CURRENCY

ATTENTION: SINCE 1/JAN/2002 THERE WAS A DEVALUATION, THE VALUE OF YOUR DOLLARS HAS INCREASED THREE TIMES. Check on line the dollar value

The official Argentine currency is the Peso which was during 10 years on a par with the US Dollar. Now 1 dollar=3.4 pesos (this change daily ) and fluctuates (mainly loosing value compared to dollar). There are notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos and coins of 1, 2 and 5 pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos.

You can change your dollars in banks but, if you are selling (not buying) dollars, the best price is given by  "arbolitos" ("little green trees", for the "leaves") who are people in the downtown changing dollars. You can recognize them hearing their announcement in loud voice:  "cambio, cambio" . Traveler's checks must be cashed in banks, exchange shops (casas de cambio), airports or hotels (hotels usually offer the lowest rate).

If you are buying dollars, take only crisp, new notes becausewrinkled, soiled, or torn banknotes will probably be refused.

Cashing traveler's checks can be difficult, especially in smaller towns. Commissions can run as high as 10 percent, but can usually be avoided by cashing checks at a branch of the issuing bank or company such as American Express or Thomas Cook. Cashing traveler's checks can be a lengthy process with innumerable forms to be completed. Any variation between the sample signature and the cashing signature can lead to refusal of the check.

Cash is also available from automated teller machines (ATMs), particularly in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario. Credit cards (American Express, Diner's Club, MasterCard, and Visa) are widely accepted at business hotels, expensive restaurants, and upscale stores.