asked the owner of hostel to change money.He called his go to guy and was given 267 peso where the blue rate was 272 but no fee.He came to hostel within 5 minutes and no line.
That's great you were able to exchange with a trustworthy arbolista. I did that a few times in the beginning, but now that I no longer have USD on me, Western Union is the best way to go. I also find it easier than dealing with money exchangers.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff the owner of hostel was present and he told me how much I was to get and counted out the money for me Infront of him.
@@josephlanteigne5917 Perfect!
very helpful thank you
So glad it was helpful! :)
This was extremely useful
So happy to hear that! ❤️
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Yes, and I really liked how you summed up all the takeaways at the end in a visual way. A lot of creators, if they do a summary at the end, it's not visual and it's labored and harder to remember the key points. So this is something unique.
Great info. You filled in several areas that I hadn’t been able to find out about.
Oh great, I'm so happy to hear it helped out! :)
Is there a best amount to exchange at a time? Availability from WU or maximum that you would do because of inflation. Thinking of USD 700 twice a month maybe like the 7th and 21st. I know be flexible and bend with the situation but just looking for your experience.
@@jimjensen9139 I don't know that there is a 'best' amount. I think it really depends on you and your spending habits. The most I've ever sent myself is $1000 because I needed money for housing stuff. Because of inflation, I generally send $400-$500 to myself at a time. For example, just a few weeks ago I made a transfer and it was 285. Today the WU is exchanging at 309. So I would have gotten a much better rate if I had waited a couple weeks. But it can also go the other way as well. It's a very Argentinian hobby to speculate on the exchange rate! haha But it would definitely be a good idea to transfer mid-month if you're able to, especially if you're going to smaller branches to pick up your money.
Awesome video
Thanks! :)
EEESH! Another day, another disadvantage! hahaha... Good thing people have your channel to help out! Excellent video.
Hahahha thanks Gringster! You can't look at it as a disadvantage. Just another way to do things (or at least that's what I tell myself so I don't feel so bad about not being able to collect airline points anymore hahaha)
Dec 2023. Finding an open western union has been a huge challenge. We walked all through SoHo and surrounding areas…none open. Card rates are better now. Consider a few pesos exchange at airport so you don’t get stuck. We download WU…connected our banks. Made transfers now maybe tomorrow we can find open WU
Go to Western Union at the beginning of the week to get bigger value bills, which means less to carry: US$300 (Ar$120,000) in Ar$100 bills isn't fun!
If you transfer by credit card rather than bank, it costs a little more, but you can have your money immediately.
I have learned that now you can use your non-Argentine credit card and get the blue dollar rate
Don't say Western Union too many times or something crazy may happen. App UI looks pretty good. It's your money and you want it now! We can see all the work you put into this. Great video!
Hi WITY!! Thank you so much for watching. I believe you just can't say Western Union three times in the bathroom with the lights off while hopping on one foot. Otherwise you should be fine! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff 😂
Great video ….I’m thinking to move to Buenos Aires for a few months per year and rest live in Europe
Thanks for the video, it was very helpful and I will be following the steps listed!
Is there any specific location you recommend in the Villa Crespo area? Also, do you know what time they generally open? I arrive to B.A. around 05:30 AM, so I am wondering what my best option is that early. Are coffee shops open early? I suppose I could wait in one in the meantime if I had to.
Now you can use credit/debit card, you will get the official rate when you swipe, but days later you will get the difference of the credit card rate (similar to western) reimbursed on your account. It's a relief not having to stand like an hour at western union.
Does this work with all transactions in Argentina?? American here
You can exchange U.S. hundred dollar bills for Argentine pesos (and get the blue rate) at some of the smaller Western Unions in Buenos Aires. The major W.U. branches might refuse to exchange cash.
Interesting. That's a new development as it was not previously that way, but great to hear- so much easier!
Hey, it's been a while. We've missed you ! Thank you for informative video. It's really covered everything.
Haha well, it's been about 10 days. I was slowed down a bit by my phone getting stolen about 10 days ago. But I'm glad the video helped! :)
Thank you , will be traveling to Argentina on March 2023.
Have a fantastic trip!! :)
Question: Is it faster make somebody go to a location to make the western union transaction or use the app?
@@egobroochbouquets2816 I want to make sure I totally understand your question.
Are you asking if it is faster for someone to physically go to a Western Union location, give physical money, and initiate a transfer? OR if it is faster to open an app on your phone and send money virtually?
I want to make sure I completely understand the question you're asking.
If you do mean what I asked above, then it is definitely faster and easier to use the app since it only takes a couple seconds. Going to a physical location will take a lot more time away from your day.
Either way though, you would have to go to a physical location to pick the money up in Argentina. Hope that helps! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff yes my friend!
