Budget & Costs
Thanks to the Blue Dollar (unofficial exchange rate), Argentina has become significantly cheaper for foreign travelers than it was a few years ago. Those who exchange wisely get a great deal for their money.
The Blue Dollar — Argentina's most important travel tip
In Argentina, there are several exchange rates: the official rate (which you get when paying by card or at an ATM) and the Blue Dollar (also known as "Dollar Blue" or "parallel rate") — the unofficial rate used on the street and in exchange offices. The Blue Dollar is typically 20–50% above the official rate. This means: Those who bring cash in US dollars and exchange on the street or in exchange offices (Cuevas) get significantly more pesos for their money.
Daily budget per person (with Blue Dollar)
| Style | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 20–35€ | Hostel/Dorm | Empanadas + Market | Bus/Colectivo |
| Budget | 35–55€ | Hostal/Simple Hotel | Parrilla + Local Restaurants | Long-distance bus (Semicama) |
| Mid-range | 55–110€ | 3–4★ Hotel/Boutique | Good Restaurants + Wine | Domestic Flights + Taxi |
| Comfort | 110–200€ | 4–5★ Hotel | Fine Dining | Flights + Private Transfers |
| Luxury | 200€+ | Boutique Lodges | Fine Dining | Flights + Charter |
Important Individual Costs (Estimates 2025, Blue Dollar Rate)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Empanada (Street) | 0.30–0.60€ |
| Asado Menu in Parrilla | 8–18€ |
| Steak in a Good Restaurant | 10–25€ |
| Bottle of Malbec (Supermarket) | 2–6€ |
| Bottle of Malbec (Restaurant) | 6–20€ |
| Espresso/Café | 0.50–1.50€ |
| Subway Buenos Aires (Subte) | 0.15€ |
| Taxi (Short Distance BA) | 2–4€ |
| Long-distance Bus BA→Mendoza (16h, Semicama) | 25–50€ |
| Flight BA→El Calafate | 60–180€ |
| Flight BA→Iguazú | 50–150€ |
| Perito Moreno Glacier Entrance | approx. 20€ |
| Iguazú National Park Entrance | approx. 15€ |
| Double Room Budget Hotel | 20–40€ |
| Double Room 4★ Hotel BA | 50–120€ |
| Bodega Tour Mendoza (Half-day) | 25–60€ |
💡 Tipp
Bring US dollars in cash (50 and 100 bills get the best rate) and exchange at the Blue Dollar rate in exchange offices (Cuevas) or via Western Union. The difference from the official rate can be 20–50% — saving you quickly 500–1,000€ on a three-week trip!