Here’s How Argentine Grocery Prices Were Affected by the 2019 Primary Elections

The value of the Argentine peso has been a recurring topic in my blog over the years. But things have gotten pretty bad since the 2019 primary elections. I've been monitoring how the Argentine peso has continued to lose its value. For the moment, it has been fluctuating between 55 and 59 Argentine pesos per USD.

The Value of the USD in Argentine Pesos Over the Years
I wanted to share this updated list of what one USD is worth per Argentine pesos since we moved here in 2012.

• On December 31st, 2012, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 4.90

• On December 31st, 2013, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 6.51

• On July 29th, 2014, the cost of one US dollar in Argentine pesos was: 8.19

• On December 24th, 2015, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 12.97

• On June 19th, 2016, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 13.89

• On June 13th, 2017, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 15.90

• On September 26, 2017, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 17.90

• On May 13, 2019, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 45.52

• On September 26, 2019, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos is 57.17

Here's my pricing comparison list for September 2019!

In 2013, a bag of Doritos cost 20.19 Argentine pesos. But now it's 60 Argentine pesos ($1.05 in USD).

In 2013, a bottle of Heineken was worth 21.85 Argentine pesos. But now it's 106 Argentine pesos ($1.86 in USD).

In 2013, a box of Rex crackers (They're like generic Ritz) cost 7.99 Argentine pesos. But now it's 82.99 Argentine pesos ($1.46 in USD).

In 2013, Maruchan Instant Lunch Soups cost 9.99 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the price was at 76.99 Argentine pesos ($1.35 in USD).

But in September 2019, the price went up to 94.99 Argentine pesos ($1.67 in USD)

Before I continue, you're all probably thinking. "Oh, what's the big deal? It's only about 30 cents extra. Yes, that's true. No one would break a sweat over a 30 cent mark up in the States. But when your finances are solely dependent on the Argentine economy, the price hikes in pesos do a lot of damage to people's pockets and bank accounts.

In 2013, Hellman's Mayonnaise cost 10.59 Argentine pesos. In September 2019, the price was at 55.00 Argentine pesos ($0.96 US Cents)

In 2013, Quaker Oatmeal cost 12.99 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the cost was at 95.99 Argentine pesos ($1.68 in USD).

But in September 2019, the price WENT DOWN to 87.99 Argentine pesos ($1.54 in USD).

In 2013, Quaker Oatmeal cost 8.65 Argentine pesos. In March 2019, the cost was at 42.49 Argentine pesos ($0.74 US Cents).

But in September 2019, the cost went up to 56.00 Argentine pesos (($0.98 US Cents).

 In March 2019, the cost of Pringles Tortilla Chips was at 132.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the price went up to 147.50 Argentine pesos ($2.58 USD).

In March 2019, the cost of La Lacteo brand milk was at 50.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the price was actually lower at 44.99 Argentine pesos. And there was a special sale, so the cost went down to 37.90 Argentine pesos ($0.66 US Cents).

In 2016, the cost for a Kit Kat bar was at 15.99 Argentine pesos. But in September 2019, the cost went up to 87.99 Argentine pesos ($1.54 USD).

Whether the Argentine economy will see better days if a new president is elected remains to be seen. But I for one hope that it does for everyone's sake. I've noticed that the number of people going out of business is climbing and so are the number of homeless people on the street.

Here's How Argentine Businesses Are Being Affected by the Shaky Economy

The Argentine pesos' value is at its worst. It's been that way since the primary 2019 elections in August. But how has the massive devaluation of the Argentine peso in recent weeks affected the Argentine people?

I wondered if restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centers would start losing customers now that everyone was trying to save every cent they had. So over the past couple of weeks, I've been going out and taking photos to see if customer foot traffic had dwindled and I was really surprised.

Supermarkets in Cordoba Province, like Hiper Libertad are usually packed, which makes waiting in line a total nightmare. Not to mention the fact that the people in the aisle can be rude at times. Some people push, shove, or invade personal spaces. That's pretty much the norm around here. But recently, I've noticed that the checkout counters aren't quite as congested as they used to be.

So I went to a local Walmart to see if they had more foot traffic than local markets. But they didn't and that's not exactly shocking. Walmart supermarkets in the States are always promoting their lowest prices, but it's the total opposite in Argentina. The might claim they've rolled back prices. But a lot of the time, the cost of their items remains the same or is higher than local Argentine supermarkets. So it's not much of a surprise that people appear to have opted to shop for food at mom and pop shops near their neighborhood. Leaving this Walmart in Cordoba practically deserted.

But at malls like Nuevo Centro Shopping, things appear to be business as usual. Families continue to sit at fast food restaurants. They still go to the theater, and they shop, window shop, or take a seat to enjoy a cup of coffee.