Hey! Mastercard now gives the blue rate, woo hoo! Visa is supposed to be getting there as of like, today but I haven't tested it yet.
WOW FANTASTIC NEWS! Thank you so much for sharing that. I tried when it was first announced but it still wasn’t working!
For the Dutch travelers, choose iDeal as payment and use that. Fee is € 3,90 and near instant transfer to WU. Got my confirmation within 5-10 mins. Then picked up my money the next day.
That's great to know. Hopefully some Dutchies will see this comment!! :)
Bedankt, precies wat ik wilde weten. In principe kan ik dus gewoon na aankomst in BA het bedrag overmaken naar W.U. en ophalen ?
Great video
You can use Apple pay as well.
Cheers
Thanks Julio! :)
Yeees great info! Maybe wouldve been good to hear if there are any alternatives to Western Union. Also wouldve been good to hear how easy it is to pre order money in a location you would arrive to. How long can the money order lay dormant before i pick up?
Hey there! I do have another video about money that might be helpful too. You don’t need to select a particular location. You just select Argentina. Then you can pick it up in any WU in the country. I believe it can be dormant for 90 days, but after about 30 days they start to email you about it.
Another informative and detailed video Nicki! Since I haven't arrived yet and can bring US cash, do you recommend going the arbolista route instead? Thanks!
Hi David!! Thanks for watching! :) I think it really depends on what you're comfortable with. If you know a local who knows an arbolista, that definitely has its benefits. They would probably come to your house or vice versa, so it's pretty safe. Plus if they are a friend of a friend, it's pretty safe and you can trust them. If you are comfortable going to Calle Florida and meeting up with the 'cambio' guys, that's also an option. That idea to me is really intimidating, but it could be different as a man. I personally prefer Western Union over all other methods because it just feels safest and easiest to me. It feels more official. I would suggest doing both options. Send yourself some money to WU, but also bring $100-$200 to exchange just in case. That way you're covered if something happens either way. If you don't spend the usd, you can just bring it back home with you.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff I think I will try all 3 - gotta get the full experience! 😉 Thanks for the thoughtful reply.
@@w_w_whitey Ahahaahhaha love the attitude! Good luck!
Wow your videos are SO helpful!… do you have a recommendation for a SIM card for tourists who plan to be here for 2 or 3 months? Thanks for all your hard work in making these informative videos! :)
Hi CS! Thank you so much, I'm really glad they have been helpful! :) I highly recommend using Claro. They have a tourist package which is usually around 1200 pesos for 30gb for the first 30 days. You should definitely go to one of the main Claro branches to first get your sim card. Make sure to bring your passport and you'll need to pay in cash. Just grab a number from the ticket thing when you first walk in. Then when your number gets called go up to the corresponding counter and let them know you want the tourist package. There is usually an ad about it in the front of the office when you walk in. After 30 days, you can easily reload. Most kioscos have reloading boxes. You just follow the prompts to add your number, and then put in your cash. If you need to load more than 1000 pesos at a time, you should wait about 10 minutes before adding more money. Each transaction can only handle 1000 at a time. Then once you reload, you'll receive a text message. Click on the link and then you can choose the package you want. There are several packages from 1-7-30 days. Hope that helps! :)
Wow - this helps a lot! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge about Argentina on here - it’s a real lifesaver!!! :)
@@JamesFarley99 You're so welcome! :)
Thanks. Excellent help! I have been to BA a couple times but not since 2019 and inflation has gotten out of control! Do you feel safe leaving WU with all the bills? I have downloaded app and ready to go. My first transaction with WU has no fee but does it know that automatically or is there a code? Can’t I use my American Visa to get a similar Blue rate and can use it for bigger purchases like grocery store and going out for dinner?
Again thanks
I just liked and subscribed! Excellent information! Very easy to understand! I am coming to Argentina in the Fall 2023. I have been researching info about it so I am prepared. I had no idea prior to the research that there was so much to know and do! God I hope they get their economy straightened out. It is such an amazing country with so many resources, they should be on par with Europe. One question I do have is, you would not recommend going to the street cambio sellers instead? Wouldn't that be easier without all the waiting and detail required for Western Union? Is the exchange rate that much better with Western Union that it outweighs the cambio dealers?
Thank you so much, CG! :) There definitely is a lot to know about Argentina. My goal is to make it easier for people to find that information! It really is an amazing country.
Whether you use street sellers or Western Union is entirely up to what you feel comfortable with. The rate you get will be pretty similar at either place.
