---
title: How much cash should I carry daily?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) knowing **how much cash to carry in Buenos Aires** helps you stay safe and avoid overpaying with cards. ## 💰 Daily Cash Needs in Buenos Aires ### 1. Currency Situation - **Official card…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/how-much-cash-should-i-carry-daily/"
updated: "2025-09-07"
category: Money and Payments
---

# How much cash should I carry daily?

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

knowing **how much cash to carry in Buenos Aires** helps you stay safe and avoid overpaying with cards.

## 💰 Daily Cash Needs in Buenos Aires

### 1. Currency Situation

- **Official card payments** use the *[dólar MEP](https://www.cronista.com/MercadosOnline/moneda.html?id=ARSMEP)/tarjeta turista* rate → good for larger purchases.
- **Cash (Argentine pesos)** is still widely used for:

  - Small cafés, bakeries, and street food
  - [Public transport](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/public-transportation-in-buenos-aires/) (SUBE card top-ups)
  - Markets, artisan fairs, and small shops
  - Tips in restaurants, taxis, and hotels

### 2. Suggested Daily Cash Budget (per person)

| Category | Estimated ARS (per day) | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Breakfast / coffee | 1,500–2,500 | Café and medialunas or empanadas |
| Lunch / casual meal | 3,000–5,000 | Street food, cafés, or casual restaurants |
| Dinner (parrilla / sit-down) | 5,000–10,000 | Depends on wine, drinks, cubierto |
| Transport | 500–1,500 | SUBE card top-ups or taxis |
| Souvenirs / small purchases | 2,000–5,000 | Markets, artisan stalls |
| **Total (approx.)** | 12,000–24,000 ARS | ≈ $12–24 USD at tourist rates |

> Tip: Many travelers carry **around ARS 15,000–20,000 (~$15–20 USD equivalent) daily** for small expenses and rely on **cards for bigger purchases**.

### 3. Cash Safety Tips

- Don’t carry large amounts at once; use hotel safe for extras.
- Split cash between wallet, bag, or pocket.
- Use **small bills** for street vendors, taxis, and tips.
- Prefer **cards** in restaurants, malls, and supermarkets for safety.

### ✅ Quick Takeaway

- **Daily small expenses:** ~ARS 15,000
- **Extra for shopping or dining out:** carry a bit more, or use card.
- **Safety:** never flash cash; keep most in hotel safe.