What I Learned About Money in Argentina (the Hard Way)

Updated November 2025 – Here’s what every traveler should know before arriving in Argentina about the MEP rate, blue dollar, and using cash & cards wisely.

Figuring out money in Argentina can feel like a puzzle for any traveler. Between the MEP rate, the blue dollar, and the constantly shifting peso, it’s easy to overpay if you don’t know how things work. After a few trips (and a couple of rookie mistakes), I finally learned how the system really works. Here’s how to get the best rates, use your cards wisely, and exchange your USD to Argentine pesos so your money goes further.

Let’s unpack how Argentina’s money system really works, where to exchange safely, and what locals actually do to stretch every peso. Keep reading to the bottom to understand how much your hotel stay will really cost you, and travel to Argentina prepared to get the most out of your trip and exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos at the most favorable rate.

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a booking, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and hotels I’ve personally experienced. Your support keeps Map and Camera running. Thank you 💙. (Read my full disclosure)

📌 Pin it, save for later!

Why Is Money In Argentina So Confusing Right Now?

If you’ve been to Argentina lately, or even just tried to Google “how to pay in Argentina”, you’ve probably noticed that money here doesn’t play by the usual rules.

I remember exchanging cash on my first day in Buenos Aires and thinking, How can the same dollar be worth different amounts depending on where I exchange it? That feeling of mild chaos? Totally normal for travelers here.

The reason is simple but layered: Argentina has multiple exchange rates, and they change constantly.
Here’s what’s going on:

• Official rate: The government-controlled value used by banks and ATMs. It’s the least favorable for travelers.
• Blue Dollar rate: The informal, street-level rate. It is closer to the market’s real value. Locals and tourists use it for cash exchanges.
• MEP rate: The “electronic” rate applied to foreign card transactions, often matching or nearly matching the Blue rate.

Inflation, import restrictions, and ongoing currency controls mean these rates fluctuate every few days. Prices rise fast, shops adjust tags weekly, and travelers constantly compare rates to avoid overpaying.

Argentina’s confusing money system exists because of strict currency controls and inflation. The same dollar can have three values: official, Blue, and MEP, depending on how you use it.

Once you understand that Argentina runs on parallel exchange worlds, everything about paying here starts making a lot more sense, and saving money gets much easier.

Planning a trip across the country? Start with my complete Argentina Travel Guide. It covers routes, destinations, and practical tips beyond money matters.

If you’re visiting Buenos Aires first, my Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires guide is a perfect starting point.

What Is The Official Currency of Argentina?

The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso. There are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 peso bills. The 2000 peso bill was introduced a few months ago and is not yet widely available. You will most often see 1000 and 500 peso bills. Coins are rarely used.

Argentina’s currency abbreviation is ARS.

What Is The Blue Dollar, And Why Does It Matter for Tourists?

The Blue Dollar in Argentina is the country’s unofficial (or black market) exchange rate for foreign currency. Although it’s not the official rate, it’s widely recognized — so much so that major newspapers like La Nación publish the Argentina Blue Dollar exchange rate to USD daily, both in print and online.

• Blue Dollar (Dólar Blue): The unofficial exchange rate used outside banks and ATMs.
• Why it exists: Due to strict currency controls and inflation, a parallel market emerged to reflect the peso’s real purchasing power.
• Why tourists care: The Blue Dollar usually gives you more pesos for each U.S. dollar than the official rate, meaning your trip instantly becomes cheaper.

When I exchanged U.S. dollars for Argentine pesos at the Blue Dollar rate in March 2023, I got almost twice as much for my money. Overnight, Argentina felt half the price: tours, restaurants, and even hotel stays suddenly became affordable. What seemed expensive in U.S. dollars turned out to be surprisingly reasonable once converted through the Blue Dollar.

Today, though, the Blue Dollar rate isn’t quite as favorable as it once was. Since late 2024, the MEP rate applied to foreign credit cards has nearly caught up, narrowing the gap between cash and card payments. Still, if you prefer to pay cash, it’s worth comparing both rates before exchanging your money.

You can easily check the current rates: Blue, MEP, and official on La Nación’s dedicated page, “Cotización del Dólar Hoy”, which updates several times a day.
The Blue Dollar remains Argentina’s unofficial but widely used exchange rate, offering better value than the official rate, though the MEP rate now competes closely for travelers.
In short, the Blue Dollar is less a secret and more a survival strategy. One that still helps travelers get more out of every dollar in Argentina.

What’s The Difference Between The Official, Blue, and MEP Rates?