For me personally, using the WU is so much more comfortable. Yes, you have to take a few minutes to create an account, but after that it's super easy. Having the app allows you to make a transfer in seconds. Sure, it's annoying to wait in line and pick it up. But for me it's worth it. It would be more annoying to me to have to go to Calle Florida and try to find a non-sketchy looking cambio guy, then go back into a room to do the exchange and hope they're honest. I just personally feel much less safe doing that and the minimal hassle for WU far outweighs the lack of safety I feel going to the cambio guys. So like I said, it's really up to what you feel comfortable with.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Great point! I have traveled all over Europe, North America and Australia and I have never had to do as much research to go somewhere. Ha! I just want to be prepared so I have no surprises when I arrive! I am watching all your vids and learn more each time!
@@CG68810 Yeah for sure! hahaha Argentina is a lot more complicated to travel than a lot of other places, but also so much more rewarding in other ways too! :) Definitely smart to get a good idea of things before you go!
I also hope they get their economy straightened out. The problem is that they keep electing politicians who put them in that position (lefties). I guess it's their own fault.
Thank you. Very informative. So, if I send myself money around 7 days befor going to Argentina (BA), do you think I should get it upon my arrival? Is there a risk if I postpone my arrival date?
How much USD cash should I arrive with in BA to exchange on the blue rate, for the first 2-3 days? I don't want too much cash to carry around for safety reasons.
🤟
I’m visiting Argentina in June this is handy thank you
Oh great, so happy it helped. Enjoy Argentina! :) Buen viaje.
Fantastic info! I heard they also demand local phone number?
Hmm.... I'm trying to remember if they have asked my phone number before... I can't remember having ever given a local phone number. If they asked, I would have given my whatsapp number, which is US based.
Thanks Nicki for the post, but I've heard that using a DEBIT card option can allow for almost instantaneous transfers. Have you tried this option, and if so does is the maximum allowed to transfer based on your daily allowance for cash withdrawal $ amount (i.e. if your bank limits $300 withdrawal then it only allows that much to be withdrawn in pesos after WU conversion?). Also have you noticed any fees by your bank for using WU services (including debit card?). Keep up your informative videos!
Hi Vic, thank you so much for watching! :) I'm not sure about debit. Credit card definitely gives you instantaneous transfers, but the fee is a bit higher. Plus you'll have to pay an extra fee with your credit card company (mine charges $10 extra). Since debit is basically the same as using my bank account, I just use my bank account, so I unfortunately can't answer whether or not I'm charged an additional fee for using my debit card; I've only noticed that extra fee with credit. I suppose it also depends on your bank and what kind of debit card you have? If you prefer to use your debit card (if it does transfer instantaneously), I would definitely suggest calling your bank to ask them. They may even have it listed on the website? I have never had an issue with a maximum daily allowance using my bank account. The most I ever transferred was $1000usd at once. If you take out high amounts, I definitely suggest going to a larger WU in the city, since smaller ones probably won't be able to handle such a big transfer.
It’s true
I'm sure this is helpful for expats who are living in Argentina.
My experience as someone who is nearing the end of a one month stay in Buenos Aires is:
In April 2023 the "official" exchange rate has been between 215-219 Argentine pesos per USD.
Using my Charles Schwab debit card I have been averaging between 365-370 Argentine pesos per USD both at ATMs and making purchases. And I pay zero ATM fees or any fees of any kind.
That is about 1.7 times the official rate and I don't have to deal with Western Union.
At that rate everything during my stay has been very cheap and I haven't had any of the hassle.
If I were staying long-term I might check out using Western Union. For visitors I'm just not sure if the difference in the rate compared with what I've been getting would be worth all the extra work and fees.
This video was actually made before it was possible to use credit cards to get the MEP rate in Argentina. If you want just six months ago, WU would have been absolutely necessary. I’m talk happy that things are becoming easier for tourists now!
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Now I wonder about the "official" rate of around 215. How dumb do you have to be to get that rate?
I will sign up WU so you get the credit. Should I send my money a week before I arrive? And when I send the money do I have to specify a location?
Thank you for this very helpful info!
Hey thanks so much! If you haven't already signed up, use this code at the end of the link. It's the most updated one: mQwFWBE
You can only get the $20 gift card if you send money within 30 days of opening the account.
I do suggest sending the money one week in advance so it has time to process. You can use your hotel address. But you do not need to specify which WU location you'll pick it up at. You just need to choose Argentina as the country.
Best of luck! :)
thank you for the video very helpful. I am a little unclear though, in the western union app you simply send to Argentina you dont need to specify a location in Argentina? And if you send 1000 under one MTCN number but they can only give you 100 dollars, will the same MTCN be used in the future for the remaining 900 dollars? Any insight will be helpful and I will be sure to use your link when I sign up for western union.
