Are you a small or medium-sized enterprise importing from China or Hong Kong? Do you need to make advance payments and your supplier doesn't wait?

Then you've probably already hit the first big wall: the banks.

In this article, we tell you —without beating around the bush— why more and more Argentine importers are choosing to stop using banks to make international payments. And what safe, legal, and fast alternatives exist today so as not to waste time or opportunities.

🚫 1. Banks have no quota or interest in serving SMEs

The reality is harsh: if your company invoices less than a certain amount or is not a "premium client," most banks won’t even respond to your emails.

• “We have no dollar quota.”

• “We're prioritizing corporate clients.”

• “We can't help you with advance payments.”

This is the new banking language to tell you: we are not interested in your operation.

🕰️ 2. Transfers can take days (or weeks)

Even if you fulfill all the documentation and manage to get the funds:

• Compliance validation can take days.

• If there's any error, the entire operation halts.

• Many intermediary banks block payments to China without explanations.

In international trade, losing 3 days can mean losing the shipment.

📉 3. The exchange rate is not competitive

Even if you manage to get the bank to sell you dollars at the official exchange rate, it's not always convenient:

• You will have to wait for the BCRA's “zero term.”

• You will pay hidden banking fees.

• There may be significant differences compared to MEP or other market exchange rates.

💸 4. High operational costs and bureaucracy

Preparing a banking operation involves:

• Certifications.

• Proof of funds.

• Endless forms.

• Hours back and forth with the account officer.

All that is time that you could be using to sell, import, produce, or negotiate.

⛔ 5. You can't make advance payments easily

This is the most critical point for those working with new suppliers or with production on demand.

• If your supplier asks you for 50% or 100% in advance and the product has a “non-zero term” according to the BCRA, the bank simply won't let you pay.

Result: your supplier doesn't start production, your shipment is halted, and you lose the opportunity.

🔎 What are other SMEs doing about this?

More and more importers are using specialized solutions like Loula.

Loula is a platform designed 100% for Argentine SMEs importing from China/Hong Kong. It is not a bank, but it is legal, fast, and offers full support.

With Loula you can:

✅ Pay in USD to suppliers in China without having an account abroad.
✅ Comply with all BCRA regulations.
✅ Avoid banking delays and blocks.
✅ Access competitive exchange rates.
✅ Make advance payments even when the bank says “no.”

🛡️ Is it safe?

Yes. Loula operates under a legal and traceable structure, without informal exchange houses or crypto. Complete documentation. Local support. International payments made for the Argentine reality.

📈 Why is it so important?

Because time is money. Every day you lose waiting for a bank response is a day your supplier doesn't produce, your goods don't ship, and your sales don't materialize.

In a changing context like the Argentine one, those who can pay quickly… win.

🗓️ Do you want to stop wasting time with your bank?

Try Loula. Free. No commitment.
In less than 30 minutes we explain how to make your next international payment without relying on the traditional banking system.

👉 Click here to schedule a demo with Loula: https://www.getloula.com/join