Currency in Argentina
The complete Argentine Peso (ARS) travel guide
The Argentine Peso (ARS, symbol $ within Argentina — distinguished from USD by context) has experienced one of the most dramatic currency collapses in modern history. USD/ARS went from 17 (2017) to over 1,400 (2025) — peso lost 99% of value in 8 years. Argentina has had multiple parallel exchange rates ("blue dollar", "MEP dollar", "CCL dollar") with the gap between official and parallel rates sometimes exceeding 100%. President Milei's 2023 election triggered major reforms — abolishing currency controls, devaluing the official peso 50%+ overnight, and floating the rate by 2025.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Argentina
Argentina is increasingly card-friendly in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and major tourist destinations. Since the post-Milei reforms of 2024-2025, the gap between official and parallel exchange rates has narrowed dramatically — foreign cards now deliver competitive rates without the previous "use blue dollar cash" workaround. Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, restaurants, malls (Galerías Pacífico, Alto Palermo), and tourist sites. ATMs at Banco Galicia, Santander, BBVA, and HSBC branches accept foreign cards, with per-transaction limits of AR$60,000–100,000 ($40–70) and high fees (AR$10,000–15,000 per transaction). Tax-free dollar (Visa "tourist" rate) was eliminated in 2024 reforms.
Tipping culture in Argentina
Tipping in Argentina is appreciated but not strictly required. Restaurants: 10% is standard for sit-down restaurants (some upscale restaurants add a 10% "cubierto" or "service charge" which is mostly cover charge, not staff tip — additional 10% is appreciated). Taxis: round up to the nearest AR$1,000. Hotels: AR$2,000–5,000 per bag for porters at international chains; AR$2,000 per night for housekeeping. Tour guides at private tours: USD$10-20 per person per day is increasingly expected (USD is welcome for tips given peso volatility). Spa/salon: 10%. Doormen at apartment buildings: AR$5,000-10,000 monthly tip for service.
Best way to get Argentine Peso (ARS)
Post-2024 reforms have largely closed the gap between official and parallel rates. For USD-to-ARS, multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) now deliver rates within 1–3% of the official rate. The historic "Western Union as blue dollar" workaround (sending USD to yourself via Western Union for pickup in pesos at parallel-market rate) still works but offers diminishing advantage versus regular cards. For substantial transfers, Wise is competitive. Argentine residents face complex remaining FX controls — the historic $200/month dollar purchase limit was lifted in 2024 but other restrictions remain.
Practical money tips for Argentina
- •The post-2024 reforms have ended the "blue dollar" arbitrage — regular cards now deliver competitive rates; the Western Union pickup workaround offers diminishing advantage
- •Get a SIM card on arrival (Movistar, Personal, Claro) — 7-30 day plans available for AR$10,000–25,000
- •Uber and Cabify operate in Buenos Aires but Argentine taxis with working meters are also reliable; agree on flat rate for airport (EZE) transfers
- •IVA (21%) is included in displayed prices; tax-free shopping refund available for non-residents on purchases over AR$70,000 from participating stores
- •Argentina plug type I (same as Australia, different from US/EU); voltage 220V/50Hz — pack universal adapter
- •USD cash tips are widely appreciated despite the reforms — Argentine workers value USD as inflation hedge
- •Steak/parrilla restaurants are legendary value in Argentina — even tourist-area parrillas serve $20-30 meals that would cost $80+ in NYC
Common money scams to avoid in Argentina
Common tourist money scams in Argentina include: rigged taxi fares from Ezeiza (EZE) airport — use the official remis/taxi stand inside the airport, not the tout offers; counterfeit AR$1,000 and AR$10,000 notes given as change at money changers (less common with new polymer notes but still happens); fake "tour guide" approaches at major attractions (Recoleta, Caminito); "tango show" timeshare-pitch scams in San Telmo; and pre-2024-era "blue dollar" street-changer cons in central Buenos Aires (street changers offering "above-market rates" who short-count or hand over counterfeit notes). With the 2024 reforms, the parallel-market structure has largely collapsed — most blue-dollar street touts no longer exist or now offer little advantage.
Frequently asked questions
What was the "blue dollar"?
For roughly 2011-2024, Argentina had multiple exchange rates: the "official" rate at which the government allowed limited dollar purchases, and various parallel rates including the "dólar blue" (street/cash parallel market). The gap sometimes exceeded 100% — meaning tourists who brought USD cash and exchanged at the blue rate got 2x the buying power of those using cards at the official rate. President Milei's 2024-2025 reforms largely closed this gap by floating the official rate.
Can I use US dollars in Argentina?
Some tourist businesses in Buenos Aires accept USD directly — especially since USD is a popular tip and savings currency for Argentines. However, ARS is officially required for most transactions. Convert via card (now competitive post-2024 reforms) or money changer for the best rates.
How much cash should I bring to Argentina?
Plan on AR$15,000–40,000 ($10–25) per day in cash for casual spending, plus tips. With post-reform cards now competitive, your card spend covers most transactions. The pre-2024 "bring USD cash for the blue dollar premium" strategy is largely obsolete.
Why is the Argentine Peso so volatile?
Multiple compounding factors: chronic fiscal deficits funded by central-bank money printing, decades of high inflation (60%+ in 2023), capital controls that created multiple parallel exchange rates, political instability around currency policy, and limited FX reserves. USD/ARS has moved from single digits in 2011 to over 1,400 in 2025 — among the worst currency performances of any major economy.
Is Argentina cheap for tourists?
Variable. For US/EU tourists, Argentina is generally affordable — a steak dinner with wine costs $20-40, a mid-range hotel runs $80-150. But prices are not as cheap as the immediate post-Milei devaluation suggested — inflation has been rapidly catching up to the new exchange rate. Buenos Aires hotels and restaurants in Palermo/Recoleta have approached European prices in 2025-2026.
Convert to and from ARS
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.