Hi Adrian, so glad it was helpful. You're correct, you just select Argentina as the country. You don't need to specify which exact branch you're going to pick it up from. You can go to any Western Union/Pago Facil branch. They will ask for your local address when you are picking it up though. Regarding your other question, you can't take out only a portion of your transfer. All or nothing. Therefore, I suggest not sending yourself $1000 at a time. Break it up, like $400 at a time. Big branches can usually accommodate larger transfers, but the smaller branches cannot. You might even need to go to several branches until you find one that has money. Hope that helps! :)
Thanks Nicki! Wish I had watched this video last week so that I knew to transfer money in advance... As a flight attendant, my plans are always subject to change as when traveling for fun, I travel stand-by. Since I am arriving in BA tomorrow, what do you recommend is the best way for me to exchange money. We are coming from Santiago, and we have a lot of Chilean Pesos. Will they be any good to exchange, or should I just hold on to them for my next trip to Chile? I hope you see this comment before I arrive... Thanks again for the great video and tips! Cheers
Hi Reeves! Hmmm I’m really not sure about Chilean pesos, but you might be better off saving them for your next trip to Chile. If you have crisp $100 usd notes, you can exchange them on Calle Florida. Look for the guys saying “cambia.” You can also ask at your hotel if they know an “arbolista,” which is a person who exchanges money. Also, ask for Thomas Hines on the BA Expat Hub FB group, as he helps foreigners to change money. The last thing is you could always send yourself money to the WU from your credit card. You’ll have to pay a fee, but at least it’s available immediately. Hope that helps! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Hey Nicki! This is Eric. Here is the latest on the trip and our financial wrangling 😂 It has all been surprisingly EASY! First, when I got to the EZE airport, I exchanged my Chilean Pesos at the bank just outside of Customs and Immigration (to the RIGHT as heading towards the exit). Since I had a little cash (Pesos) in my pocket, we decided to wait until we got to our AirBb to work out a larger exchange. After speaking to a “local” sitting beside us on the plane, riding over from Santiago, who mentioned the Blue Dollar. I told him I had seen this great video on UA-cam about this very thing *wink wink* (I’ve already shared it with several people). So, I thought I would send a small amount just to try it and see what happened.
I set up my Western Union account, as you mentioned. I then followed the prompts, and set up the transfer with my debit card vs. my credit card to avoid a transfer fee. Once I set all of that up, the WU system said the transfer would be available “In Minutes”! I remembered you saying it could take up to a week, so I was a little worried, thus the small amount. Once I finished entering all of the information, WU still told me my $$ would be available in minutes, and I wouldn’t have to pay a fee. I hit Enter and got the message telling me my money was available to for pick up.
After having a late lunch with some new friends we made on our Grey Line “Hop On/Hop Off” bus, who are here from Australia, we told them we had to run and find the closest WU before they closed at 17.00 (5pm), and it was 16.40!
When we finally found WU at 16.55 inside of a grocery store hidden in the corner, we waited while one guy kept pulling out black plastic shopping bags full of cash and giving them to the WU guy, who then put Pesos on the counting machine. The other window opened up, and being my first time at a WU, I felt a little more confident having WATCHED YOUR VIDEO; because, I had taken a screen shot of the transfer which had the amount of Pesos I was expecting and the Transfer number (MTCN), along with my passport. I was able to transfer $80 US to myself for 35,560.00 ARS at the rate of $1 USD = 444.5000 ARS. The published rate as of today, the same day, is $1 USD = 220.85 ARS. So, I was able to DOUBLE MY MONEY! All thanks to you! You rock gurl! Keep the great videos coming, and I’ll keep sharing! (Sorry for the long story but I was so excited I had to share…)
PS - BTW, I found a GREAT AirBB in Palermo Hollywood, so tell your followers there are great options out there if you do your research!
That’s so great to hear!! I’m really happy you had such a positive experience 💕💕
Hey, super informative video!
Just going to BA and Mendoza for a holiday and worried about transferring too much. If I have a lot of cash at the end of the trip what’s the process for exchanging it back to home currency (CAD) ?
Unfortunately you can’t! Argentina pesos are basically useless outside of Argentina. Buy some gifts or wine with your leftover cash! :)
Let's make like...
the article i pasted below is from Bloomberg News. Seems starting tomorrow US-based credit cards will get an exchange rate of 291. Seems worth it for Uber, restaurants, hotels, etc? Such a strange situation there!
That’s fantastic news! I double checked with my friend who works at Bloomberg, and she confirmed. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. Game changer!!
Very informative so thank you. I do have a question. A few months ago I visited BA and found that using my credit my bank always gave me the blue rate. Is it not practical to charges things directly from your bank?
