Argentine Economy

[Esten]

I was in BA recently. The blue rate exchange places on Florida and in Recoleta were giving 950:1 for $20US bills and 1000:1 for $100US bills. A $100 US bill would get you 100,000 pesos. Meanwhile the official rate was much lower. So converting blue was a no brainer.

For reference, most good quality escorts and massage (+options) chicas seemed to be in the 30000 - 50000 pesos range for an hour. Which is $30 to $50. There is also a small tranche at the $100 level. There are several cheaper and a few more expensive, but there is no need to go there.

I had dinner at one of the top parillas, with a bottle of wine it was about 40000 total for two people or $40. This would have been near $100 in the states.

Taxis and ubers were 3000 - 5000 pesos ($3-5 US) to cross multiple barrios. I remember 15-20 years ago the taxis being ridiculously cheap, like you didn't think twice about taking one. Then gradually over the years it became less and less of a deal. Well, those cheap taxi days are back.

The only boliche remaining in Recoleta is D'Lirio. It's not far from the old Madahos. It's nice but just "OK" by international standards. Asking price is $300US but $200US is readily accepted. While this is much higher than other options in town, it's the place with the highest quality chicas, and you get the night club experience of mingling with and choosing the one you like. For reference, rates at Madahos and Hippo in the 2010-13 era had risen approx. To the $150-$200 US range. All things considered and with the inflation in Argentina, the US price staying close to flat at the top club is not bad.

The craziest thing is that the largest bill is 1000 pesos. There is supposedly a 2000 peso note but I never saw one and it's uncommon. Remember 1000 pesos is the equivalent of $1 US. So to head out for a night of fun including a great dinner, drinks and a date from the top club you would need a stack of 1000 peso notes 3 inches thick. It was ridiculous. In addition to a bulging wallet, you need to stash some stacks of bills in your front pockets or get a money belt. Or pay in US.

[SteveC]

I love Argentina. Not everything about the country but enough to visit more than 30 times (I also had financial interests in visiting). I love the food, wine, ladies (some of the most beautiful women in the world) and culture (excluding its love for leftist ideologies).


The dollar isn't going anywhere. There is a mountain of resistance to changing (not attitudes but hard cost and momentum).

Argentina's economy was the envy of the world circa 1916. Then, the leftists took over and it was skid't row ever since. The "Dirty war" was between leftist factions not between decent people and the "Extreme right wing" as has been propagated in the media, press and literature.

Argentina would be fine if the people came to think that a hard day's work was worth working for...

Llll.

My quote you used was obviously referring to the US inflation (making the point the US inflation history was not as bad as Argentina's as claimed by another poster). Just for clarification.

As for your comments about Argentine history post 1916; the "leftists" did not "take over". Giving workers basic rights and a minimum wage isn't leftist, and the economy performed well until the depression of 1929. Where do you get your information from?

[Wild Walleye]

When in a crisis, you just need to calm down and look for opportunities.

Some girls are charging even more, because of the concentration of power of purchase.

However:

If you look for other sources (less expensive) you'll find cheaper prices.

Agreed.

Always denominate your sport fucking activities in local currency. Never discuss USD in terms (until you have a deal in pesos and then you can offer the converted value in USD). This country is up the proverbial creek economically speaking. Commercial sex is commodity (i.e. There is lots and lots of it) and it is a "Luxury" (that is to say if you're starving you'll do without it). So, local impoverished mongers aren't buying.

In 2007 I could get a half hour with a great looking chica for about $27-35. The economic times back then were much better than they are today. So, inflation adjusted (US inflation not Argentinian) would make that about $40-50. I am willing to bet that there is plenty if good action at very reasonable prices. I hate to make it seem so mercenary-like but, the price of a commodity (in a free market) is the price the market (i.e. Customer) is willing to pay.

The local gentlemen are suffering and have no cash to lavish upon the ladies so what, exactly, is driving prices? What are their alternatives? Hold out for higher prices and go home penniless or bend over and bring home some cash?

There is an obvious disconnect when you find forum favorites and chicas that posses extra skills (like the ability to speak English). Those things will cost more.

