Over the past year, I’ve driven over 40000 kilometers across Argentina and Latam and stayed overnight in all sorts of places, from small rooms in the ass-end of the world mountains of Huhuya to luxe boutique hotels. As you know, everything in Argentina is ambiguous with prices. Last time, for example, I paid 60% less than what I was first offered. How do you do that again? I’m going to tell you the best ways to do it!
- Compare prices. On booking, the official website, in Votsap and at the reception you will be told the different cost of the night. Most often in Votsap the cheapest, but it is not certain.
- Cash or card? Be sure to ask if there is a discount for cash. Tiene discuento para effectivo? Pro tip: right off the bat, ask if you can do a bank transfer. You’ll likely get a discount, but you won’t spend cash, which is not easy to withdraw far from civilization.
3- Juggle passports. The rules are that Argentines get added +20% IVA tax. Foreigners can pay with a foreign card tax-free, but often no one checks what card you have. Be sure to ask if they quote you a price with or without tax. - Juggle passports even more. In some places, prices for Argentines are lower than for foreigners simply because you want it that way.
As you can see, it’s very simple: 5 minutes of friendly conversation in Spanish and presto!
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