When I first arrived in Buenos Aires in early 2023, I couldn’t believe how confusing the numbers were. The official rate said one thing, the Blue Dollar another, and when I asked a local friend which one was “real,” she laughed and said, “In Argentina, there’s always more than one truth, even for money.”

Back then, the Blue Dollar was almost double the official rate. Tourists who brought cash could exchange it at nearly twice the value of what banks or ATMs offered. It felt surreal. I paid for dinner, wine included, and realized I’d spent less than the price of an Aperol Spritz in Italy.

Then came a major shift. When the new government took office in late 2023, the official exchange rate jumped overnight from 366 to 785 pesos per U.S. dollar in an attempt to narrow the gap between Argentina’s multiple markets.

Fast forward to October 2025, and the situation has stabilized a bit, though differences remain:

• The official rate is around 1,350 pesos per U.S. dollar.
• The Blue Dollar rate is roughly 1,430 pesos per dollar.
• The MEP rate, automatically applied to foreign credit cards, is around 1,440 pesos per dollar.

The official rate is what you’ll see in banks, the Blue rate rules the cash market, and the MEP rate gives card users nearly the same value without carrying wads of pesos.

After juggling all three, I learned this: once you understand which rate applies to what, Argentina’s money chaos stops feeling chaotic and starts feeling like an insider’s advantage.

Which Exchange Rate Gives Tourists the Best Value in 2025?

From experience, there’s one thing you quickly learn in Argentina: not all dollars are created equal. A crisp, new $100 bill can get you a noticeably better exchange rate than smaller or worn-out notes. I’ve seen exchange offices offer up to 5 % more just because the bill looked untouched. So if you’re bringing cash, make sure your dollars are clean, flat, and in perfect condition.

• Best for value: Clean, recent $100 USD bills. They’re easiest to exchange and fetch the highest rate.
• Also accepted: Euros can be exchanged at the Blue rate too, and their rate is fair, roughly proportional to the euro/dollar difference.
• What not to bring: Torn, marked, or old bills (especially small denominations). They’ll often be rejected or exchanged at lower rates.

Exchanging euros proved useful when I ran out of dollars.
Perfect-condition $100 bills get you the best rate in Argentina, but euros are also well accepted and exchanged fairly at the Blue rate.
In short, treat your cash like gold: the cleaner and crisper it looks, the more pesos you’ll walk away with.

Should I Pay in Cash or by Card in Argentina?

When it comes to paying in Argentina, the rule is simple: cash still rules, but cards have finally caught up thanks to the MEP rate.

What Is the MEP Rate in Argentina?

The MEP rate (short for Mercado Electrónico de Pagos) is the exchange rate used for foreign credit and debit card transactions in Argentina. You can check the current MEP rate in Argentina today on La Nación’s website, right next to the Blue Dollar rate.

• What it is: The MEP rate applies automatically when you pay with a foreign Visa or Mastercard in pesos.
• How it works: Your bank converts the amount using the MEP to USD rate, which is usually just a few percent different from the Blue Dollar.
• What to expect: Because the MEP and Blue rates are so close, there’s now almost no difference between paying with a card or exchanging cash.
• Exceptions: American Express also uses the MEP rate, but it isn’t widely accepted in Argentina.

Blue Dollar vs. MEP Rate: Which Is Better for Tourists?

When I first visited, I carried a thick envelope of cash. But in 2024, I switched almost entirely to my credit card. The MEP rate was so close to the Blue Dollar that carrying cash felt unnecessary and less safe.

Imagine this: you exchange a $100 bill at the Blue Dollar rate, and you walk away with around 143,000 pesos — roughly 143 bills of 1,000 pesos each (or fewer if you’re lucky enough to get 2,000-peso notes). Either way, it’s a bulky pile to carry. I preferred paying by card and letting the MEP rate do the work for me.

The Blue Dollar still gives you top value for cash, but the MEP rate makes using credit cards almost equally profitable and far more convenient.

For most travelers, paying by card at the MEP rate is the stress-free middle ground between Argentina’s cash chaos and convenience.

How the Argentine Peso System Works

If you’re visiting Argentina for the first time, the multiple exchange rates can feel overwhelming. They certainly did for me. Here’s how they stack up as of October 2025:

• Official rate: ≈ 1,350 ARS = 1 USD. Used by banks and ATMs. Least favorable for travelers.
• Blue Dollar rate: ≈ 1,430 ARS = 1 USD. Cash-only, unofficial rate used in everyday exchanges.
• MEP rate: ≈ 1,440 ARS = 1 USD. The electronic rate, automatically applied to card payments.

As you can see, the official rate remains the worst deal, while the MEP and Blue rates stay closely aligned.