Hello, great video. is it better to just take $$$ to Argentina and trade it for local currency at black market rate? This is how it used to be in Venezuela a few years back. im thinking about taking a trip down there and take advantage of the exchange rate.
this was really helpful, Im visiting Buenos Aires for the first time next week. So if I transfer money into my western union account, it will be available in all branches across the city? I assume this means I just give them my details and they will be able to see that I have an account and allow me to take cash out?
That's right. When you make your transfer in your WU account, just make sure to select "Argentina" as the country where you are sending money to. You can send it from you, to you. Then it will be available in any WU in Argentina. When you go to pick up your money, make sure to bring your passport and your MCTN number. You should also know the total amount in pesos, they always ask that. For the first time, they'll also ask you your phone number and local address. Giving them your hotel address is fine. An international number is also fine.
Hello.. how can we have a driver license out there. If we are foreigner
Many thanks for the info 😌 One thing I am struggling to find out is if WU is open during public holidays? like today and tomorrow 20-21 Feb 23. I fly in during a public holiday 24 Mar 23 and hopefully not having to pay red rates everywhere or stalking the streets looking for a sketchy cash exchange guy.
I totally get not wanting to do that sketchy stuff! I think it depends on the location of the WU, as each one has slightly different hours. However, I would guess that most WUs would close on a holiday unfortunately.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff There was the public holiday yesterday and today (21 Feb 23) in BA and I checked google maps opening times as well as the official WU site opening times for a bunch of locations in Palermo and they appeared to be open throughout the days. Seems like a good sign but I might call the locations to confirm - Thanks
@@anthonygoddard8597 Oh that's great to hear. I really hope they're open. Though one thing I learned in Argentina was to never trust what I found online. Very often Google Maps has incorrect information. But fingers crossed that you'll be able to find an open one!!! :)
Really helpful.
So glad to hear it! :)
Hey nicki, tnx for the video been looking for a way to receive money from Argentina but aint got no clue yet. I think i need to discuss with u personally pliz
Nicki, hi! Thanks for such detailed info. Do you happen to know if WU add any extra fee for transferring USD into a local bank account? In case one manages to get DNI and open an account.
Hey there! I know it is totally possible, I just don't know if the fee is different. I would assume there is also a fee, and I would also assume it would be the same if you were just picking up or transferring to a bank account. But I can't say with absolute certainty!
Yes, the fee was $15 on February 1.
Awesome video! The exchange rate here is 1=172 which isn’t bad! Do you normally take out a weeks worth of spending or more/less?
Hi Calvin, it looks like the blue rate as of today (for USD) is 286 pesos to the $1. Western Union usually trades a little higher than that. A couple days ago my friend got an exchange at 309 and a few days before that it was at 300. Is 172 the exchange for NZ dollars? I usually transfer myself $400-$500 each time, and then just go until it runs out. But I keep an eye on how much I have left so I can do a transfer at least one week before I think I'll need more.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff That's awesome and yes in NZD. And how long does the $500 last you there, if you don't mind me asking.
@@calvinwilliams1919 About a month. But it depends on what your spending habits are. I go out to meals a couple times a week but mostly cook at home. I also don't go out much, so I'm not spending money on drinks and stuff. Excluding rent, I spend about $400-$500/mo.
The passport we're supposed to photocopy-- can it be the credit card sized passport or does it need to be the original booklet style?
Really helpful video thank you. I'm heading to Argentina in a few weeks from the UK for 4 weeks. Is it true you need an Argentinian number to use the WU app / collect money? I read that you will be text a code that you need to show at the bank to collect but only sends to an Argentinian number? Or will it show the code in the app if connected to wifi? Thanks x
I don’t remember that being an issue. I would just DL the app now while you’re in the UK, make your transfer, and then it will be ready for you to pick up once you’re in Argentina. You shouldn’t need an Argentina number to pick up money. I have a local number, but I always use my US number because it’s my WhatsApp number and it’s never been a problem. You do need to show your MTCN number at Western Union, but it’s the number that is in the app. It doesn’t get texted to you. By “bank” do you mean Western Union? Don’t go to a regular bank here because they will exchange at the red rate.
All your transfers are listed on the home page in the app. That home page shows the MTCN number for each transfer. If you click on the transfer, it will show you all the detailed info, like the total amount and exchange rate. I suggest talking a screen shot of that page so you have all the info ready to show when you go in. Hope that helps! :)
Hello, I am regularly using your service in Buenos Aires. But, it is getting complicated because the cash pickup points force us to accept very large amounts of cash in 100 peso notes. It is becoming unfeasible.
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Visa pays the blue dollar rate. Mastercard doesn't. We're almost finished with my 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 so happy you had a great holiday! Yes, the credit cards getting the near blue rate is fairly new- just started in late December. Did you do the Recoleta tour with Simon?
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff No, I did my Recoleta Cemetary tour with someone from Viator. I can't remember her name.
