Post: #26

(04-03-2012 06:16 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  I don't see the point of living in Argentina as an expat if the prices are high. Buenos Aires is a nice city, but rundown compared to Paris or New York. If it's competing on those prices, it loses.

I'm starting to think more and more that Panama is the place to be. Even as the economy booms, it still remains relatively affordable. I spent a good amount of time there in the past and I have many expat friends over there. I'm thinking that might be the move for logistics and business reasons.

Slightly off topic but where would you base yourself in Panama?

Post: #27

I´m argentinean,,,here are my two cents:

Argentinean economy was/ is a roller coaster ( montaña rusa) : sometimes is going up, most times is going down. The last big crisis were ( hiperinflation, looting at supermarkets, 5 presidentes in a week) in the years:

1976
1982
1989
2001 ( the famous 5 presidentes in a week)
2012 ????

Right now in Sudamerica only Brazil is more expensive than Argentina.
I found out a trip to Paris will cost me the same amount of money that a trip inside Argentina ( crazy!!!)
I have plans to move to Brazil next year....

About the subject ¨girls will become easier as economical things worsen in Argentina¨ NO WAY . Argentinean girls will never get easier, i´m sorry...And the true is most expats or American/ European tourists only meet girls from
middle class/ high class ; the crisis don´t reach them.

Be ready to buy apartments in Buenos Aires/ Cordoba next year or save some money and wait until Brazil 2015 ( after the world soccer cup).

Post: #28

(04-03-2012 03:03 PM)indiomago Wrote:  I´m argentinean,,,here are my two cents...
Right now in Sudamerica only Brazil is more expensive than Argentina.
I found out a trip to Paris will cost me the same amount of money that a trip inside Argentina ( crazy!!!)
I have plans to move to Brazil next year....

About the subject ¨girls will become easier as economical things worsen in Argentina¨ NO WAY . Argentinean girls will never get easier, i´m sorry...And the true is most expats or American/ European tourists only meet girls from
middle class/ high class ; the crisis don´t reach them.

Be ready to buy apartments in Buenos Aires/ Cordoba next year or save some money and wait until Brazil 2015 ( after the world soccer cup).

Any chance of new elections being called or another golpe de estado? I asked this girl about that last night and she said the people would burn down the casa rosada if there was another military coup... but it really seems like the country is on the wrong track economically... suspended from the General System of Preferences and denounced at the OMC/WTO in the span of a few days... and this whole malvinas verbal war is just a distraction... if commodities prices drop, another capital flight might be on the horizon.. just look at YPF.. their shared dropped 15% in one day today..

is it really ideal to live in a place where a crisis is going on? could be very violent and unsafe.. plus, foreigners owning property or businesses might be forced out...

but, i do think woman will definitely get easier... eating bife de chorizo instead of choripan and opening one's mind instead of doing the same thing over and over again is not much of a choice... of course argentines are medio facheros so thats why the women are so difficult.. too many choices in their minds make them histericas... understandable..

Post: #29

I have lived in Argentina before and I have been back there recently (feb/march2o12) and its true: prices are insanely high!! A bottle of coke overthere costs even more than in Germany right now.. How do the locals manage the situation? Their salaries have increased as well (but not as high as the prices rise obviously), so they simply are spending more money.. and actually think the country is doing well .. its sad to see that the Cristina and her government only care about the malvinas and giving gifts to the low social class (which are the ones who vote her party)..
why do all in this forum think Argentinian girls are one of the hardest in the world?? to me they are one of the easiest.. at least for makeouts.. if only same-night-lays count in this forum, there are easier countries for that.. just that social game is very important.. damn I even get approached and/or made compliments by girls.. they are sometimes just the way argentinian males are, they just do the compliment thing a little less than their male counterparts.. this never happened to me in Germany!! (although I think my looks are quite ok I guess). In my opinion girls from ANY latinamerican country (yes,Argentina too) are way more open and friendly and easy than German/Swiss/Austrian girls.. with Mexico and Brazil being the easiest lol..
and despite girls being less easy than in other latin countries there is no country in the world that I love as much as Argentina and its people (not only the girls, also the guys and old ppl etc..) i have never made better friends than in Argentina and never have been received as well as in Argentina and I definetely will move there to live and work (or to Uruguay which is very similar).

