Jenny R
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
I am travelling on the October trip to Chile, Argentine and Brazil. I understand that the Argentine currency is a 'closed currency'. i.e you cannot take any Argentine money in or out of the country. US$ are accepted but imagine these would only be of use for larger purchases and if one just wanted a bottle of water in a local shop then I would assume one would need the local currency.

Those of you who have already done this trip, how did you get round this. I know there are credit/debti cards but not always practical. Presumably one goes with US$ and uses an ATM for small local currency and then spends at the airport on the way out.

Any information from anyone please!

Jenny R

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Jenny I took US $ on this tour and had no trouble changing them at any stage - at hotels or elsewhere in Chile, Argentina or Brazil. It was not a problem and your tour manager will help you with this. This is an absolutely fantastic tour, so don't worry you will have an amazing experience! Hope you enjoy it all.

Best wishes,

Bob

rosehoward
(Member)
Some years ago when I visited Argentina, I found that I could order the currency through HSBC - not my usual bank. When out there, had trouble sometimes using ATMs except HSBC. Dont know if that will help, but I wouldnt go there without any local cash. Have a good trip
janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hello Jenny,

I am sure I ordered Argentine Pesos at Travelex picking them up at the airport. I went with my daughter with Journey Latin America as they were the only tour company going to Rio on my 55th birthday which is New Years Eve. We paid extra to go with Air France and Paris instead of Iberia and through Madrid. Long flight both to Buenos Aires and back from Rio, but the memories stay with us.

Put my bank card into the HSBC ATM in the shopping mall in Buenos Aires, had informed my bank HSBC that I was going there. After punching in that I wanted English, up came Good morning and my name- stunned was the word :)

25 degrees pouring rain celebrating New Years Eve watching 16 minutes of fantastic fireworks on Copacabana Beach-priceless :thumbup:

Have a great trip.

Jan

PeterG
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Jenny

I'm on the October trip to Chile etc. Haven't started to think about currency yet but a few years ago I went to Peru with US$ and had no problems - everything was priced in the local currency and dollars but your change was always the local money.

Peter

Jenny R
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thanks all. Knew you would have the answer Bob. Don't know why I didn't just email you direct. Did you take dollars for all countries and change as you went? Hope the falls are as brilliant as Victoria & Niagara. Working my way round all of them.

Jenny R

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Jenny,

Yes I just brought US $ for the whole trip - there was no problem exchanging them for the local currency as needed. I enjoyed this tour so much, second only to our S Africa/Zambia holiday! I haven't seen Niagara but in my opinion Iguazu was incredible, better even than Victoria Falls. You get so close to them and also get very different perspectives from the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. When Eleanor Roosevelt saw Iguazu she is said to have commented, "Poor Niagara!" I hope you agree! Have a brilliant tour - you will also love going over the Andes, an incredible experience!

Take care,

Bob

Jenny R
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'PeterG' wrote:

Hi Jenny

I'm on the October trip to Chile etc. Haven't started to think about currency yet but a few years ago I went to Peru with US$ and had no problems - everything was priced in the local currency and dollars but your change was always the local money.

Peter

Nor would I have been that organised normally but had to get some euros for another holiday so just thought that I would ask if they held those currencies in stock or would I need to order. Handy to know about dual pricing.

Jenny R