Half of my family is from Buenos Aires and I often go back to visit. It's crazier than you think over there.
Not too long ago they made it illegal and very difficult for any Argentinean to take out their own money from the ATM. The government is trying really hard to keep everyone inside the country and only spend money within the country.
So for anyone visiting Argentina anytime soon, bring as many US dollars as possible. It almost makes traveling in the country cheap if you black market exchange it. It basically doubles your money.
Are you talking of the "corralito"? That was over ten years ago, so I'm not sure if that's what you mean by "not too long ago". You make it sound like it's still happening.
You can. In limiting countries you have a ridiculously low limit, and in further countries it's a bit higher. I was able to withdraw about €850 in Europe two weeks ago.
i don't get this declaring business - does it mean declaring you have more than $10k USD makes it legal? or does it just mean you've just confessed to a crime?
It's illegal to not declare if you have more than $10k USD when crossing borders. All the custom forms I have seen around the world have something along these lines, in various amounts and currencies.
That didn't really answer the question though. Is it a choice between "follow one law by confessing you broke another" vs. "break two laws and maybe not get caught"? Or is it a choice between "break one law" or "don't"?
It's legal to enter a country with cash within the limits of what it states on the Customs form, without saying anything about it, and if it's found on you the Customs agents cannot detain you (legally, anyway - be wary regardless). If you have more than the stated amount e.g. $10k USD then you must declare it, else if you are searched and it is found you will definitely be detained.
My point is, what's the purpose of declaring, if it is illegal to enter the country (or leave the country) with more than $10,000 - does declaring it make it legal?
Not too long ago they made it illegal and very difficult for any Argentinean to take out their own money from the ATM. The government is trying really hard to keep everyone inside the country and only spend money within the country.
So for anyone visiting Argentina anytime soon, bring as many US dollars as possible. It almost makes traveling in the country cheap if you black market exchange it. It basically doubles your money.