Money in Argentina: Cash, Cards and Exchange Rates Explained

Wondering how to exchange money in Argentina, whether to bring cash or use your credit card? You’re not alone!

Of all the countries I’ve visited, Argentina was easily the most complicated when it came to paying for things.

When I visited in February 2023, there were multiple exchange rates, using an ATM could mean getting far fewer pesos for your Australian dollars, and exchanging money through Western Union was one of the best ways to stretch your travel budget.

It was confusing, to say the least!

Thankfully, things have changed considerably since then. Argentina has made significant changes to its currency system, making paying for things much more straightforward for visitors.

But there are still a few things worth knowing before you arrive, particularly if you’re travelling from Australia and don’t have a stash of US dollars sitting around.

In this guide, I’ll explain Argentina’s exchange rates, the best ways to pay for things, and how to get cash without losing money unnecessarily.

I’ll also share my experience of navigating Argentina’s complicated currency system during our 2023 visit.

Important: Argentina’s currency rules and exchange rates can change quickly. This information was reviewed in October 2026, but I recommend checking the latest arrangements before your trip.s, but there are really only two we are interested in as visitors. The offical rate and the “blue rate”.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.

Money in Argentina at a Glance

• Currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
• Best way to pay: Credit or debit card for most purchases, with cash as a backup
• Cards accepted: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas
• Getting cash: Compare ATM fees, Western Union and authorised exchange offices
• US dollars: Useful in some situations, but not essential
• Exchange rates: Official, blue dollar and MEP rates can differ
• My biggest tip: Check exchange rates and fees shortly before travelling, as Argentina’s currency arrangements can change quickly

Money in Argentina: What Travellers Need to Know

The currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS), usually shown with the $ symbol.

Sounds simple enough, right?

The complication is that Argentina has a long history of inflation, currency controls and different exchange rates.

For years, the amount of money you received depended on how you exchanged it.

There was an official exchange rate, but there was also an unofficial rate known as the blue dollar, which could give you substantially more pesos for your money.

When we visited in February 2023, the difference was enormous. We could get more than twice as many pesos using alternative exchange methods rather than the official rate.

Since then, Argentina has introduced major economic reforms, including changes to its currency controls in April 2025.

These changes have narrowed the gap between official and unofficial exchange rates, although differences can still exist.

For travellers, the good news is that you no longer need to assume carrying large amounts of US dollars or using Western Union will automatically save you a fortune.

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are another option for getting cash.

However, I’d still recommend having some pesos available for smaller businesses, markets, tips and places that don’t accept cards.

One other thing that has changed is the banknotes themselves.

When I visited, the largest commonly available note was 1,000 pesos, meaning even a small amount of exchanged money left us carrying a huge wad of cash!

Argentina has since introduced 10,000 and 20,000 peso notes, making carrying cash much more practical.

Understanding Argentina’s Exchange Rates

If you’ve started researching money in Argentina, you’ve probably come across references to the official rate, the blue dollar and the MEP rate.

But what do they actually mean?

The Official Exchange Rate

The official exchange rate is the rate used through Argentina’s formal banking and currency exchange system.

Historically, this rate was tightly controlled by the government and could be significantly less favourable than unofficial alternatives.

In April 2025, Argentina introduced a system allowing the peso to fluctuate within an exchange-rate band. That system continued into 2026, with adjustments to how the bands are calculated.

This has helped reduce some of the enormous differences between exchange rates that visitors previously encountered.

The Blue Dollar Rate

The blue dollar is Argentina’s unofficial exchange rate for buying and selling foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

It developed because restrictions on buying foreign currency created a strong demand for US dollars outside the official banking system.

People were willing to pay more pesos to get them.

When we visited in February 2023, the blue dollar rate was more than twice the official rate.

You can imagine what a difference that made to our travel budget!

Something costing the equivalent of $200 AUD at the official exchange rate could effectively cost less than $100 AUD if we exchanged our money at the blue rate.

The blue dollar still exists, but the difference between it and the official rate isn’t necessarily anything like it was during our visit.

It’s also worth remembering that unofficial currency exchanges carry risks, including counterfeit notes and scams.

For most visitors, I wouldn’t recommend seeking out street money changers.

The MEP Rate (Tourist Dollar)

Another rate you might encounter is the MEP rate, sometimes associated with the tourist dollar.

MEP stands for Mercado Electrónico de Pagos. It’s a legal exchange rate derived from buying and selling certain financial securities.

In late 2022, Argentina introduced arrangements allowing eligible foreign-issued credit and debit cards to access a preferential exchange rate linked to the MEP market.

This was fantastic news for travellers like us!

Instead of carrying lots of US dollars or finding somewhere to exchange cash, we could pay by card and still receive a much better rate than the official rate at the time.

