Money In Argentina For Tourists: Blue Dollar & MEP Rate

As a tourist, it is crucial to know what are the MEP rate and the Blue Dollar in Argentina. In a few words, money in Argentina is a mess. If you are planning a trip to this South American country, you need to understand the different exchange rates of pesos to the dollar. I will explain the dólar blue and the MEP rate Argentina, give you all the information you might need, and share my experience with Argentina currency exchange after my last visit to the country in 2024. The information below is updated in January 2025.

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.

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What Is the Money in 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 currency abbreviation is ARS.

What Is the Blue Dollar in Argentina?

The Blue Dollar in Argentina is the unofficial or black market foreign currency exchange rate. Although unofficial, you can find the Argentina Blue Dollar exchange rate to USD published daily in newspapers like La Nacion and online.

What Is the Blue Dollar Rate in Argentina for Travelers?

When I exchanged U.S. dollars for Argentine pesos at the Blue Dollar in Argentina in March 2023, I got almost twice as much for my money. And everything I paid for was half the price. The prices of tours and activities in U.S. dollars seemed high, but with the black market Blue dollar rate, they became reasonable and even cheap.

The Dolar blue black market exchange rate is no longer as favorable for foreign tourists as you can see from the rates above. As the rates change daily, you’d better check them before exchanging your dollars for Argentina peso. La Nacion has a dedicated section called “Dollar Exchange Rate Today“. It publishes daily the US dollar to Argentine peso blue rate and the Argentina MEP rate.

Difference Between Blue Dollar Rate and Official Rate in Argentina

In March 2023 the parallel Blue dollar Argentina exchange rate of the American dollar to peso was almost double the Argentine peso official rate. A year later, the blue dollar Argentina 2024 exchange rate to US dollar has changed significantly.

The newly elected Argentine government changed overnight the official exchange rate of Argentina money to USD. Argentina money rate jumped from 366 to 785 pesos for one US dollar.

In January 2005, the official exchange rate of Argentine currency is around 1008 peso to one US dollar. A dollar is worth 1180 peso in Argentina at the blue dollar rate.

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate at the Blue Dollar Rate in Argentina?

A $100 bill in perfect condition is highly appreciated and will get you the best rate of money exchange in Argentina.

Apart from American dollars, you can also exchange euros for Argentine peso at the blue rate. Argentina’s currency to Euro blue exchange rate is fair. You get more Argentina pesos for 1 euro than for 1 USD, proportional to the dollar/euro exchange rate difference.

What Is MEP Rate Argentina? Using Credit Cards

The MEP rate Argentina is the exchange rate for credit card or debit card payments. You can also find the MEP rate Argentina today on La Nacion website.

When paying with a foreign VISA or Mastercard, your foreign credit card will be charged at the MEP to dollar exchange rate. There will be a few percent difference depending on the country and the bank that issued your card. Since the MEP rate is close to the Blue Dolar rate, there’s virtually no difference between exchanging your currency at the Blue Dolar rate and paying with your foreign credit card.

The MEP dollar Argentina rate also applies to American Express cards, though they are rarely accepted in the country.

Blue Dollar Rate vs MEP Rate: Which is Better for Tourists?

With the new MEP exchange rate in Argentina, I preferred to use my credit card. I found it to be more convenient despite the little difference in comparison to the blue dollar rate. Here is why I preferred the MEP rate Argentina in 2024.

Imagine this: you exchange a $100 bill at the Argentina blue exchange rate. You will get about 118,000 pesos or 118 Argentinean 1000-peso bills. If you are lucky, you might get 2,000-peso bills, although the 2,000-peso bill is not very common. Either way, that’s quite a pile to carry around. I don’t feel comfortable carrying large amounts of money, so I preferred paying with my credit card using the MEP rate in Argentina.

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Argentine Peso To USD: How Does the Currency Exchange Rates System Work in Argentina?

If you are planning a trip to Argentina for the first time, you will probably feel very confused about the many different exchange rates of the Argentine peso. I was too before my first visit to Argentina. Here is all you need to know about money in Argentina, the MEP rate, the Blue dollar rate, and travel tips for Argentina money exchange.

In January 2025, the different exchange rates are as follows:
the official exchange rate is 1008 Argentina peso for 1 US dollar,
the dollar blue rate is 1180 peso for $1
the MEP rate is 1165 peso for US$1.

As you can see, the official exchange rate is the least favorable of all of them.

The Official Exchange Rate

This is the exchange rate used by the banks. If you exchange your money in Argentina in a bank, this is the rate you’ll get.

What Is Dolar Tarjeta And Dolar Turista?

You may also see these two exchange rates. Just ignore them, they don’t apply to tourists. These еxchange rates apply to Argentines when traveling abroad, buying goods from abroad, or exchanging pesos for foreign currency.