Post: #30

and did it feel any less safe than back in the days when prices were lower (lets say 2008) ? Nope, it actually felt more safe now!!
The government of Cristina has also done some good things, like giving a notebook to any student of public schools.. so now the kids from lower social classes also spend their days chatting on facebook.. that keeps them off the streets and there are less attacks on ppl from middle/upper class (they hate each other).. I also experienced less fights at night in clubs in my city (rural town in the province of Buenos Aires)..
of course that may be different for tourists in the city of Buenos Aires, I can´t comment on that

Post: #31

(04-03-2012 09:26 AM)solo Wrote:  

(04-03-2012 04:01 AM)P Dog Wrote:  Argentina's already one of the worst off Western/White countries, at least outside of the former Soviet Union. Also, I know that when a countries economy is doing well, skirt lengths become shorter. The Roaring Twenties and the revolution of the 60's both occurred under economic booms in the States. I doubt a meltdown in Argentina will make things any easier, at least for Argentine guys making Argentine money living there. Could be different story for expats who'll enjoy far greater economic power.

Just to clarify this (hopefully without hijacking the thread) because I got kind of confused. A lot of posts in the Streets paved with pussy thread, for example, seem to build on the theory that it is easier for a foreigner right after an economic crash and during crisis/tough times. But you're saying it's easier during an economic boom. Maybe it's easier for a foreigner during an economic crisis, but easier for a local during an economic boom(?). In any case, just have game and you don't have to worry about the state of the economy.

It's pointless to debate since none of it can be proved (except that skirt lengths are shorter when the economy's doing well, but that doesn't necessarily mean Argentine girls will suddenly become easy) but I agree with your premise.

Post: #32

There is a rumor that London has been attacking Argentina economically as payback for Argentina trying to get the UK to own up for the Falklands fiasco. It does not matter which Country you are in as your secured sovereign debt cycles through London financial casino markets daily in some fashion.

This might be the reason that the Govt has pursed such nutty economic policies of late as they feel it may have been worse. I looked at the finical situation in the Country many months ago but I am fuzzy on the main details so I appreciate people posting some good background info.

The Country will probably go bankrupt again. This is why I do not understand Greece. In 2001 Argentina told Creditors to go fuck themselves Greece can do the same. Maybe this is why Argentina is being so nutty as they feel they can just have a clean slate again? Yikes.

Post: #33

Sad to read about yet another crisis in Argentina. I was there in 2007 for a week and it was quite cheap at the time. I loved BA and was considering making it a place to spend a few months to improve my spanish, learn Tango and follow Boca for a while. I went to a couple of Boca games and loved the passion and intensity there. Yeah I wasn't impressed to be honest by the girls and I couldn't wait to return to Brasil as I was coming from a couple of months roaming in Brasil.
But yeah BA is a beautiful city. Looking at the examples of how every few years it goes through a major crisis, then we can expect the next one within the nextg 12-24 months. And after that, once things calm down, time to get there and snap some good deals on apartments. Guys that went and bought in BA around 2003-2005 made a lot of money. Will we have another opportunity like that? I hope so!

Btw, a question to those who have spent a lot of time in BA, how does the crisis in Argentina affect Uruguay? Since it's right accross the Rio de la plata and their cultures are quite close.

Post: #34

(04-03-2012 01:20 PM)Jalouse Wrote:  

(04-03-2012 06:16 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  I don't see the point of living in Argentina as an expat if the prices are high. Buenos Aires is a nice city, but rundown compared to Paris or New York. If it's competing on those prices, it loses.

I'm starting to think more and more that Panama is the place to be. Even as the economy booms, it still remains relatively affordable. I spent a good amount of time there in the past and I have many expat friends over there. I'm thinking that might be the move for logistics and business reasons.

Slightly off topic but where would you base yourself in Panama?

Definitely Panama City. Sovereign Man Simon Black has some articles about that as well. Just google "Sovereign Man Panama." I would basically be telling you the same thing.

Post: #35

Also, Panama City has the best infrastructure for business. Fast internet speeds, large presence of banks and financial institutions, an international airport, lots of English speakers, and people from all over Latin America. It's definitely the most cosmopolitan city in Central America. Just a great place to operate from. Cabs are like $1-3 max.

Post: #36

About crisis:

Girls don´t open their legs because economic issues, at least not the rich ones, the ones you will find in a bar/ club where tourist usually go ( i took a look to the rants about Buenos Aires and all of venues are middle class-high class). Girls open their legs if your GAME IS GOOD, regardless crisis and political problems.

Economical crisis usually affect poor people.

From Argentinean´s point of view the WORST crisis is happening right now in Europe: Spain, Greece, Italy. Unemployement rampant in those countries.

