This probably doesn't apply to many people in here but I thought I'd post it for informational purposes.

First one has to understand that there are 2 exchange rates in Argentina, the official rate which is currently about 9 pesos/US$ and the "blue" or street rate which is currently about 13.5 pesos/US$. If you use credit cards, change money at the airport, or in a Argentina bank you will receive the official rate, which at 9 to 1 compared to 13/1 is obviously a bad deal. The "blue" rate is published in the paper every day.

The "blue" rate is used on the streets and in many shops, restaurants, etc. We saw one grocery store offering 13.5 to one for purchases only, not for exchange (we asked).
The best rate we received on the street was 13.25 to one, but we usually got 13 to one, and, before we learned the ropes, received as low as 12 to one. Some restaurants figured the bill at 12 to one, some at 13 and you can pay in dollars at that rate if you'd like. In order to conserve local cash, we usually would pay in dollars at 13 and anything less, we'd pay in pesos.

So, how do you get the "blue" rate? Well, first of all, while widely and completely ignored by the government, it is technically illegal. So, in most places where tourists are found, there are many guys standing around saying, "Cambio, cambio" (Change, Change) (shopping areas, such as Florida Street and around tourist attractions) (AFA I'm concerned there aren't many of those in BA)and you can approach them and ask the rate. If you like it, they'll usually take you to an office or in the doorway of a magazine/newspaper kiosk and make the exchange. If the offered rate is low, you can counter or go on to the next "Cambio" guy who won't be far away. I would recommend not exchanging more than $200 or $300 US dollars at one time/place. While we never had any problem while exchanging several thousand dollars worth of dollars to pesos, counterfeit pesos are not unknown.

I am told that the rate is better in BA than out in the countryside. I can't comment since all the exchange we did was in BA.

Be aware that these rates were current when we were in BA a couple of weeks back, but the dollar typically gains a small amount on the peso all the time. Argentina currently has an inflation rate of about 30%/year.

Remember, if you choose to use a credit card, charging something in pesos, you will be paying almost 50% more than if you used pesos at the "blue" rate.

BTW, while making numerous exchanges we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe, but, obviously, one has to use a modicum of common sense and I wouldn't exchange money at night unless it was in a well traveled, well lit area with lots of people around. Also, unless you're immediately taking a taxi, it MIGHT make you a target for people with evil intentions. This is not common and, to repeat, we NEVER felt unsafe changing money or any other time in BA, but it doesn't pay to get stupid anywhere. Be careful out there.

Excellent information, thank you for posting!