Are you there on the BA digital nomad visa? Could you do a video on it? It is so hard to find info and you seem to have your pulse on all things Argentina!
Hey Kelsea, I am not on the tourist visa. I'm on the tourist visa. It's not illegal to overstay. You just have to pay the fee when you leave. I've seen chatter in FB groups about the digital nomad visa, but nobody seems to really be actually on it. I'm not totally sure what the benefits would be since you can already overstay the tourist 90 days and it's not illegal. But it's an interesting idea for a video and I'll do some research! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff thanks! Interesting, we have heard about that but didn’t know if people actually did it. That makes it easy!
@@kmichaelcjp Yup! I would say it's quite common. Pretty easy too since it's not technically illegal. You just need to pay the fine before you leave. It's the same fine if you overstay by 3 days or 3 years.
Is mar del plata cheaper?
What if you send yourself money via Western Union ahead of time and then aren’t able to pick it up or find a WU with enough cash? Are you out that money or is it not actually transferred until you pick it up? I’m thinking about going to El Calafate and El Chalten and hear the one open in El Calafate is often out of cash.
Sounds like a good fit for bitcoin lightening network.
Are you able to bring in dolllars to exchange at western union directly? instead of having to transfer to yourself first?
This is SO helpful. I was looking all over piecing info together and this is all in one place. Thank you. One question - when I select Debit Card instead of Bank Account, it looks like I get a little bit better exchange rate sometimes even though the fees may be slightly higher. Because the money is available instantly, I would like to go this route but curious if there is a reason not to (other than the higher fees). Thank you!
Hi Kirsten! Yayy I'm really happy to hear how helpful it was to you! :) Mission accomplished!
The truth is, I have never actually noticed the exchange rate changing when I switch between debit card and bank account. I see absolutely no reason not to try that. Whatever gives you the best rate/amount, I say go for it!! :)
Before you do, I would google to see if you can find a promo code. Last year there was a promo code going around (DIGITAL0FEE) that waived the fee, but it stopped working a few months ago. Maybe you can find another one? Good luck!!
I have heard, there is a lot of counterfeit Argentina currency and
how can it be detected?
When adding a “new receiver” the website asks for receivers bank information. Do you put your US bank info or do you need to have a Argentinian bank account?
What about renting a safety deposit box in a BANK? As an American citizen is it possible to rent a deposit box? Make a video about a bank account in Buenos Aires. The convenience, pros and cons.
Hey Will- Foreigners actually can create bank accounts in Argentina, so I imagine that it would be totally possible to have a deposit box. Unfortunately I'm not in BA at the moment, so I won't be able to make a video about banks. Though I do think it's a great idea and will certainly consider it if/when I go back! :)
how do you triple your spending money?
Worth nothing that Western Union has different sites/apps for each countries! I accidentally signed up on the Argentina site because I'm already here. Had to create an account on the US site with a different email address to fix it. I also needed to use a VPN to get to the right site. This was very helpful though, thank you!
Thank you so much for this great informational video! I have one question: Is ist possible to go to western union in Buenos Aires and put cash into your own WU account? by cash I mean Dollars? Thank you
Hi Karin, unfortunately I don't believe it works the opposite way like that. You could definitely go to one of the smaller branches (shorter lines) and ask them just in case. But very sadly, I don't believe this is possible.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff thank you that's good to know! One last question: do you know if there is a Western Union branch at the Ezeiza airport and if yes would you recommend getting the money right there? Thank you and all the best to you!
@@KarinBachnerMusic Yes, I believe there is one, but it's open shortened hours. Something like 9am-5pm. So if you arrive between those hours, it might be helpful. If not, it's possible to manage. Usually you can pay your driver in USD (if you have arranged in advanced. I recommend Emilio - +54 9 11 5905 8226 - cost is $30 usd). Then drop off your bags, get settled, and head to the Western Union without having a ton of stuff.
Just keep in mind what you are comfortable with. Are you comfortable having a ton of cash on you, with all your bags at the same time? If you're taking a driver or a taxi, you should be fine. But if you're planning to take the public bus #8, I wouldn't risk it.
EZE Western Union info:
CORREO AEROPUERTO EZEIZA
Tte Gral Ricchieri Km 33.3 Aerop Ezeiza
Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, 1802
Open until 17:00
Phone: +54-0810-4441000
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Thanks for shareing all your wisdom and knowledge! Yes we will go by taxi . So take care and enjoy Bunes Aires yourself! Alle the best Karin
@@KarinBachnerMusic Buen viaje! :)
Does Revolut work the same way?
Sorry I’m not really sure about that!
What about direct deposit to the bank account in argentine ? Need to sing something?
