Changing dollars or other foreign currencies stopped to be an activity exclusively for the Arbolitos – people who owe their name to the fact that they are standing at the same place all day exchanging (green) dollar bills, the color of the trees – at Florida Street in the city center of Buenos Aires. These days, several kiosks have also joined the exchange circuit.
Three years after resolving the invasion of street vendors, the illegal acts are still present. Besides offering haute couture clothing, traditional foods and city tours, the kiosks also traded tickets for the evening of the classic Boca Juniors and River Plates match.
The newspaper of the day: $15. The sports magazine of the month: $39. Weekly fashion magazines: $33. An old paperback: $70. The blue dollar: $12.40 to buy, for sale $12.70. Those are some examples of today’s rates at some kiosks at Florida Street.