Argentina’s economy is facing challenges: In addition to its 70% inflation forecast for the end of 2022, its currency is in free fall. The accumulated loss for the year is 25% against the dollar and almost 18% in real terms. If this is negative for residents, it has been a “heaven” for Brazilian tourists, who see Argentina as one of the few international destinations where real purchasing power has increased rather than decreased.

Despite the drop in tourism during the pandemic, the flow of Brazilians is starting to normalize. Tourists from Brazil accounted for 22% of the total 2.5 million passengers received by Argentina in the first half of 2022.

According to the information published in the last Panrotas forum, the total number of Brazilian visitors to the country last May in the tourism sector has already exceeded the result of the same month of 2019. That’s why airlines are expanding flights on this route. Latam’s total number of frequencies (round trip) between São Paulo – Buenos Aires, which is 14 until June, will reach 28 in August.

Travelers to Argentina on this resume have already created “tricks” to stretch the value of the real. “I’m changing the fact that I transferred from Brazil to Western Union (international transfer network), which pays much better than money changers. We even exchanged 1 R$ for 55 pesos,” said Rebeca Pileggi, a 30-year-old public relations officer. On the same day, on the famous Florida Street in the center of the Argentine capital, an “arbolito” called sarrafs offered 42 pesos for 1 R$.

Rebeca is from São Paulo but became a nomadic professional during the pandemic. She lived with her husband in Italy for a while, and two weeks ago they came to Buenos Aires for an indefinite stay. “We’re here because the price is worth it. The advantage is huge, not just in consumer goods, but also in rental price, utilities and in general,” she said.

However, the fluctuation of the exchange rate in Argentina increases the tension of Brazilians when it comes to money exchange. “We don’t really know the value, everybody sets the price,” said 36-year-old electrical engineer Nilton Azevedo.

Within five days, he observed the devaluation of the Argentine currency. “The price was 51 (real per pesos) when we arrived, today we saw it at 56. There are different prices between heat exchangers, which makes us look for the best value,” he said with his wife, Priscila. Vieira, 32 years old, computer scientist.

Anyway, the pair from Campina Grande (PB) found the exchange rate very advantageous. Originally the two were to stay in Buenos Aires for five days, but they have extended their stay by ten days. “We decided to stay longer because we got our money’s worth,” Priscila said.