Wow. In the past when traveling, you always carried a lot of cash, especially when visiting Argentina. I disliked this as it could be risky. Now sending myself money via Western Union is so simple and easy. Their storefronts are located all over the city. The exchange rate is usually the best. I just received 365 pesos for the each dollar.
Imagine being an Argentino and being employed locally. You are paid in pesos…that would be very difficult scenario.
As inflation is now about 100%. Things still cost the same amount of money when you convert but now you must carry more bills. And the biggest denomination is 1000 pesos. In July, the government will print a new 2000 peso bill.
Going out for a coffee is now 500 to 750 pesos, depending on where you go. But you can sit as long as you want before getting your bill.
A good steak dinner for two at the local parilla with a decent Malbec is about 9000 pesos.
My groceries have gone up 100% . My favorite wine that was bought in the past for 1200 is now about 2800.
Buying cheese and meats is the same situation. Recently changed stores, as the new place has better prices than the old fiambrera.
The price for salad, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and carrot has doubled also. About 1500 pesos.
Blueberries are 800 pesos and a half a Melon is 1300.
A semi monthly pedicure is necessary when you dance tango. It is a must, and you might as well have a manicure…total $ 5500 plus a $500 propina.(tip)
Have been going to the same hair salon for almost three years to get my hair washed and blown out weekly.
This was a habit I learned while traveling. It feels so good to have someone else wash my hair. Looks great for a few days until the humidity takes over. The price three years ago was 750 pesos, today it is 2000 pesos
Have gotten to know a few vendors and we exchange greetings in two languages. Spanish and English.
It’s pretty amazing, many people are bilingual here. The typical Argentina child studies another language when they are young …the skills are there but not many people speak English except the visitors.
AND I ĺove the enthusiasm that most Argentino display about chatting in English. Usually the first thing they say, is “My English is horrible.” I respond with no, you just need to practice more.
Around the corner is my meat market. There is a young man named Carlos, who likes to take my order. We converse in 2 languages. Me practicing my Spanish and him his English. He is studying English in school.
When people are curious about language and customs, I learn so much.
I still find people who offer to translate for me. My response to their kindness is, “No thanks.”
Yet, I prefer to struggle, as it’s the way I can learn the language .
Am trying to add more words to my vocabulary daily. Sometimes, my brain feels like it will explode.
Finding I chat all the time , trying to improve my accent…yet there are so many peeps here who speak so rapidly, it impossible to understand them.
All these different facets in the city contribute to my enjoyment of the city.
It’s so beautiful here. Even when the temperatures are in the mid 90s with 75% humidity.
But luckily for me am living here on dollars and not pesos. I so appreciate my lifestyle here is affordable, as I find the USA is very expensive now.
Abrazo y besitos