This is a super PRO tip because the Western Union in El Calafate is an absolute disaster. The demand for withdrawing money far exceeds the need for deposits, meaning cash is scarcer than a Messi sticker in the FIFA World Cup album.

Seriously, I’m saving you hours of standing in long lines filled with tourists desperately trying to withdraw their money. Picture this: people lining up before business hours even start, only to discover, after freezing for four hours, that Western Union has either hit its daily transfer limit or is no longer processing transactions for the day.

You go back home disappointed, with little time left for sightseeing, munching on stale, broken crackers from your backpack, wishing you could strangle someone.

Now, let’s get to the good part:
This lottery office, tucked away from the city center, is a hidden gem unknown to most tourists. Everyone who finds their way here has already faced the disappointment of failing at the main Western Union branch. So, you’ll be among seasoned, desperate souls.

Pay attention:

1. Make small deposits, like 100,000 pesos. It’s better to make three or four deposits of this amount and successfully withdraw two of them than to deposit 400,000 pesos in one go and be told they don’t have enough cash to fulfill it. It’s all or nothing—they either give you the full amount or nothing at all.

2. Bring printed copies of your ID. If you don’t have them, you can make last-minute copies at Kiosko y Librería Pinocho. However, this is a bad option because you’ll lose your spot in line. The best strategy is to show up with your documents ready. (I'll add in the map)

3. Clearly mark your position in line. Make it obvious to both the Western Union clerk when the establishment opens and to the other tourists arriving, who might try to sneak ahead.

4. Form the line outside the lottery office. The money you’ll receive comes from people paying their bills there. If they see a line inside, they might skip their payments altogether, which slows down how quickly the lottery office can accumulate the cash needed to pay you.

5. Be firm but polite. Everyone there is tired, cold, and wishing they were anywhere else. A little patience and courtesy can go a long way.

Now you’re armed with the ultimate guide to avoiding the Western Union nightmare in El Calafate. Good luck—you’ll need it!