Visa continues to publish information about its preferential exchange rate for foreign visitors.

However, the tourist card rate isn’t necessarily identical to the MEP or blue dollar rate, and the advantage over the official rate can change.

Which Exchange Rate Is Best for Tourists?

There’s no longer one simple answer.

Back in 2023, avoiding the official exchange rate could save us a substantial amount of money.

Today, the difference between rates may be much smaller, making convenience and transaction fees just as important.

Before deciding how to pay, compare how many pesos you’ll actually receive after fees.

For most travellers, using a card for larger purchases and keeping some cash for smaller expenses is a sensible starting point.

And don’t worry about becoming an expert on Argentina’s monetary policy before your holiday!

Understanding that different rates exist and checking which one applies to your transactions is usually enough.

Can You Use Credit and Debit Cards in Argentina?

Yes! Using a credit or debit card is one of the easiest ways to pay for things in Argentina, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas.

When we visited in 2023, we were pleasantly surprised by how widely cards were accepted. We used them for accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets and many other expenses.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although I’d still recommend having some cash available.

Do Foreign Credit Cards Get a Better Exchange Rate?

Eligible foreign-issued cards can access Argentina’s preferential tourist exchange-rate arrangements.

Visa publishes information about its tourist rate, while Mastercard has also offered special exchange-rate arrangements for purchases in Argentina.

However, the rates and processing arrangements can differ between card networks and banks.

It’s worth checking the current information from your card provider rather than assuming you’ll automatically receive the blue dollar rate.

You can also look at the Visa exchange rate calculator or Mastercard currency converter, keeping in mind that special tourist arrangements and bank fees can affect the final amount.

Watch Out for Foreign Transaction Fees

Even if you receive a good exchange rate, your Australian bank might charge an international transaction fee.

These can be around 2–3% of the transaction amount, depending on your card.

That might not sound like much, but it adds up over several weeks of travelling.

Some Australian credit and debit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, so it’s worth checking your options before leaving home.

Always Pay in Argentine Pesos

Here’s a tip that applies almost everywhere in the world.

If a card terminal asks whether you want to pay in Argentine pesos or Australian dollars, I’d generally choose pesos.

This avoids dynamic currency conversion, where the business or payment provider converts the amount into your home currency.

The exchange rate offered can be less favourable, sometimes with additional fees.

By paying in pesos, you generally allow your card network and bank to handle the conversion.

The same principle applies when withdrawing money from an ATM.

Are There Places That Don’t Accept Cards?

Absolutely.

While cards are common in Buenos Aires and other major tourist destinations, I wouldn’t recommend travelling around Argentina without any cash.

You may need pesos for smaller shops, markets, tips or businesses in more remote areas.

Some businesses also offer cash discounts or charge extra for card payments.

It’s always worth asking, particularly for larger purchases.

My Experience Using Credit Cards in Argentina

When we arrived in February 2023, the preferential exchange rate for foreign cards had only recently been introduced.

Although I’d read about the changes before our trip, I wasn’t entirely convinced they would work!

We tested our Mastercard and checked the transaction a few days later.

To our horror, it initially looked as though we’d received the much less favourable official exchange rate.

But when we checked again, an adjustment had been credited to our account, giving us a rate much closer to the blue dollar.

What a relief!

With our Visa card, the preferential rate appeared straight away.

These were our experiences in 2023, and transaction processing may be different today.

But discovering that we could use our cards without losing so much on the exchange rate made travelling around Argentina much easier than I’d expected.

How to Get Cash in Argentina: ATMs and Western Union

Even if you’re planning to pay for most things by card, you’ll probably want some Argentine pesos in your wallet.

There are several ways to get cash, including ATMs, Western Union and currency exchange offices.

The best choice depends on exchange rates, fees and convenience.

Using ATMs in Argentina

When I visited Argentina in February 2023, my advice was simple: don’t use ATMs!

At the time, the official exchange rate was so much worse than the blue dollar rate that withdrawing money could mean getting roughly half as many pesos for your Australian dollars.

Thankfully, that situation has changed.

Using an ATM is now worth considering, although it isn’t necessarily the cheapest option.

Some Argentine ATMs charge significant withdrawal fees, and your Australian bank may add its own charges.

Withdrawal limits can also be relatively low, meaning several withdrawals might be needed to get enough cash.

Another issue is that not all ATMs accept foreign cards.

Before travelling, check with your bank that your card should work in Argentina and what you’ll be charged.

For security, I’d stick to ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, preferably during daylight hours.

And always have a backup way to access money in case your card doesn’t work.

Using Western Union in Argentina

Western Union was my preferred way of getting cash during our 2023 trip.

At the time, it offered an exchange rate close to the blue dollar rate, which was substantially better than withdrawing pesos from an ATM.

It made an enormous difference to our travel budget.

