Money & Blue Dollar
Argentine Peso (ARS)
The Argentine currency is the Peso (ARS). Notes: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 10,000, 20,000 ARS. Due to high inflation, prices change constantly — the Euro equivalents in this guide are benchmarks based on the Blue Dollar rate from early 2026.
★★★ The Blue Dollar — THE No. 1 Travel Tip
In Argentina, there are multiple exchange rates — and knowing the right one makes the difference between an expensive and an affordable trip:
| Type of Rate | What is it? | How good? |
|---|---|---|
| Dólar Oficial | The official rate — for card payments, ATMs, bank exchanges | BAD — 20–50% less than Blue Dollar |
| Dólar Blue | The unofficial parallel rate — in exchange offices (Cuevas) and on the street | GOOD — the best rate for tourists |
| Dólar MEP/CCL | Financial rates — similar to the Blue Dollar, for stock market transactions | GOOD — but not directly accessible for tourists |
| Dólar Tarjeta | Credit card rate — the official rate + 30% taxes! | VERY BAD — avoid card payments if possible |
How to get the best rate?
- Bring US dollars in cash: The most important rule! Bring 50 and 100 dollar bills (they get the best rate). New, smooth, undamaged bills — old, marked, written-on, or creased bills will be rejected or exchanged at a worse rate!
- Western Union: The insider tip! Transfer money to yourself via the Western Union app and pick it up in Buenos Aires in Pesos — you get a rate close to the Blue Dollar, completely legal and safe. Works at any Rapipago or Pago Fácil branch
- Exchange offices (Cuevas): Unofficial but tolerated exchange offices, especially on Calle Florida in Buenos Aires (the “Arbolitos” — street exchangers — shout “Cambio! Cambio!”). Go into the shops behind the shouters, not on the street! Ask your hotel for a trustworthy Cueva
- Exchange rate apps: “Dollar Blue Argentina” or “Blue Dollar” show the current rate in real-time — check before exchanging!
Credit Cards & ATMs
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops — but at the Dólar Tarjeta! This can be 30–50% more expensive than cash at the Blue Dollar rate
- ATMs (ATM/Cajero): Maximum withdrawal: often only 10,000–30,000 ARS per transaction. High fees (about 2,000–4,000 ARS per withdrawal). ONLY as a last resort!
- Conclusion: Bring US dollars in cash and exchange at the Blue Dollar rate. It’s hugely worthwhile — on a three-week trip, you can easily save 500–1,000€!
Achtung
NEVER exchange on the street with strangers who approach you directly (so-called “Arbolitos” on Florida Street)! The risk of fraud (counterfeit money, incorrect counting, distraction maneuvers) is high. Instead, use trustworthy Cuevas (ask your hotel or hostel for a recommendation — every accommodation knows one!) or Western Union.