The lines outside Hoyts in Nuevo Centro Shopping

The Burger King dining area was a little emptier than usual

Now, I'm not a big fan of crowds, which is why I avoid the downtown area or Nuevo Cordoba. But over the past few weeks, it's been pretty quiet in a lot of areas.

But that doesn't mean that there aren't times when business and foot traffic won't peak. These are just my observations of the days I've gone. And as I've said before; in the last seven years, I've observed that locals are extremely resilient. So despite the rising costs of food, medication, and pretty much everything else, I'm reasonably confident that they'll prevail.

Speaking of rising costs, I'll be publishing a list of updated comparison pricing of select supermarket items very soon. So stay tuned.

Argentine Economy Takes a Dive After Macri’s Defeat in the Primary Elections

The primary Argentine elections were on August 11, 2019, and the results spoke volumes. The current president, Mauricio Macri received 32.33% of the votes, which was about 15 percent less than his opponent, presidential hopeful Alberto Fernandez and former Argentine president Cristina Kirchner, who received 47.66% of the votes. Kirchner is running as Fernandez's vice-president in the October elections.

In the meantime, Macri publicly admitted that things didn't go the way he expected in the primaries. Meanwhile, the the value of the peso has plummeted. Not sure how much of a hand he had in this, but he predicted the economy could get worse.

On election day, the Argentine peso was at about $45 per USD. But as of August 13, 2019, it is at $55.57 per USD.

• On December 31st, 2012, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 4.90

• On December 31st, 2013, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 6.51

• On July 29th, 2014, the cost of one US dollar in Argentine pesos was: 8.19

• On December 24th, 2015, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 12.97

• On June 19th, 2016, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was: 13.89

• On September 26, 2017, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 17.90

• On May 13, 2019, the cost of one US Dollar in Argentine pesos was 45.52

Now I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I do my best to stay out of Argentine politics. But after living here for the last seven years with my spouse, I've seen a dramatic change for the worse in the economic climate. The cost of living has gone up. Supermarket prices are insane. I really hope that things do change for the sake of everyone, locals and expats alike.

In the meantime, check out what the cost of the USD is in Argentine pesos on here as it will continue to fluctuate.

Update: 8-14-2019

Update: 8-16-2019

Update: 8-30-2019

Update: 9-01-2019

We Had a Love Affair With Chicken Bros

Before we went to Donut Therapy, we went looking for some wings. So we visited Chicken Bros., at Thames 1795 in Buenos Aires and we were not disappointed!

The wings were spicy, and the meat fell off the bones. The meal also gave us a chance to bond while we pigged out.

We were also pleasantly surprised by the mac & cheese. This isn't your typical Kraft box mac & cheese. 

It was seasoned, cheesy, gooey and delicious. Honestly, we would have ordered this for lunch and dinner every day if we were living in B.A.

10 wings costs $220 Argentine pesos ($5.19 USD) while 20 wings will set you back $390 Argentine pesos ($9.21 USD). The mac & cheese was $220 Argentine pesos ($5.19 USD). 

Needless to say, there are other options on the menu like chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders that are undoubtedly to die for. I guess this gives us an excuse to come back for lunch next time we're in town.

Chicken Bros., also offer all-you-can-eat wings on certain days and times. Check the upper right hand corner on the photo below for more details.

They also air the NBA finals. Now I'm not a sports person myself, but I know basketball isn't very popular in Argentina. So for anyone who's feeling homesick and enjoys the game, this is a great place to down some beers and get your NBA fix.

Check out their website when you have a chance. And if you happen to develop a serious craving for chicken wings while you're in B.A., pay Chicken Bros., a visit. You won't regret it.

Went to Buenos Aires for Some Donut Therapy

If you've read about our previous trips to B.A.,  then you know that we love our donuts. But Magic Donuts became Don Us and lost its magic. And so far, Cordoba hasn't come up with anything close to a decent tasting donut.

Fortunately, we got our donut fix when we went to Buenos Aires for some Donut Therapy. The shop is located in Thames 1999 in La CABA and it was better than we could've expected.

There were flavors to satiate pretty much every flavor we were deprived of over the last seven years and even some we didn't even know existed like Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

The employees are super friendly. But it can get pretty crowded sometimes and there are only a handful of places to sit. But that's okay. We wouldn't mind standing and neither will you if you pay Donut Therapy a visit.

The donuts are huge, and the prices are really affordable. They can range anywhere from $50 to $75 Argentine pesos ($1.42 USD to $1.77 USD) per donut depending on the flavor.

But if there's a particular flavor you want, you need to get there early because once the flavors are gone, they're gone. Of course, you can always come back another day if you're lucky enough to live in the area, or if you're planning to stick around for a couple of days.

Best of all, Donut Therapy is only a couple of blocks away from Chicken Bros. So you can have lunch there and then head to the donut shop for dessert. But I'll talk about some of the delicious things you can get at Chicken Bros., in my next post.