Western Union still offers money transfers to Argentina, including cash collection, but I wouldn’t automatically assume it offers the best deal today.

You’ll need to compare the exchange rate, transfer fees and convenience of collecting the money.

You can check the available options on the Western Union Australia website.

How to Get Cash Using Western Union

If you decide to use Western Union, start by creating an account through its website or app.

You’ll need to verify your identity and arrange a transfer to a recipient in Argentina, selecting cash pickup if that option is available.

If you’re planning to send money to yourself, confirm that Western Union permits this for your particular transfer before sending any funds.

You’ll also need to check the collection requirements, which may include additional registration or identification.

Once the transfer is available, the recipient generally needs to visit a participating Western Union location with identification and the transaction tracking number, known as an MTCN.

Not every outlet will have enough cash for a large transaction, so it’s worth checking availability before arranging a substantial transfer.

I also wouldn’t leave collecting money until the last minute, particularly if you’re moving on to another destination.

My Experience Using Western Union in Argentina

I’ll admit I was a little nervous about using Western Union for the first time.

I’d never needed to send money to myself before, and the whole process seemed much more complicated than simply finding an ATM.

But it turned out to be surprisingly easy!

Before leaving Australia, I downloaded the app and set up an account, verifying my identity using my passport and driver’s licence.

We’d been warned that transfers could take several days, but when I sent money through the app, it was available for collection almost immediately.

Finding somewhere to pick it up wasn’t difficult either.

We opened Google Maps, searched for Western Union and found plenty of nearby locations.

I’d read warnings about offices running out of cash later in the day, so initially we tried collecting our money in the mornings.

As it turned out, we never had a problem, even collecting money just before an office closed on one occasion.

All I needed was my passport and transaction number.

We used Western Union three times during our trip, and every transaction went smoothly.

Of course, this was in February 2023, when the exchange-rate difference made Western Union particularly attractive.

If I were travelling to Argentina again, I’d still consider it, but I’d compare the costs and check the current requirements first.

How Much Cash Should You Get?

One thing I’d recommend is not getting too carried away with the amount of cash you collect.

When I visited, the largest commonly available banknote was 1,000 pesos.

That meant exchanging just $100 AUD left me with around 25 banknotes!

Imagine how quickly that pile grew when we needed enough money for several days.

Argentina has since introduced higher-denomination notes, so carrying cash is more manageable.

Even so, I wouldn’t recommend carrying more than you reasonably need.

If you’re staying in major cities and paying for accommodation and restaurants by card, you might only need a relatively small amount.

If you’re heading somewhere remote, having extra pesos available could be useful.

And remember to use up most of your remaining cash before leaving Argentina, particularly if you’re unlikely to return anytime soon.

Should You Bring US Dollars to Argentina?

For years, one of the most common pieces of advice for visiting Argentina was to bring plenty of US dollars in cash.

And when I visited in 2023, I understood why!

US dollars were in high demand, and exchanging them at the blue dollar rate could give you substantially more pesos than using an ATM.

But things have changed.

I wouldn’t automatically recommend that Australian travellers rush out and buy US dollars before visiting Argentina.

Is It Worth Exchanging Australian Dollars for US Dollars?

For Australians, bringing US dollars means exchanging our money twice.

First, we convert Australian dollars into US dollars before leaving home. Then, once in Argentina, we exchange those dollars into pesos.

Each conversion can involve fees or a less favourable exchange rate.

When we visited in 2023, the enormous difference between the official and blue dollar rates could easily justify that extra effort.

Today, that’s not necessarily the case.

If you’re travelling from Australia, I’d compare the cost of buying US dollars with the rates available through your bank cards or Western Union.

If you already have US dollars left over from another trip, bringing some might be convenient.

But I wouldn’t buy a large amount without checking whether it’s actually going to save you money.

Where Can You Exchange US Dollars?

If you bring US dollars, you can exchange them at authorised currency exchange offices, known as casas de cambio.

You’ll find these in Buenos Aires and other major cities.

Some banks and hotels also offer currency exchange services, although rates may differ.

Take your passport, as identification may be required, and compare rates before exchanging a substantial amount.

What About Changing Money on Florida Street?

If you’ve researched money in Buenos Aires, you’ve probably come across Florida Street.

This pedestrian shopping street became famous for its unofficial money changers.

For years, you could walk along the street and hear people calling out “cambio, cambio”, offering to exchange US dollars into pesos.

These traders are often referred to as arbolitos.

During our visit in 2023, I was even given a recommendation for a particular shop where I could exchange money at a good rate.

In the end, I didn’t use it. Western Union was working so well that there was no need.

While informal currency exchange has been commonplace in Argentina, there are risks, including counterfeit notes, scams and theft.

Australia’s Smartraveller specifically advises against exchanging money with people offering their services on the street.

