---
title: Is Western Union a good option?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) 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…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/is-western-union-a-good-option/"
updated: "2025-08-21"
category: Money and Payments
---

# Is Western Union a good option?

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

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

- Argentina has a **big gap between the official peso exchange rate and the “[blue dollar](https://bluedollar.net/)” (informal market) rate.**
- Normally, if you withdraw from ATMs or pay with a foreign card, you lose money at the **official rate**.
- BUT: Since 2022, credit/debit cards now use the *dólar MEP* (tourist rate), which is **much better**.
- Western Union transfers usually match or beat that rate — and often are **the cheapest way to get pesos**.

## ✅ How It Works for Tourists

1. Use the Western Union app to **send money to yourself** from your home country.
2. Choose **cash pickup** in Argentina.
3. Collect pesos at a WU branch, [Pago Fácil](https://www.pagofacil.com.ar/), or certain partner stores.
4. Bring your **passport** (sometimes they ask for a local address — use your hotel/hostel).

## 💸 Pros

- **Best [exchange rate](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/where-can-i-exchange-money-safely/)** (close to blue-market).
- Avoids high **ATM fees & limits** (ATMs only give ~ARS 10,000–20,000 per withdrawal, with ~$10 USD fees).
- Reliable and widely used by both locals and expats.

## ⚠️ Cons

- **Long lines** at some WU locations (especially in Microcentro and Palermo).
- **Daily/transaction limits** → usually ~$200–300 USD equivalent per pickup, depending on the branch.
- 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

- **Go early** in the morning to avoid long waits.
- Check **reviews on Google Maps** → some branches are better organized than others.
- If you’re staying longer, split your transfers into smaller amounts to avoid carrying too much cash.
- 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.