Malvinas-Falkands conflict: a big charade to fool population ( Argentina and UK) Argentina going to war? no way.....there´s no army, no navy, no thecnology to match the Uk...

Coup d´etat in Argentina? no way.... Force the president to quit? most likely in the future

Post: #37

I have no personal frame of reference for prices in the past for Argentina, but I am currently in BsAs and I can say that prices aren't that bad.

I just left Rio 4 days ago and as many know, it is ridiculously expensive for South America. A 30cm Subway sub in Ipanema currently costs 18 Reais or almost $10. A regular meal at an average restaurant will cost you 35 to 40 Reais ($20 US) not including drinks. Admission to clubs can range as much as $60 Reais just for entry. A decent hostel will cost you at least 50 reais (~$30 US) per night in March. This is 3 times as expensive as Medellin, Colombia and Mexico City (~$10-$12 US). You can empty your wallet here in days, which will not happen in Argentina.

Last night, I ate at "Las Cabritas" in BsAs which is a nice, trendy, popular restaurant in Belgrano and it was very inexpensive. A 500ml Quilmes beer costs 12 pesos ($2.75 US) and there was almost no meal on the menu more than 35 pesos ( $8 US). A dinner for two sitting outside a Manhattan looking style restaurant costs my girl $23 US for both of us and I had a liter of beer with my meal.

Even at the higher end Parrilla restaurant like La Cabelleriza, you can eat salad, bread, and a wide array of meats until you are stuffed for $50 US a person, including a bottle of wine from Mendoza. The girl at the table beside us was a popular actress from BsAs. It's also a really good place for trying new foods if you don't have experience with blood sausage, tripe, sweetbreads, etc. The chorizo, carne, pollo, were all amazing and people still consider the place expensive.

I will be going to La Cabrera in a few days and maybe my mind will change about prices. Overall though, the prices are still much lower and a better value than what you will pay in a comparable or lesser city.

Post: #38

Reviving an old thread, as the situation has possibly changed and I'm curious if any forum members have noticed better prices in Argentina lately.

As of the last reply in this thread back on 4/4/2012, the exchange rate was 4.38 Argentine Pesos for 1 USD. The exchange rate has steadily risen since then (after fairly consistent exchange rate from mid 2009 to mid 2011), up 28% to 5.59 as of today.

For anyone currently living or having recently traveled to Argentina, are the prices becoming more reasonable lately, or is the exchange rate still having trouble keeping up with the high inflation?

Post: #39

(04-03-2012 06:16 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  I don't see the point of living in Argentina as an expat if the prices are high. Buenos Aires is a nice city, but rundown compared to Paris or New York. If it's competing on those prices, it loses.

I'm starting to think more and more that Panama is the place to be. Even as the economy booms, it still remains relatively affordable. I spent a good amount of time there in the past and I have many expat friends over there. I'm thinking that might be the move for logistics and business reasons.

There was a time when many Americans retired here, because the real estate prices were considered very good, and infrastructure like medical care, etc. were acceptable. I'm not sure if the cost of living is still in that range though...

Post: #40

(08-19-2013 12:05 PM)Takes3totango Wrote:  Reviving an old thread, as the situation has possibly changed and I'm curious if any forum members have noticed better prices in Argentina lately.

The argentinian currency "peso" used to be at 1000 Gs. for us, it went down to 450-500 like 4-5 months ago and has stayed at that rate all this time.
So everything is half price for us now. People go to clorinda which is a city just across the border to do grocerie shopping.
1000 Gs is like 20 cents.

Post: #41

I moved there in 2007. When I first got to to Buenos Aires I took a cab half way across the city, had the best steak I ever had in my entire life at a beautiful sit down restaurant along with french fries and half a jug of delicious red wine.

Took a cab back and laughed when I did the currency conversion and realised that I still had spent less than $10 total INCLUDING BOTH CAB FARES. I think it was roughly $7 or $8 total.

Same thing today would be closer to $50.

Post: #42

Inflation is roughly 30%/year, so prices would be outpacing the official currency exchange. If you go to Buenos Aires, do not take money out of an ATM or use your credit cards; bring hard currency and exchange with a private citizen or an unofficial exchange house.

The unofficial rate is tracked daily here, along with blue chip swaps, official rate, etc.:

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

Post: #43

JJ Roberts, maybe I read it wrong, but it sounds like you are there now? How is the real estate market in terms of buying? Do you think it is getting cheaper or more expensive in terms of USD? I know there is inflation but the dollar is getting much stronger - just wondering which side is "winning" so to say.