I’d recommend sticking to authorised currency exchange businesses instead.

Can You Pay with US Dollars in Argentina?

Sometimes, yes.

Some hotels, tour operators and other tourism businesses may accept US dollars.

You might also see accommodation and tour prices advertised in USD rather than pesos.

However, US dollars aren’t accepted everywhere, and paying in them isn’t automatically cheaper.

Always check the exchange rate being offered and compare the final amount with what you’d pay in pesos.

My Recommendation for Australian Travellers

If I were visiting Argentina again, I wouldn’t carry enough US dollars to cover my entire trip.

I’d probably use a credit or debit card for most expenses and keep some Argentine pesos for smaller purchases.

I’d also compare Western Union and ATM costs before deciding how to get that cash.

If I already had some US dollars, I might take them as a backup, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy a large amount unless there was a clear financial advantage.

What worked brilliantly for us in 2023 might not be the best choice for your trip today.

10 Tips for Managing Money in Argentina

After navigating Argentina’s complicated currency system, I learnt that a little preparation can make a big difference.

Here are my top tips.

• Check exchange rates before travelling. Don’t rely on advice from someone who visited a year or two ago. Things can change quickly.
• Take more than one card. Ideally, have cards from different banks and keep them separately.
• Check overseas transaction fees. A card with no international transaction fees can be particularly useful for frequent travellers.
• Pay in Argentine pesos. If a card terminal offers to convert the amount into Australian dollars, I’d generally decline.
• Keep some cash available. Smaller businesses and places outside major cities may not accept cards.
• Compare the total cost of getting cash. Look at exchange rates and fees for ATMs, Western Union and currency exchange offices.
• Don’t assume US dollars are essential. For Australians, buying US dollars can involve an extra conversion cost.
• Avoid street money changers. Stick to authorised exchange businesses.
• Plan ahead for remote areas. Don’t assume you’ll always find a working ATM or somewhere that accepts cards.
• Avoid carrying too much cash. Take what you need and try to use up your remaining pesos before leaving Argentina.

My biggest piece of advice is not to overthink it.

Do a little research, have a couple of payment options available and then get on with enjoying Argentina.

After all, you’re there to explore the country, not spend your holiday comparing exchange rates!

Frequently Asked Questions About Money in Argentina

Is It Better to Use Cash or Card in Argentina?

For most visitors, a combination of both is the most practical option.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but having pesos is useful for smaller businesses, markets and places that don’t accept cards.

Can I Use Australian Dollars in Argentina?

Australian dollars aren’t commonly accepted for everyday purchases.

You’ll generally need Argentine pesos, although some tourism businesses may accept US dollars.

Using an international debit or credit card or obtaining pesos locally is usually more practical than trying to spend Australian cash.

Is Western Union Still Worth Using in Argentina?

It can be, but it isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.

Compare how many pesos you’ll receive through Western Union after fees with the cost of withdrawing money from an ATM or using a currency exchange office.

Also check the current transfer and collection requirements before relying on it.

Can I Withdraw Argentine Pesos from an ATM?

Yes, although not all Argentine ATMs accept international cards.

Withdrawal fees and limits can vary, and your Australian bank may charge additional fees.

Always have a backup way to access money.

Do I Need to Bring US Dollars?

Not necessarily.

Although US dollars have traditionally been popular with travellers to Argentina, you don’t need to bring large amounts of American cash.

For Australians, exchanging AUD into USD and then into pesos can mean paying conversion costs twice.

Compare your options before deciding whether it’s worthwhile.

Should I Exchange Money Before Arriving?

You don’t necessarily need to.

You can obtain pesos after arrival through ATMs or authorised currency exchange businesses, and cards are accepted in many places.

However, make sure you have a reliable way to pay for transport and other immediate expenses when you arrive.

Final Thoughts on Money in Argentina

When I first started researching how to manage money in Argentina before our 2023 trip, I couldn’t believe how complicated it all seemed.

There were different exchange rates, warnings about ATMs, recommendations to bring stacks of US dollars and stories about unofficial money changers.

It certainly wasn’t like travelling anywhere else I’d been!

In the end, Western Union and our credit cards worked well for us, and we managed to avoid the worst of the exchange-rate problems.

Thankfully, things have changed considerably since then.

My recommendation is to travel with a couple of cards, keep some pesos available and check the latest exchange rates and fees before deciding how to get your cash.

Most importantly, don’t let the money situation put you off visiting Argentina.

It’s an incredible country, and with a little preparation, dealing with the currency shouldn’t take away from the experience.

---

---

Here are more posts about Argentina to inspire your travels
11 Important Things to Know Before you Go to Argentina
Visiting La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires
Visiting Iguazu Falls

Liked this post? Please share it with your friends and pin it for later