Yes — in fact, Western Union (WU) is one of the best hacks for travelers in Argentina right now 💸 because of the way currency exchange works.
💵 Why Western Union Is Popular in Buenos Aires #
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Argentina has a big gap between the official peso exchange rate and the “blue dollar” (informal market) rate.
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Normally, if you withdraw from ATMs or pay with a foreign card, you lose money at the official rate.
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BUT: Since 2022, credit/debit cards now use the dólar MEP (tourist rate), which is much better.
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Western Union transfers usually match or beat that rate — and often are the cheapest way to get pesos.
✅ How It Works for Tourists #
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Use the Western Union app to send money to yourself from your home country.
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Choose cash pickup in Argentina.
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Collect pesos at a WU branch, Pago Fácil, or certain partner stores.
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Bring your passport (sometimes they ask for a local address — use your hotel/hostel).
💸 Pros #
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Best exchange rate (close to blue-market).
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Avoids high ATM fees & limits (ATMs only give ~ARS 10,000–20,000 per withdrawal, with ~$10 USD fees).
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Reliable and widely used by both locals and expats.
⚠️ Cons #
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Long lines at some WU locations (especially in Microcentro and Palermo).
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Daily/transaction limits → usually ~$200–300 USD equivalent per pickup, depending on the branch.
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Must carry a lot of cash → safety concern, so pick up during the day and don’t flash your money.
📍 Tips for Using Western Union in Buenos Aires #
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Go early in the morning to avoid long waits.
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Check reviews on Google Maps → some branches are better organized than others.
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If you’re staying longer, split your transfers into smaller amounts to avoid carrying too much cash.
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Some cambio houses (exchange offices) in Palermo/Recoleta also partner with WU → faster than downtown locations.
👉 Bottom line:
Yes, Western Union is one of the best, safest, and most cost-effective ways for tourists to get pesos in Buenos Aires. Just plan for the lines and be cautious with carrying large amounts of cash.
