Excellent question—because money in Buenos Aires can be tricky for first-time visitors. Here’s what you need to know:
💳 Card Payments #
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Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, large shops, supermarkets, and attractions.
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Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable. Some smaller places may not accept American Express.
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Since 2022, Argentina applies the “dólar MEP” (tourist exchange rate) to foreign credit and debit card transactions.
👉 This means you’ll get close to the blue-market rate, making card use much more favorable than before.
💵 Cash #
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Still important for taxis (unless using an app), kiosks, small cafés, street vendors, and tips.
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ATMs: Limited withdrawal amounts, with high fees (ARS 10,000–20,000 per withdrawal, ~USD 10 fee). Not ideal.
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Best practice: Bring some USD/EUR in cash and exchange at cuevas (informal exchange houses) or Western Union, which offer better rates than ATMs.
🏧 Western Union Trick #
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Many tourists send money to themselves via Western Union and pick up pesos at local branches.
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This usually gives the best exchange rate (near or equal to the blue dollar rate).
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Long lines are common, especially near payday and weekends.
✅ Practical Tips #
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Carry both card and cash.
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Keep small bills (ARS 500, 1,000) since some vendors don’t have change for larger notes.
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For safety: Use cards in major businesses, but pay taxis, tips, and kiosks in cash.
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Always confirm prices in pesos, not USD.
👉 Short answer: Yes, cards work well now (with a good exchange rate), but you’ll still need cash for small purchases, taxis, and tips.