You may have noticed that they are also the most unfavorable. This is one of the reasons for the existence of the blue dollar rate in Argentina and the black market exchange rate.

How To Prepare for Currency Exchange in Argentina Before Traveling: What Is The Best Currency To Take?

The best currency to take to Argentina is US dollars, preferably in $100 bills. For new 100 dollar bills with a blue strip in perfect condition, you will get the best blue dollar in Argentina rate. That’s why the parallel exchange rate is called Blue dollar in Argentina.

If the euro is your currency, don’t bother exchanging it for US dollars. There is a blue dollar rate to euro in Argentina too. Crisp 100 Euro bills will also get you the best rate, which is the blue dollar rate Argentina euro, or the Blue euro rate.

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Does Argentina Accept US Dollars?

The short answer is no. You can’t pay with U.D. dollars. You will have to exchange them for Argentine pesos first.

Using Bank Cards in Argentina in 2025

In 2023, the Visa exchange rate in Argentina was at the MEP rate at the time of the transaction. Mastercard charged at the official exchange rate and credited the bank account with the difference a few days later. The MEP rate did not apply to Amex credit card payments.

As I already told you things have significantly changed a year later. In 2024 Mastercard already charged credit cards with the MEP rate at the time of the transaction too, so no waiting a few days to see the exact exchange rate. The MEP rate Argentina applies to AMEX credit cards too. You can also use a debit card in Argentina and will get the MEP rate too.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted And Safe to Use in Argentina for Tourists?

Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and travel agencies accept credit cards. If you are planning to use a credit card and the MEP dollar rate in Argentina, bring your Visa or Mastercard. American Express is rarely accepted in Argentina. Many merchants will offer you at least a 10% discount if you pay in cash.

Best Place To Exchange USD to Argentine Peso

Exchanging US dollars to Argentine Pesos in Banks

Banks are the worst place to get cash in Argentina. They will give you the official exchange US dollar to Argentina peso rate, which is the most unfavorable exchange rate.

Where to Find Blue Dollar Exchange Rate: Cuevas

Cuevas (caves in English) are stores or offices which are underground exchange houses. This is where they will exchange your money at the blue dollar market rate.

Sending Money from Abroad: Western Union Argentina

You can send money to yourself and withdraw it at Western Union Argentina. Western Union Argentina gives an exchange rate close to or slightly higher than the MEP rate. In January 2025 the Western Union exchange rate will give you 1077 Argentine peso for one US dollar. Keep in mind that your transfer might be subject to taxes.

I didn’t bother with Western Union though. Other travelers said there were long lines in front of Western Union offices and they often ran out of peso bills.

Using ATMs in Argentina

ATMs are widely available to withdraw cash in Argentina, though there are possible issues to keep in mind:

• Some ATMs have low withdrawal limits
• The exchange rate can be less favorable
• ATMs often ran out of money
• There are usually fees associated with ATM withdrawals. Check with your bank for the international ATM withdrawal fees that apply to your credit card. There may also be ATM usage fees.

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

Where To Exchange Money In Buenos Aires, Argentina Safely?

Where To Find Blue Dollar Exchange in Buenos Aires: Calle Florida

Calle Florida (Florida Street) is a pedestrian street in downtown Buenos Aires and all major Buenos Aires attractions are close by. As you walk down it, you will hear people shouting “Cambio, cambio” (change, change). You may see them in other places in the central area too.

They will all claim to give you the best exchange rate. It is a good idea to know the blue dollar Argentina today rate before going there to know what exchange rate to expect. 

They will direct you to a nearby cueva (a shop or an office) where they will exchange your dollars at the blue dollar exchange rate. Don’t forget: a $100 bill in perfect condition is highly appreciated and will get you the best exchange rate. Euros in perfect condition are also appreciated.

Safe Ways To Exchange Money As a Tourist: Enviar

If you don’t feel comfortable exchanging money in Argentina on the street but still want to get a better rate, the best place to do so is at an ENVIARg exchange office. ENVIARg exchange offices are green with a big “enviar” sign on the window.

ENVIARg exchange offices will offer you an exchange rate close to the blue dollar exchange rate with a difference of no more than.

The rule of the $100 bill in perfect condition applies there too. 

You can find four ENVIARg offices in Buenos Aires, conveniently situated in the central part of the city and most probably there will be one close to your hotel. You can find them at:

• Av. de Mayo 1343, C1958ABD CABA – This is the most central one. It is practically in front of the Palacio Barolo.
• Rodríguez Peña 1580, C1012 CABA – This one is in the Recoleta neighborhood. Very convenient if you are staying there.
• Pres. José Evaristo Uriburu 1718, C1114AAT CABA – Also in Recoleta.
• Thames 1632, C1425 CABA – This one is in the Palermo neighborhood.

NOTE: None of these offices is open on Sundays.

