Cash Shortages in El Calafate

For a town that lives and dies on tourism, one of the most infuriating elements of the boom is the cash shortage that strikes El Calafate every weekend during high season. The four ATMs in town frequently run out of money starting as early as Friday evening, and there's often no respite until midday Monday.

The shortage is compounded by tour companies who offer steep discounts for cash on combined glacier, ice-trekking, and estancia tours. Apart from stocking up during the week, the best plan to ensure that you won't run out is to bring all the cash you'll need for your stay here. If worse comes to worst, most hotels and many restaurants will accept credit cards, or exchange dollars.