Argentina money guide for travelers

Why how you pay matters in Argentina

Unlike most countries, Argentina has several dollar exchange rates at the same time: the official, blue, MEP, card and crypto rates. Depending on how you get your pesos, the same price can cost you a different amount in your own currency.

That's why it's worth checking the day's rates before deciding how to pay. The CambioHoy converter lets you compare them all at once, and tourist mode instantly shows what a price in pesos costs in your currency.

Before you travel

• Tell your bank you'll use your card in Argentina and check its fees for foreign purchases and withdrawals.
• Bring some cash in US dollars or euros, in new and undamaged bills: torn, stained or marked bills are often refused or exchanged at a lower rate.
• If you bring dollars, choose new-series bills («big head»): many exchange houses pay less for old-series bills («small head»).
• Don't carry all your money together: split it between your wallet, your luggage and your accommodation's safe.

Paying by card

Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels in tourist cities. Purchases with foreign cards are usually settled at a rate close to the MEP dollar, which is generally very close to the blue rate.

A key tip: if the card terminal or ATM offers to charge you «in your own currency», always choose to pay in Argentine pesos. The terminal's conversion usually uses a worse rate than your bank's.

Paying in cash

Cash is still widely used, especially at small shops, markets, taxis and for tips. Many businesses offer a discount for cash, so it's always worth asking.

Prices in pesos are usually big numbers and you'll handle many bills. Carry small bills for everyday spending and always check your change. Our guide to spotting fake bills explains what to look for.

Where to exchange money

Always exchange at authorized exchange houses or banks and ask for a receipt. Compare prices at more than one place: the difference between exchange houses can be significant.

Avoid street changers («arbolitos»), for example on Florida Street in Buenos Aires: it isn't legal and it's where counterfeit bills circulate most. Airport exchange rates are usually less favorable, so only exchange what you need for your first expenses there.

ATMs

You can withdraw pesos with your card at ATMs, but they usually charge a high fee per withdrawal and have low limits per transaction. Add your own bank's fees and ATM cash is often one of the most expensive options. If you use them, make a few large withdrawals rather than many small ones.

Transfers and QR payments

QR-code payments and bank transfers are very common in Argentina, but local digital wallets generally require an Argentine account. As a tourist, an alternative is international money transfer services that let you send pesos to yourself and pick them up in cash, usually at a rate close to the MEP dollar. Compare the rate and fees before using them.

Tipping

In restaurants and bars it's customary to leave around 10% of the bill, ideally in cash, because it often can't be added to a card payment. The «cubierto» on some bills is a table-service charge, not the tip. Tipping taxi drivers isn't usual; in hotels it's common to give a small amount to whoever helps with your luggage.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Exchanging all your money at the airport.
• Letting the terminal charge you in your own currency instead of pesos.
• Bringing old, torn or marked dollar bills.
• Exchanging money with strangers on the street.
• Not counting your money and change in front of the person handing it over.

In short

In most cases, paying with a foreign card or with cash exchanged at an authorized house will cost you about the same. Before any big purchase, check the day's rates on CambioHoy and use tourist mode to know what you're really paying. To understand each rate in depth, read our guide to Argentina's dollar rates.