Yes, I believe that is possible. You should be able to deposit directly into a local bank account from Western Union. I didn’t mention it in the video because I have never done it, and don’t for sure 100% know the process, and most tourists also don’t have local bank accounts. But if you do have a local account, I do believe that is possible. Good luck! :)
Thanks for this helpful video. I'm headed to BA in March 2023. I'll only be there for about 5 days. Would it be best to just bring some USD and exchange it there vs use western union? Can I get the blue dollar rate at a cambio there? Thanks again!
I think it really depends on what you're comfortable with. You can get the blue dollar rate from Western Union, and also money exchangers on the street. I personally think using the WU is so much easier and less stressful, and I also feel safer. Just make an online transaction then go into the building to pick it up safely.
If you decided to go the other route, you'll need to find an arbolista, or approach one of the guys saying "Cambio" in the street (usually Calle Florida), then follow them into a room to do the exchange.
I personally don't feel comfortable doing the latter which is why I stick to WU. But if you feel comfortable doing it, then that also works.
For me it's a matter of time and safety. You can google a WU location and go there (but also run the risk of going to many if they don't have money), or spend your time looking for a cambio guy. So all in all, it just depends on the way you feel comfortable spending your time. Best of luck! :)
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Ok I will probably do the WU thing then. If so, I'll use your link :) I think I'll be staying around the Palarmo area. Are there some large branches there? Thanks Nicki! Eric
@@EK-lp8od Thanks! :) There are definitely some branches in Palermo. Here is a list of some good WU's around the city I like:
Belgrano: La Pampa 2451, C1428 CABA
Congreso: Rivadavia 1649, C1033 CABA
Micro Centro: Peru, San Nicolás 139, 1067
Palermo: Av. Luis María Campos 901, C1426 CABA (inside the mall)
San Telmo: Perú 1107 C1068AAM, C1068 CABA (on Wednesdays)
Villa Crespo: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortíz 333, C1414 CABA
How about when you first land at the airport do you just have to go with the low rate of exchange? After a month in Buenos Aires I'm going to go to Uruguay, use my credit card take out dollars then return to Argentina. Is that a good idea?
Many drivers will accept USD as payment for airport pick up. Generally about $25 usd. Once you get to your housing, go to the western Union. If you prefer to exchange dollars in person, that’s a fine plan. I just personally don’t like doing that because I think it can be sketchy. I think using WU is the safest option. But you can do what you feel most comfortable with! :)
Hello, when you send money from western union can you withdraw the currency in the dollar not in peso? or you have another currency to peso can you choose to withdraw in dollar?
Only pesos in Argentina. When you make the transfer, you have to choose the country/currency that you're going to pick it up.
Sorry, so how does the purchasing power get tripled? Best case scenario the blue rate is double, I don't understand.
Are there any Western Unions that are open on Sundays? I'm arriving on a Sunday so if I can't get money that day it could be an issue.
Hi Gabriel. Generally they are not open on Sundays. I suggest bringing some USD ($100 bills only) that you could exchange to hold you over until you can get to a WU. Also, one good thing the can be helpful is that very recently, Argentina started accepting Visa credit cards and charging them the MEP rate, which is nearly the blue rate. So you could just pay with a cc for your first day if it comes down to that.
Wouldn't a bank be easier or a street cambio do the trick?
Thanks (again) for your helpful videos. In the event that the (airport) WU location is closed or they don't have any money, can I "cancel" a transfer from me to me, and get the money refunded to my source account?
Yes! However, you won’t be refunded the fee. So you’ll just be losing about $35 or whatever fee you paid. There are several WU locations around the country though, so would you be able to just pick up your money from another location?
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Thanks again! I think I saw that a WU promotion makes the first transaction free. If they are closed at EZE I might be able to catch them in El Calafate.
@@rlfisher Oh that's great if you don't have to pay the fee! Good luck! :)
Very good video Nicky. You think they will have a problem dispensing 133,000 pesos? Can I tell them what denominations I want or they just give you what they want?
Hi Frank, thanks so much for watching. Getting 133,000 shouldn't be a problem at all. Unfortunately you cannot tell them what denominations. They just give you what they have. One time I took about about $400 usd in pesos, and they gave it to me in all 100 notes. I had to carry a huge bag of cash quickly back to my apt! haha Hopefully they will give you 500 and 1000s!!
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff Thanks for the quick response. I already sent me the money and will pickuo on the 24th. I hope is not to busy to oick up this time of the year.
Good luck!!! :)
No credit cards? Is this for people moving to Buenos Aires long term? I’m only traveling there for a few days. I need to wire myself money ahead of time?
Yes! You can use your credit card, but it will be at the red rate. If you want the blue rate, you need to pay in cash. If you prefer you can bring cash to exchange, but personally I think transferring is the safest and easiest. In order to understand better the money situation, you should watch my other video about money in Argentina. The thumbnail is half red and half blue.
