Posted this in my PG & C, but I also feel that it belongs here given how informative it is ; and perhaps this thread will get going, you know
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pride of Cucamonga
I'm curious about cost of living in Buenos Aires at the moment--do you remember what was the official exchange rate versus the black market rate was when you first arrived in B.A., and what are they both now?
Hey friend, how have you been? Still in Florida I take it!?!
A lot of stuff to breakdown here. When I first arrived, I got
75ARS per USD$ (the official rate was
60ARS which I only used once initially for pocket change before switching to the streets and then ultimately connecting with reliable traders
). The bank is now @
77 while the Blue revolves around
165ARS
I have myself been selling off some BTC and getting about
2-3% less then the blue, delivery included from a very reliable trader (guy hands me my
1-3k in cash while I send the BTC transaction minutes later from the comfort of my laptop
)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pride of Cucamonga
You've traveled extensively...due to currency controls & the gap between the governments official rate and the black market rate, for a tourist traveling with cash, is Argentina about as cheap a place as you've been? How does it compare to places in SE Asia like Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines?
Yup, cheapest I have been. And with much more commodities then the third world countries in SEA, more western, prettiest city in the Americas, a very strong culture and a ton of stuff to do in non-pandemic times
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pride of Cucamonga
I've enjoyed reading your updates...now that covid restrictions are lessening a bit, are you starting to eat out and going out to restaurants more often? I know you're somewhat of a foodie, but I don't remember you writing too much about the food in B.A., this thread could use some food porn!
Just starting to get back indeed : it is not legal to eat inside (but certain restaurants do get away with it ; we entered just once, as we are not fully comfortable being while in the midst of our COVID peak and all), so it has been patios. We have been going on Wednesday's to a nearby Greek joint (very tasty) as a reliable option, as our neighbourhood is not exactly the richest/most known for its culinary hotspot (there are a few excellent Korean restaurants though) and the weather is just starting to turn thus making patios actually an enjoyable thing, you know
And food has been alright. I have a list of a few restaurants that I want to try out, am a member of a FB foodie page etc. Disclaimer : this is not Lima where you will find A TON of elite af restaurants while strolling in Miraflores, but when you seek out and research places, you will find some satisfying quality. Sushi has been disappointing though, as has been the Peruana joints. Typical Argentino food is meat-heavy, but I still managed to find some savoury non-meat dishes (as a semi-vegetarian).
The salads have been so-so depending on the establishment. Look at this selection of 2-3 vegetables with a few strips of fried shrimps This said, we have found some tasty salads, albeit the better option has been to make a chef's salad with 10-20 ingredients at home, you know
So B.A. has a strong Italian influence which has made me delight in numerous risottos over here ; this one is actually a beetroot - go figure - based one - with brie cheese - coming from a French culture, the selection of cheese is also quite mediocre . Anyhow, I have come across some GOAT risottos
An alright-but-nothing-to-write-home-about-ceviche
Frankly, some of the most savoury meals have been us cooking them at home, partly because of La Cuarentena but also due to having more of a sedentary life. L is also an excellent cook, albeit limited to Paraguay/Argentina cuisine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pride of Cucamonga
Have you made plans to visit Tigre yet?
We will be biking up the coast tomorrow ; not sure if we will make it to Tigre (
38kms), but nonetheless, just to get the f**k out of the city will feel amazing yo