1743  Going to Argentina.

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2003 11:52:04 -0400
From: A Coleman <gurps_npc@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Going to Argentina.

OK, What do I need besides my Passport? Is a visa neccesary?

Should I convert $US to Argentinian money? Or keep it in AmEx Traveller
Checks?

I know I should be using Credit Cards to pay for things, is there a
particular kind of card I should be sure to carry? Do they take AmEx cards?

And any other advice would be welcome.

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Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2003 12:07:57 -0500
From: Bibi Wong <bibibwong@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Going to Argentina.

I am sure a lot of members here will be writing to you with advices.

>Is a visa neccesary?

US passport? no

>
>Should I convert $US to Argentinian money? Or keep it in AmEx
>TravellerChecks?

You cannot convert even in country as close to Ar as Brazil. Only within
that country

My preference: some traveller checks as emergency backup. But I will bring
an ATM card (Cirrus system), there is a bank at the airport, next to the
exit when you arrive. Use the machine there to withdraw money in pesos.
That will give you instant money to use upon arrival.

I personally fancy using citibanks globally; many branches, late hours, no
bank ATM charge.

Bibi

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Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2003 14:11:16 -0700
From: NANCY <ningle_2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Going to Argentina.

--- A Coleman <gurps_npc@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> OK, What do I need besides my Passport? Is a visa
> neccesary?

U.S. citizen? No.

>
> Should I convert $US to Argentinian money? Or keep
> it in AmEx Traveller
> Checks?

AVOID traveller's checks. About the only place that
will cash them is the AmEx ofice during the 4 hours (
it seems)they are open. You can use U.S. dollars but
will be given change in pesos. Do not accept
Patacones ( they have a paragraph on the back of the
bill). You can use ATM cards all over the city to get
cash. However, some machines only give 100 peso notes
which cab drivers do not want. Charge anything you
can - your Credit Card company will give you the bank
rate of exchange. VISA is everywhere. With the
devaluation, a US$ goes a long way. You can easily
eat, dance, take cabs and enter the milongas for
$25/day.

> And any other advice would be welcome.

Some of the cheaper hotels will not take Credit Cards.
Ask first. ATM machines will give you dollars or
pesos. If you get known in a restaurant ( three
meals), they will probably change big bills for you.
Carry a copy of your passport with you for ID. Even
using a $50 USD they might ask for ID. For some reason
Argentines are hyper -sensitive about counterfeiting -
especially traveller's checks. Don't leave payment or
a tip on the table - hand it directly to the wait
person.

This is probably way more advice than you need, but
always remember you are in a big city and are
obviously a tourist. After months of visits, I was
only ripped off by one cab driver and a Greek
cabdriver pulled the same stunt on me. You'd think I
would learn. ;-)

Buen viaje!
Nancy