Booking short term accommodation

When booking accommodations on Airbnb in Argentina using local payment methods, be aware of potential extra taxes and fees. Users have reported success using Argentine cards linked to USD accounts. While some services like AstroPay might impose a 3% commission, alternatives like Ualá and Belo are mentioned as options to potentially avoid additional taxes on dollar transactions. Always verify the current terms and conditions of payment services before making a booking.

When planning a trip to Patagonia (Chile/Argentina) during peak season (January), booking accommodation in advance is crucial, especially for popular trekking routes like the W trek in Torres del Paine, where campsites might need to be booked up to 6 months ahead. Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Trip.com are recommended. While last-minute bookings might be possible for less demanding accommodations, expect potentially lower service standards (cleaning, maintenance, communication) and higher prices. Travelers not undertaking strenuous multi-day treks have more flexibility, but early booking is generally advised for a wider selection and better prices.

For rentals shorter than 3 months in Argentina, Airbnb is recommended to avoid high agent fees (often 20%) and complex security deposit disputes. Short-term rentals via direct contract are generally discouraged due to overhead costs and lack of consumer protection for temporary stays.

For initial accommodation upon arrival in Argentina, it is standard practice to book a hotel or other temporary lodging for a short period (e.g., one week). This allows time to find more permanent housing, such as an apartment or shared accommodation, after settling in. This approach is common for new arrivals, including students.

Direct booking on Airbnb from Russia is currently restricted due to payment gateway bans. Recommended workarounds include: 1) Booking short-term stays via Russian travel aggregators (Ostrovek, Tinkoff, etc.) which accept local payment methods. 2) Using non-Russian cards (e.g., Kyrgyzstan) for international platforms, though payment success may depend on the user's location and IP. Always verify bookings directly with the accommodation provider to avoid confirmation issues.

When booking accommodation in Buenos Aires, travelers frequently encounter issues with cash (USD) payments upon arrival, as many hotels prefer card payments even for 'pay-at-hotel' bookings. Some hotels, like Hotel Frossard (as reported by a user), might accept cash USD on arrival. However, other establishments, such as Loft Argentino, may strictly require card payments. It is advisable to confirm payment methods directly with the hotel prior to arrival.

When booking accommodation in Argentina (hotels and apartments) and paying in cash, tourists may encounter a 21% VAT charge. Clarify the currency exchange rate used for calculation: whether it's the official rate or the 'Blue Rate'. Understand that VAT is typically applied to local residents. Tourists paying with foreign cards might be exempt, but direct cash payments may necessitate discussions with the establishment to confirm exemption for non-residents. Airbnb does not typically offer cash payment options.

When booking on Airbnb, users may encounter identity verification requests that block messaging capabilities. If verification is problematic or time-consuming, users might consider alternatives like Booking.com, though it may offer fewer options and higher prices. Understand the verification process and potential workarounds, such as creating a new account, or compare it with alternative platforms. Be aware of potential issues with payment methods if using non-Argentinian cards on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.