How To Handle Currency Exchange at Ezeiza Airport (EZE) in Argentina?

Avoid exchanging money at the Buenos Aires International Airport Ezeiza. You will get the worst possible exchange rate.

Wait until you get to the city and exchange your dollars for pesos in Buenos Aires downtown. To get to the city of Buenos Aires without without the need to exchange money, you have several options:

• Arrange a transfer with your accommodation;

• Book a private transfer;

• Use the free WiFi at the airport to call an Uber. Pay for the ride and tip the driver with your credit card using the Uber app.

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. As a 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? Check out the epic things you can do in Ushuaia!

How Much Cash To Bring To Argentina

The amount of cash to bring to Argentina will depend on how long you will stay and what you plan to do.

Just a thing to consider: in case you prefer to pay in cash, if you exchange a $100 bill at the blue dollar rate, when you pick up the cash you will get around 118,000 pesos or more than a hundred bills of 1000 pesos each. That’s a large amount of cash to carry around.

Safety in Buenos Aires, as in any big city around the world, can be an issue. Always use common sense, don’t flash money around, and maybe consider wearing a money belt.

With the new MEP rate in Argentina, I preferred to use my credit card. I found it to be more convenient despite the little difference in comparison to the blue dollar rate.

How Expensive Is Argentina

A year ago Argentina used to be a very affordable destination. The situation in Argentina has changed a lot in a year, especially when it comes to prices and the blue dollar rate. The official peso exchange rate is almost on par with the blue dollar and prices have gone up 2-3 times.

Overall, Argentina is not as cheap for foreigners as it was not long ago.

What Does The Price Tag “$100” Mean

I often saw price tags that started with a $ sign. At first, I almost had a heart attack. Well, such tags do NOT mean US dollars. ‘$100’ means 100 Argentine pesos. If the price is in US dollars, the price tag will look like ‘US$100’.

Tax-Free Shopping In Argentina

In theory, any purchase over 70 pesos (a few cents!) that you take out of the country entitles you to a VAT refund at customs. During my months of traveling around the country, I didn’t see a single store with the Tax-free logo. Those I asked about it said they didn’t issue the required Tax-free form.

Tax-free Accommodation: How To Pay for Hotels In Argentina with the Best Rate?

Foreign travelers paying with a foreign VISA or Mastercard are exempt from paying 21% VAT at hotels. With this in mind, the prices you see on tripadvisor.com, booking.com, expedia.com, or other similar platforms are already VAT-free.

Most accommodations list their prices in US dollars, even if you see them in your currency at the time of booking. When you have to pay for your stay if you pay with a foreign credit or debit card, your bank card will be charged at the MEP rate. If you for some reason prefer to pay in cash, 21% VAT will be added to the accommodation price and the price will be converted from USD to ARS at the official rate.

Example: You book a hotel stay for 100 USD. No matter how you pay, the cost of your stay will be converted from USD to ARS at the official rate. So, using the conversion rates from the beginning of the article, you will have to pay 100 USD x 1008 = 100 800 ARS.
If you prefer to pay with a foreign credit/debit card, your VISA or Mastercard will be charged at the MEP rate. 100 800 ARS : 1165 = 86.53 USD. If the currency of your credit card is USD, your card will be charged 86.53 USD. You may expect a little more (+1-2%) for the currency conversion. If the currency of your card is not USD (EUR, for example), you may expect a bigger difference, because of the conversion from ARS to USD and from USD to EUR. Depending on your currency, your credit card will be charged anywhere from 86.53 USD to 97.00 USD. Check with your bank before leaving for Argentina.
If for any reason you prefer to pay in cash, 21% VAT will be added to your hotel stay cost and you will have to pay 100 800 ARS + 21% VAT = 121 968 ARS. Supposedly you have changed your currency at the blue dollar rate. To get 121 968 ARS you have paid 121 968 : 1180 = 103.36 USD.
Please, don’t forget that the conversion rates are constantly changing, and check them before deciding which one is the most favorable to you at the moment.

The VAT exemption does not apply if you rent an apartment on Airbnb. 

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FAQ

Conclusion

Different types of rates are applicable to money exchange in Argentina. Three of them are of importance to the tourists: the official rate, the blue dollar exchange rate, and the MEP rate. Understanding the money in Argentina will help you get the most favorable exchange rate.

I hope after reading this article you already feel more comfortable and confident and looking forward to your travel to the best places to visit in Argentina.

Have you experienced using cash, exchanging pesos, or navigating blue dollar rates in Argentina? Share your thoughts, tips, or stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! And if you found this guide helpful, why not share it with friends or fellow travelers who might also benefit from it? It’s a great way to ensure others are informed and ready for their journey. Plus, it helps me keep creating content like this to make travel easier for everyone.

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Read also:

How to choose domestic flights in Argentina

The best souvenirs to buy in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires off-the-beaten-path

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