Are there any reliable restaurants where I can exchange dollars with blue rates?
Hi Saruul! I haven't ever heard of restaurants exchanging dollars for pesos before. I've heard of some hotels doing it, but never restaurants.
How soon do I have to pick up my transfer? If it takes approx 5days for cash to become available, can I let the transfer sit till ready to pickup?
Yup! I think you can leave it in WU for up to 90 days before you pick it up.
Does one have to open/create a Western Union (WU) account, or can one visit a WU site in their home county (in my case the US) and send money to myself and have it waiting when I get to a WU office in BA?
You need to create an account in order to do exactly that. Having an account lets them know who you are when you go to pick up your money. It’s free to open an account, and super easy. If you open an account using the link I left in the description, we both get a $20 Amazon gift card! :)
It’s super easy to create the account online and/or with the app, and should be easier than talking extra time to go to a physical location in the US.
It's crazy how the video shows that the exchange rate with WU was 1 USD for 281 Pesos and it's nearly 500 pesos today. Inflation hit so hard in the last 8 months. WILD!
Right!? It changes SO much and SO fast!
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff It´s $843 today and it will keep on going up 😭. There is a dolar tarjeta for foreiners that it´s twice the official rate but still not near the blue rate. It´s $640 today. So western union and paying Cash is always the best option.
I'm conflicted, I want to go to Buenos Aires in July but some say it's a bad idea and you shouldn't travel in July to BA.
I was planning on going with my 5 year old, my 3 year old and my wife....
Any thoughts or opinion would be appreciated and taken in.
It will be the coldest month but there is still a lot to do! I think you can enjoy BA any month of the year! :)
What if I want to convert or send money from agentina peso to usd, can I get an official rate?
Hi Victor, I’m not totally positive because I’ve never done it that way. I’m so sorry! Maybe just create an account and pretend to send money, and see the rate it gives you?
Should I send myself money before leaving Australia so I can pick it up in Argentina?
Yes! Keep in mind that it takes 3-5 business days for your money to fully transfer. But you can leave it in the Western Union for about 30 days before they start sending you emails reminding you about your money. I suggest monitoring the blue rate (bluedollar dot net), and then sending yourself money when it seems to be a good rate. Just make sure you do it at least 5 days before you'll need it in Argentina! :)
People are getting to know and use Western Union more and more as a way to get (almost) the Dollar Blue. I'm just waiting for when this particular route gets closed off. Any other ideas that you use, Nicki?
Do you think it will get closed off? Hopefully not. I’m not aware of any other strategies at the moment. People have been using WU for several years.
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff This government tries to block everything that's any use to anyone and which it can't control.😡
I found out about the WU route about 6 months ago. Before that I was completely unaware of this possibility, but now I'm seeing more and more visitors posting about it. This apparent explosion of use is bound to draw attention from AFIP. Money coming in this way - including external earnings - is untaxed.
I guess the government benefits to certain level from foreign exchange bought at the Blue rate, but it could make more if WU sold at only the official rate (although no one would use it). They a a history of killing the goose that lays the golden egg: just look what they did to Mercado Libre.
@@DarylBaines @Daryl Baines That is super frustrating. I hope that doesn't happen. Although Visa and Mastercard can now be used to receive the 'tourist rate,' which is not quite the blue dollar, but still better than nothing. Pretty sure the gov't did this when they saw everyone paying in cash. So that's an option. But fingers crossed that the Western Union route will stick around for a while!
@@NickiPostsTravelStuff The gov't announced that foreign Visa/Master can access tourist/blue rate, but do you know anyone who has actually done it yet?
My elderly parents are coming to visit next month. My dad made some enquires with his card company in the UK, and they've never heard about it. That's not to say it isn't real, but it would be interesting to find someone who has actually tried it.
As you say, fingers crossed with the WU route, but worth looking for alternatives in the meantime.
Been checking out your channel - very nice. Have you visited the Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes? I'm planning a trip there with some friends in April.
@@DarylBaines So I tried it in early November when they first announced it and it did NOT work. I know a bunch of people who tried it and no luck. But then after I left and came back to the US (where I am right now), a friend who works at Bloomberg let me know the news about Visa/Mastercard. I did hear that someone tried it and it didn't work right away, but then they got the refund a few weeks later. What I would do is make ONE purchase that isn't so expensive just to see what comes back on your bank statement. If it works, then GREAT! If not, then unfortunately just keep relying on cash. You know what, I'm going to ask on my Instagram page to see if anyone else has tried it and it worked.
Unfortunately I have not been to the Ibera Wetlands. There is SO MUCH to see in Argentina. A lifetime wouldn't cover it! haha