Money in Buenos Aires: Pesos, Cards, and the Blue Dollar

The old blue-dollar circus is over: since Argentina lifted currency controls in April 2025, the official, MEP, and blue rates have converged within a few percent. Foreign Visa/Mastercard purchases get the favorable MEP rate automatically, so cards are now the easy default. Bring some US dollars in cash for tips, taxis, and small shops — but no duffel bags required.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When my card asks pesos or dollars, which do I choose?

Always choose pesos. Letting the terminal convert to dollars (dynamic currency conversion) uses a padded rate. Charged in pesos, your Visa or Mastercard settles at the favorable MEP-linked rate. Same answer for ATMs and online bookings.

Should I bring US dollars to Argentina?

Bring a few hundred in cash as a buffer — US$200-400 for a two-week trip is a common rule of thumb. Crisp, newer bills exchange most easily. But you no longer need to fund your whole trip in Benjamins the way people did in 2022-2023.

Where should I exchange dollars in Buenos Aires?

Official exchange houses (casas de cambio) on Calle Florida or in Recoleta now give rates close to everything else, so use a licensed one and skip the whispered 'cambio, cambio' guys. Avoid airport exchange counters — their rates are the one remaining rip-off.

Is Western Union still the best way to get pesos?

It lost its superpower. Western Union was the hack when rates were split; with rates converged, its payout is roughly the same as everything else, minus the queue. It's still handy if you want pesos without carrying dollars — just no longer magic.

Should I pay by card or cash in Buenos Aires?

Card for most things. Foreign Visa and Mastercard transactions in pesos settle at the MEP rate, which is currently as good as or better than street cash rates. Keep pesos in cash for taxis, kiosks, small parrillas, and tips — plenty of small places are still cash-first.

Is the blue dollar still a thing in Argentina?

Barely. After the April 2025 lifting of the cepo (currency controls), the blue, MEP, and official rates converged to within about 2-3% of each other. The days of doubling your money by swapping crisp hundreds in a cueva are over — nice for simplicity, less fun for bargain hunters.

How much should I tip in Argentina?

Ten percent in restaurants, in cash if you can — many card machines can't add tips. Round up for taxis. A small note for porters and tour guides is appreciated. Nobody expects US-style 20%+, and no one will chase you down the street either way.

Do ATMs work for foreign cards in Argentina?

They work but they're the worst option: low withdrawal limits and fees that can run US$10+ per transaction. Use ATMs as a last resort. Card payments or exchanged cash beat them almost every time.

Nearby in Ask Buenos Aires

• Museo Nacional de Arte OrientalMuseum0.21 km · 3 min walk
• Obelisco & Avenida 9 de JulioAttraction0.63 km · 8 min walk
• Teatro ColónAttraction0.71 km · 9 min walk
• HappeningRestaurant0.77 km · 10 min walk
• Plaza de Mayo & Casa RosadaAttraction0.83 km · 10 min walk