[SimpleWrangler]

When in a crisis, you just need to calm down and look for opportunities.

Some girls are charging even more, because of the concentration of power of purchase.

However:

If you look for other sources (less expensive) you'll find cheaper prices.

IF 1 USD = 1500 ARS, then from what some have posted, independent friends are charging 300000 ARS (200USD)? This seems insane since the website listed below would indicate that one could rent 5 expensive furnished apartments for this amount. I am just trying to figure out the economy and am mostly interested in the Malbec, but this math seems way off. Curious what the Peso range would be if local. Writing a novel and need accurate info... ;).

[Peter Sideburn]

IF 1 USD = 1500 ARS, then from what some have posted, independent friends are charging 300000 ARS (200USD)? This seems insane since the website listed below would indicate that one could rent 5 expensive furnished apartments for this amount. I am just trying to figure out the economy and am mostly interested in the Malbec, but this math seems way off. Curious what the Peso range would be if local. Writing a novel and need accurate info... ;).

1 dollar = 1.000 or 1.500 ARS.

Have a nice dinner for 2, less than USD 50.

Don't go tourist, otherwise, could cost USD 200, may be more...

December it's a great time to go and have a great 2 to 3 week vacation.

[Wild Walleye]

Double digit inflation. It hasn't averaged over 10% for a single decade in the last 50 years (https://inflationdata.com/Inflation/..._Inflation.asp) and unionists who brainwash the population....in the land of union busters and very low union membership? I doubt it very much. I agree about the dollar being in terminal decline though.

I love Argentina. Not everything about the country but enough to visit more than 30 times (I also had financial interests in visiting). I love the food, wine, ladies (some of the most beautiful women in the world) and culture (excluding its love for leftist ideologies).


The dollar isn't going anywhere. There is a mountain of resistance to changing (not attitudes but hard cost and momentum).

Argentina's economy was the envy of the world circa 1916. Then, the leftists took over and it was skid row ever since. The "Dirty war" was between leftist factions not between decent people and the "Extreme right wing" as has been propagated in the media, press and literature.

Argentina would be fine if the people came to think that a hard day's work was worth working for...

[SteveC]

Just like the US.

Double digit inflation. It hasn't averaged over 10% for a single decade in the last 50 years (https://inflationdata.com/Inflation/..._Inflation.asp) and unionists who brainwash the population....in the land of union busters and very low union membership? I doubt it very much. I agree about the dollar being in terminal decline though.

[Anakin]

Just like the US.

So, in other words, just add to the problem then?

[Don B]

How do you combat 50+ years of govt thievery, double digit inflation, unionists who have brainwashed the general public and an entire country of entitled fools who don't want to work very hard or very often.

Switching to Dollarization might not help as the $USD is in decline globally. I don't see how it helped Ecuador any.

Any ideas?

Just like the US.

[Seismo]

Cheers to Argentina for taking a big first step to recovery!

How do you combat 50+ years of govt thievery, double digit inflation, unionists who have brainwashed the general public and an entire country of entitled fools who don't want to work very hard or very often.

Switching to Dollarization might not help as the $USD is in decline globally. I don't see how it helped Ecuador any.

Any ideas?

[The Cane]

Cheers to Argentina for taking a big first step to recovery!

I heard the plan is to switch to the US dollar for Argentina's legal currency. That would get rid of the worthless Argentine peso and help stop the outrageous inflation.

[Wild Walleye]

Cheers to Argentina for taking a big first step to recovery!

[SimpleWrangler]

Any of you old timer, expats want to share some info on the current environment on the streets of Bs As?

1 dollar = 1.000 or 1.500 ARS.

Have a nice dinner for 2, less than USD 50.

Don't go tourist, otherwise, could cost USD 200, may be more...

December it's a great time to go and have a great 2 to 3 week vacation.

[Wild Walleye]

Any of you old timer, expats want to share some info on the current environment on the streets of Bs As?

[The Cane]

Seems like now would be a very favorable time to be wielding greenbacks in Argentina: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/03/11/...ange-rate.html.