How to spot fake bills in Argentina
Counterfeit bills mostly circulate on the informal market and in rushed transactions. A few quick checks let you recognize them in seconds, both pesos and dollars.
Where the risk is higher
The risk is higher when you exchange money on the street, in poorly lit places or when change is handed to you in a hurry, for example at night or in crowded places. At banks and authorized exchange houses the risk is much lower, because bills are checked with machines. That's why our money guide for travelers recommends always exchanging at authorized places.
Quick checks on peso bills
Argentine bills have several security features, which vary by value and series. You don't need to know them all: checking three or four is enough.
- Watermark: hold the bill up to the light; an image and the value number should appear, with soft edges.
- Security thread: against the light, a dark line runs across the bill.
- Raised print: run your finger over the portrait and main text; on a genuine bill they feel rough.
- Color-shifting ink: on higher-value bills, the number changes color when you tilt it.
- Paper: banknote paper is firm and «crisp»; a fake usually feels smooth, soft or glossy.
Checks on US dollar bills
If you receive dollars, for example as change or when exchanging, check them just as carefully:
- A vertical security strip with «USA» and the value, visible against the light.
- A portrait watermark, visible from both sides of the bill.
- On new-series 100-dollar bills, a blue ribbon with images that move when you tilt it.
- Color-shifting ink on the value number in the lower right corner.
Also, many exchange houses in Argentina pay less for old-series or damaged bills, so it's best to bring new, undamaged ones.
When you exchange or pay
- Count the money in front of the person handing it over, without rushing.
- Check the highest-value bills one by one.
- If a bill looks suspicious, ask for it to be replaced on the spot.
- For big expenses, prefer paying by card.
If you received a fake bill
A counterfeit bill can't be used or put back into circulation: doing so is a crime. If you suspect you have one, take it to a bank to have it checked. To avoid the problem from the start, always exchange at authorized places and check the day's rates on CambioHoy so you know how much you should receive.