How to Pay 60% Less for Hotels in Argentina

How I Paid 60% Less for My Hotel Stay in Argentina

За последний год я проехал на машине больше 40000 километров по Аргентине и Латаму и останавливался ночевать в самых разных местах: от маленьких комнат в жопе мира горах Хухуя до лакшери бутик-отелей. Как вы знаете, в Аргентине всё неоднозначно с ценами. В последний раз, например, я заплатил на 60% ниже, чем мне предложили сначала. Как такое повторить? Рассказываю лайфхаки!

Hack #1 - Compare All Booking Channels

Prices vary between Booking.com, the hotel’s official site, WhatsApp, and the front desk. Often, WhatsApp gives the best deal — but not always. Check them all.

Hack #2 - Ask About Cash Discounts or Local Bank Transfers

Always ask if there’s a discount for paying cash. Tiene discuento para effectivo? Pro tip: immediately follow up by asking if you can pay by bank transfer. In most cases, they’ll give you the cash discount but let you save your precious bills - which are hard to withdraw in rural areas.

Hack #3 - Use Your Foreigner Status to Avoid the 20% IVA Tax

Juggle your passports. Argentine citizens pay a 20% IVA tax. Foreigners using foreign cards can often skip it - but hotels don’t always ask or clarify. Always ask: is this price with or without tax?

Hack #4 - Locals Sometimes Get Better Rates - Use That Too

In some places, locals pay less than foreigners just because… they do. Again - ask.

All You Need Is Five Minutes of Friendly Spanish

That’s it - just a few minutes of polite Spanish conversation and you’re saving big.