Thanks.

S

Post: #44

(08-19-2013 04:57 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  JJ Roberts, maybe I read it wrong, but it sounds like you are there now? How is the real estate market in terms of buying? Do you think it is getting cheaper or more expensive in terms of USD? I know there is inflation but the dollar is getting much stronger - just wondering which side is "winning" so to say.

I dont live there now. Last time I visited was 3 years ago but even back then prices had more than doubled or tripled on pretty much everything.

Post: #45

(08-19-2013 04:57 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  JJ Roberts, maybe I read it wrong, but it sounds like you are there now? How is the real estate market in terms of buying? Do you think it is getting cheaper or more expensive in terms of USD? I know there is inflation but the dollar is getting much stronger - just wondering which side is "winning" so to say.

Thanks.

S

Real estate is to the point that Argentinians are buying properties in Miami and NYC. Inflation is a hell of a drug. Government controls are worse.

The best job in Argentina is to become a black market currency trader. The real rate is 3-4x the official rate.

*rick ross voice* "Every day I'm smuggling, every day..."

Post: #46

(08-19-2013 04:54 PM)portofmanteau Wrote:  Inflation is roughly 30%/year, so prices would be outpacing the official currency exchange. If you go to Buenos Aires, do not take money out of an ATM or use your credit cards; bring hard currency and exchange with a private citizen or an unofficial exchange house.

The unofficial rate is tracked daily here, along with blue chip swaps, official rate, etc.:

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

OMG... the official exchange 1USD=5.55 ARS but the black market rate is UP TO 8.55 !!! that's almost a 50% mark -up !!!

would it make sense it live in BA buying peses on the black market ??? or is the inflation just too damned much ???

Post: #47

(08-19-2013 06:07 PM)GameTheory Wrote:  

(08-19-2013 04:54 PM)portofmanteau Wrote:  Inflation is roughly 30%/year, so prices would be outpacing the official currency exchange. If you go to Buenos Aires, do not take money out of an ATM or use your credit cards; bring hard currency and exchange with a private citizen or an unofficial exchange house.

The unofficial rate is tracked daily here, along with blue chip swaps, official rate, etc.:

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

OMG... the official exchange 1USD=5.55 ARS but the black market rate is UP TO 8.55 !!! that's almost a 50% mark -up !!!

would it make sense it live in BA buying peses on the black market ??? or is the inflation just too damned much ???

It would make sense to live in BA and thrive off the black market. The question is...how will you get away with it?

The gubbmint is going hardcore on catching black market traders. Searches on entry points, money-sniffing dogs, etc.

Post: #48

I did a thread on this a while ago.

/thread-14417.html

Most of the info is still applicable, the numbers have changed slightly and the government has:

Enacted a 20% surcharge on all purchases made for goods outside of Argentina (amazon.com purchases, airline tickets, etc.)

Enacted a 20%? 40%? surcharge Don't remember exact number - for foreign currency ATM withdrawals in neighboring countries (Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay).

Most airlines now have restrictions on whether you can buy an international ticket with city of origin inside Argentina if you're not an Argentine citizen/resident. American was an exception to this last time I checked (May) - United wouldn't do it.

Check out the thread if you're interested. No, you can't buy pesos with USD cash at the blue rate and then sell them back at the official rate, and ARS are basically worthless outside of Argentina.

Post: #49

Is 20% portomanteau. And yes, right now you can get a lot more pesos in the black market, but the cost of living is way higher, thanks to inflation and the pathetic price control from the goverment.

Post: #50

(08-19-2013 06:29 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  

(08-19-2013 06:07 PM)GameTheory Wrote:  

(08-19-2013 04:54 PM)portofmanteau Wrote:  Inflation is roughly 30%/year, so prices would be outpacing the official currency exchange. If you go to Buenos Aires, do not take money out of an ATM or use your credit cards; bring hard currency and exchange with a private citizen or an unofficial exchange house.

The unofficial rate is tracked daily here, along with blue chip swaps, official rate, etc.:

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

OMG... the official exchange 1USD=5.55 ARS but the black market rate is UP TO 8.55 !!! that's almost a 50% mark -up !!!

would it make sense it live in BA buying peses on the black market ??? or is the inflation just too damned much ???

It would make sense to live in BA and thrive off the black market. The question is...how will you get away with it?

The gubbmint is going hardcore on catching black market traders. Searches on entry points, money-sniffing dogs, etc.

but are they going to care about small amounts? just enough Greenbacks to get you through a 2-week period?