Mercado Pago can be very useful for tourists in Buenos Aires, but with a few caveats.
đź’ˇ What is Mercado Pago? #
- 
It’s Argentina’s most widely used mobile payment app, like a mix of PayPal + Venmo. 
- 
Locals use it for everything: paying at cafés, restaurants, shops, taxis, even street vendors. 
- 
Payments are made via QR codes — you scan with your phone and pay instantly. 
✅ Why It’s Useful for Tourists #
- 
Ubiquity → Many places prefer Mercado Pago over cards, especially small cafés, kiosks, or independent shops. 
- 
Skip Card Issues → Some foreign cards fail at Argentine terminals, but Mercado Pago often works more smoothly. 
- 
Split Bills Easily → If traveling with friends, you can transfer money instantly (if everyone has an account). 
- 
Link to International Cards → Works with some foreign credit/debit cards (Visa/MasterCard), so you don’t always need cash. 
⚠️ Limitations for Tourists #
- 
Setup Issues → To fully use it (add balance, receive transfers), you usually need an Argentine bank account or DNI (local ID). 
- 
Foreign Cards Don’t Always Work → Sometimes, linking a non-Argentine card fails. Success depends on the card issuer. 
- 
Exchange Rate → If linked to a foreign card, you’ll likely get the official exchange rate, not the better blue dollar rate you’d get with cash or Western Union. 
🔑 Best Use Cases for Visitors #
- 
Use it as a backup payment method when your card isn’t accepted. 
- 
Handy in cash-light situations (Sunday markets, taxis, food delivery apps like PedidosYa or Rappi). 
- 
Works best for short-term tourists if their card links successfully. 
âś… Quick Takeaway #
- 
Nice to have, not essential. 
- 
Tourists should still carry cash (blue dollar exchange) as their main payment method. 
- 
Mercado Pago shines when paying small vendors, delivery apps, or if you don’t want to carry too much cash.