Three rates, one currency. Argentina’s peso system rewards travelers who know which rate applies when.

Once you understand these three, you’ve basically cracked Argentina’s biggest travel puzzle.

What About “Dólar Tarjeta” and “Dólar Turista”?

You may also come across two more terms: Dólar Tarjeta and Dólar Turista. These don’t apply to tourists.\

They’re used by Argentines when spending abroad or buying imported goods, and their rates are the least favorable of all. Their existence is one reason parallel rates like the Blue Dollar emerged in the first place.

These extra rates are for Argentines, not foreign travelers. You can safely ignore them.

If it doesn’t say Blue dollar or MEP rate, it doesn’t concern you.

How to Prepare for Currency Exchange in Argentina Before Traveling

If you’re traveling to Argentina soon, the best currency to bring is U.S. dollars, ideally in crisp $100 bills with the blue security strip. Exchange offices and locals alike offer the best rate for flawless notes.

If your home currency is the euro, don’t waste time converting it to dollars beforehand. Argentina also has a Blue Euro rate, and it’s fair. Just bring clean, recent €100 bills to get the best value.

Bring clean $100 USD or €100 notes for the best rates; skip converting euros into dollars before your trip.

Perfect bills mean perfect rates; a small detail that makes a big difference in Argentina.

Does Argentina Accept U.S. Dollars?

The short answer is no. You can’t pay with U.S. dollars in shops, restaurants, or taxis. You’ll need to exchange them for Argentine pesos first, either at the Blue Dollar rate in a trusted cambio or through the MEP rate on your card.

You can’t spend USD directly. Exchange or pay by card to get the best value.

🚘Land, Meet Your Driver, and Go– No one likes dealing with taxis or figuring out public transport after a long flight. Book a reliable airport transfer here and arrive stress-free!

Do Credit and Debit Cards Work in Argentina (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), And How Does the MEP Rate Work?

When I first visited Argentina, paying by card felt like a gamble. In 2023, Visa processed transactions using the MEP rate instantly, while Mastercard initially charged at the official rate, then refunded the difference days later — a confusing wait to see what you actually paid. Amex, meanwhile, didn’t apply the MEP rate at all.

A year later, things improved dramatically. By 2024, Mastercard also began charging at the MEP rate right away, so no more suspense. American Express eventually joined in, too, though it’s still the least accepted card in Argentina. Even foreign debit cards now use the MEP rate, making everyday payments much simpler.

• Visa: Applies the MEP rate automatically at purchase.
• Mastercard: Since 2024, also applies the MEP rate at the time of payment.
• Amex: Technically eligible for the MEP rate, but rarely accepted in shops and restaurants.
• Debit cards: Also processed at the MEP rate.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted and Safe to Use?

Yes, at least in cities and tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and travel agencies accept credit cards without issue. I used mine almost everywhere in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Ushuaia with no problems. Smaller cafés, street markets, and taxis, however, still prefer cash.

Some merchants will even offer a 10% discount for cash payments, so it’s good to keep some pesos on hand, especially for tips or smaller purchases.
Visa and Mastercard now both use the MEP rate instantly, debit cards work too, and Amex lags behind in acceptance. Cards are safe and widely used, but cash still gets you small perks.

In 2025, paying by card in Argentina finally feels predictable, though a little cash in your pocket still pays off, literally.

👉 You’ll see exactly how locals handle money in action in this 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary, which includes cash-only spots and local food markets.

Do you know which are the best hotels in Buenos Aires for every budget and which neighborhood to choose for your stay?

📌 Pin it, save for later!

Where Can You Safely Exchange USD to Pesos in Buenos Aires?

When it comes to exchanging money in Buenos Aires, you’ll quickly learn there’s a rhythm to it.

While exploring Buenos Aires, you’ll likely pass through Calle Florida, one of the city’s most famous streets. You’ll hear the familiar chorus of “Cambio, cambio!” echoing between souvenir shops. It’s chaotic at first, but this is where the Blue Dollar lives.

• Calle Florida (Florida Street): The main hub for Blue Dollar exchanges. You’ll be approached by people offering to “help” with currency. They usually direct you to nearby cuevas (informal exchange offices).
• Tip: Always check the daily Blue Dollar rate on La Nación before heading there, so you know what to expect.
• Cash quality matters: A perfect $100 bill gets you the best rate, and clean euros are accepted, too.

If street exchanges make you uneasy, there’s a more comfortable option — ENVIARg exchange offices. These are official, green-branded offices offering rates very close to the Blue Dollar, usually within a few percentage points. I used them often because they felt safer and transparent.

