Casa Bell (caution)

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I just returned from Casa Bell to make a large cash deposit into the account of another ex-pat.  With regards to professionalism, this company would not last two weeks in the U.S.

What you can expect if you do business with Casa Bell.

• A two hour wait for the simplest transaction (despite no lines and no other customer in sight).
• No receipt for your money.
• Zero feeling of security.

There are no ATM cards.
There is no way to transfer money on-line (would be more secure in my opinion).

Imagine my surprise when I went in to make a quick deposit for a friend, and I was asked to wait.  This would have gone on all day had I not walked out to the receptionist and asked if someone could just write a receipt and take the deposit..

When the guy walked in (I say guy because there were no cards, no introductions, just a hand shake), he took the name of my friend, counted my money, pocketed the money and walked out.   I waited wondering if I had just been had. When I asked about the receipt, they asked who I had talked to.  I was not able to say anything but, "a middle aged man with a pink shirt and a tie". 

Most people know there is a 10,000 yearly limit on how much you can bring into Argentina before the government steps in to get their 40-60%, and most look for ways to transfer money here via off-shore companies or under-the-table banks.  Casa Bell should not be considered as a means.

The upside?  The guy wore a tie and had a nice desk.