---
title: Do I need cash or can I pay by card?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) Excellent question—because **money in Buenos Aires** can be tricky for first-time visitors. Here’s what you need to know: ## 💳 Card Payments - **Widely accepted** at hotels, restaurants, large shops, supermarkets, and attractions.…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/do-i-need-cash-or-can-i-pay-by-card/"
updated: "2025-08-20"
category: Money and Payments
---

# Do I need cash or can I pay by card?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/)

Excellent question—because **money in Buenos Aires** can be tricky for first-time visitors. Here’s what you need to know:

## 💳 Card Payments

- **Widely accepted** at hotels, restaurants, large shops, supermarkets, and attractions.
- Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable. Some smaller places may not accept American Express.
- Since 2022, Argentina applies the **“[dólar MEP](https://www.cronista.com/MercadosOnline/moneda.html?id=ARSMEP)” (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

- Still **important** for taxis (unless using an app), kiosks, small cafés, street vendors, and tips.
- ATMs: Limited withdrawal amounts, with **high fees (ARS 10,000–20,000 per withdrawal, ~USD 10 fee)**. Not ideal.
- 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

- Many tourists send money to themselves via **Western Union** and pick up pesos at local branches.
- This usually gives the **best exchange rate** (near or equal to the [blue dollar rate](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/what-is-the-blue-dollar-rate-how-access/)).
- Long lines are common, especially near payday and weekends.

## ✅ Practical Tips

- Carry **both card and cash**.
- Keep **small bills** (ARS 500, 1,000) since some vendors don’t have change for larger notes.
- For safety: Use cards in major businesses, but pay taxis, tips, and kiosks in cash.
- 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**.