You’ll find ENVIARg locations near most hotels and attractions:

• Av. de Mayo 1343 (central, across from Palacio Barolo)
• Rodríguez Peña 1580 (Recoleta)
• Pres. José Evaristo Uriburu 1718 (Recoleta)
• Thames 1632 (Palermo)

None are open on Sundays, so plan ahead.

Calle Florida offers Blue Dollar rates, but ENVIARg exchange offices are safer and nearly as profitable.

Exchange in the city, not the airport, and always keep those crisp bills ready.

Is Western Union Still the Best Way to Get Pesos?

Western Union was once the go-to solution for travelers. You could send money to yourself and pick up pesos at near-Blue-Dollar rates. While it’s still an option, it’s become less reliable due to occasional cash shortages and long lines.

I used Western Union twice, once in Buenos Aires, once in Mendoza, and both times I got excellent rates but had to wait over an hour. I faced similar long waits before heading to Iguazú Falls, so now I prefer card payments at the MEP rate whenever possible.

Now, with the MEP rate nearly identical to the Blue rate, using your credit card is often easier and just as cost-effective.

• Pros: Great rates, safe transfers, no need to carry large sums of cash.
• Cons: Cash limits, queues, and occasional availability issues.
• Alternative: Use a credit or debit card with the MEP rate for a similar value and less hassle.

Western Union still works, but it isn’t essential anymore. Cards now match its rates.

If convenience matters more than squeezing out an extra peso, skip the lines and pay by card.

How Much Cash Should You Bring to Argentina?

The amount depends on how long you’ll stay and how much you plan to use cash instead of cards. Personally, I brought enough for taxis, tips, and smaller expenses, roughly $300–$400 in USD for two weeks, and paid the rest by card.

• Bring: A modest amount of USD or euros in perfect condition.
• Avoid: Carrying more than you’re comfortable losing. Argentina is safe overall, but petty theft can happen.
• Example: Exchanging one $100 bill at the Blue rate gives you around 143,000 pesos. That’s over a hundred 1,000-peso bills. It adds up fast.

Bring some cash for flexibility, but rely on your MEP-rate card for most purchases.

Enough for comfort, not for stress. That’s the sweet spot for cash in Argentina.

For distances and flights between regions, see my Domestic Flights in Argentina guide. It helps you plan how much cash you’ll need on hand for each destination.

Is It Safe to Carry Cash and Where Should You Keep It?

Buenos Aires feels lively, not dangerous, but like any big city, it pays to be cautious. I usually split my cash; some in my wallet, the rest in a money belt or hotel safe. Avoid flashing big notes or counting pesos in public.

• Keep small bills handy for taxis and tips.
• Use a hotel safe for your main stash.
• Carry only what you need for the day.

Argentina is generally safe, but discretion is key when carrying cash. Treat your pesos like your phone: keep them close, out of sight, and you’ll be fine.

For the safe areas to stay, check my Where to Stay in Buenos Aires guide.

How to Recognize Scams or Bad Exchange Deals

If someone offers you a rate far above the Blue Dollar average, it’s probably a scam. Common signs: hidden commission fees, fake notes, or bait-and-switch tactics in unofficial cuevas.

• Check rates on La Nación or Dólar Hoy.
• Avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.
• Ask your hotel or local host to recommend a trusted exchange office.

Knowing the daily rate is your best defense against bad deals. In Argentina, knowledge really is currency.

Why Do Some Shops Offer Discounts for Cash Payments?

Cash is king in Argentina because it saves merchants card fees and tax bureaucracy. Many will offer a 10–15% discount if you pay in cash, no haggling needed.

I often asked, “¿Hay descuento en efectivo?” (“Is there a cash discount?”), and got a smile and a better deal.

Cash payments help businesses avoid fees, and you get rewarded for it. A simple question in Spanish can save you more than small change.

Can You Use ATMs in Argentina, or Are Fees Too High?

You can use ATMs, but it’s rarely worth it. Withdrawal limits are low, and fees are often steep, sometimes $8–10 USD per transaction. I only used ATMs in emergencies; otherwise, I stuck to card payments and occasional cash exchanges.

ATMs work but come with high fees and low limits, so use them sparingly. Think of ATMs in Argentina as your last resort, not your daily plan.

What Does the “$100” Price Tag Mean in Argentina?

Don’t panic when you see a price tag with a “$.” It doesn’t mean U.S. dollars; it means Argentine pesos. Only when marked as US$100 does it refer to actual dollars. I learned this the hard way at a café on my first day!

“$” means pesos; “US$” means U.S. dollars. Once you get used to it, the peso sign stops giving heart attacks.

How Expensive Is Argentina for Tourists Right Now?

A year ago, Argentina was one of the best-value destinations in the world. Prices have since jumped two to three times, and the gap between official and Blue rates has narrowed. It’s no longer “cheap,” but still reasonable compared to parts of Europe or North America.

Argentina isn’t as affordable as it was, but you still get good value for food, experiences, and local travel.

How Do Taxes and VAT Refunds Work for Travelers?

In theory, any purchase over 70 pesos qualifies for a VAT refund when leaving the country. In practice, I didn’t see a single store that processed it. Most shops don’t participate in the Tax-Free system.

Hotels are the exception. Foreign travelers paying with Visa or Mastercard are automatically exempt from the 21% VAT on accommodation. This is a huge saving. Prices listed on Booking.com or Expedia already exclude VAT for foreigners.

If you pay cash, though, VAT will be added, and your payment will be converted from USD to ARS at the official rate, which means you’ll pay more.

Structured Example:

• Hotel room on booking.com, expedia, etc: US$100
• Official rate: 1,350 pesos → 135,000 ARS
• Paying by card (MEP rate ≈ 1,440): 135,000 ÷ 1,440 = ≈93.75 USD
• Paying in cash (+21% VAT, 135,000+21%=163,350): 163,350 ARS ÷ 1,430 (supposing you exchanged your USD at the blue dollar rate)= ≈114.23 USD

VAT refunds rarely work for shopping, but hotels automatically remove VAT for foreign card payments.

Use your card; it saves time, paperwork, and 21% of your bill.

If you’re looking for where to stay, check my curated list of Best Hotels in Ushuaia or explore my Best Hotels in Buenos Aires for inspiration.

Can You Exchange Leftover Pesos Before Leaving Argentina?

Technically, yes, but it’s not easy. Few banks or exchange offices will buy pesos back unless you have proof of where you got them. I usually spend my leftovers at the airport on snacks or souvenirs.

You can’t easily convert pesos back to foreign currency, so plan to use them up before departure.
In Argentina, it’s better to arrive with dollars than leave with pesos.

Quick Checklist: How to Manage Money Smartly in Argentina

• 💵 Bring crisp $100 USD or €100 bills.
• 💳 Use Visa or Mastercard for the MEP rate.
• 🏦 Exchange at ENVIARg or trusted cuevas, not at the airport.
• 📱 Check rates daily on La Nación or Dólar Hoy.
• 💰 Keep cash split between your wallet and hotel safe.
• 🧾 Pay for hotels by card to skip the 21% VAT.
• ⚠️ Don’t accept “too good” rates or exchange on the street if unsure.

Handle your pesos smartly, and Argentina rewards you with experiences that are worth every bill.

Exchanging Money in Argentina: The Blue Dollar Outside Of Buenos Aires

You might be wondering if you can exchange money at the Blue dollar rate in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires. Yes, you can. If you plan to go to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, or Patagonia, you will find many shops and coffee shops offering an exchange rate close to the blue dollar rate.

In the center of Ushuaia, Patagonia, almost every souvenir shop and cafe has an exchange rate advertised at the counter, though expect around 10% less favorable Blue dollar exchange rate in comparison to the Blue dollar rate in Buenos Aires. In conclusion, outside of Buenos Aires, the MEP rate might be the most favorable exchange rate.

If you have any doubts about exchanging money in Argentina, ask your accommodation for advice.

Going to Patagonia? Here’s my Ushuaia, End of the World guide, with local tips and scenic spots to make the most of your trip.

📌 Have a look at my recommendations for hotels in Buenos Aires for every budget and travel style. And, if you want to say “thanks”, use the links or click on the map to book your stay.

FAQ

Conclusion

At first, money in Argentina can seem confusing: multiple rates, endless conversions, and prices that shift overnight. But once you understand the three that actually matter, the official rate, the Blue Dollar, and the MEP rate, everything falls into place. Knowing how to use each one will help you stretch your budget and travel smarter.

I hope this guide has made money in Argentina feel less intimidating and more manageable, whether you’re preparing for Buenos Aires, Patagonia, or beyond. With a bit of know-how, navigating Argentina’s currency becomes just another part of the story you’ll tell later, not a travel headache.

Now that you understand how money in Argentina works, don’t miss my guide to Argentina souvenirs — it’s full of local favorites you’ll actually want to bring home.

Thank you for reading 💙

📌 Pin it, save for later!

Read also:

How to choose domestic flights in Argentina

The best souvenirs to buy in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires off-the-beaten-path

Spread the love