---
title: Where can I exchange money safely?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Money and Payments](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/money-and-payments/) Great question—because **where and how you exchange money in Buenos Aires** can make a *huge* difference in your budget. ## 💱 Official vs. “Blue Dollar” - **Official rate** (banks/ATMs): Much worse for tourists,…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/where-can-i-exchange-money-safely/"
updated: "2025-08-20"
category: Money and Payments
---

# Where can I exchange money safely?

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

Great question—because **where and how you exchange money in Buenos Aires** can make a *huge* difference in your budget.

## 💱 Official vs. “Blue Dollar”

- **Official rate** (banks/ATMs): Much worse for tourists, and ATMs have small withdrawal limits with high fees.
- **Blue dollar** (informal market): Parallel exchange rate, often **30–40% better** than official.
- **Good news**: Foreign credit/debit card purchases are now processed at the **MEP/tourist rate**, which is close to the [blue rate](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/what-is-the-blue-dollar-rate-how-access/).

## 🔒 Safe Exchange Options

### 1. Western Union 💡 *Most popular with tourists*

- You transfer money to yourself online, then pick up pesos at a local branch.
- Gives one of the **best rates**, almost identical to the blue market.
- Downsides: Long lines at branches, especially Fridays & weekends.
- Tip: Use large branches (e.g., in Microcentro, Palermo, Recoleta) and bring your passport.

### 2. Authorized “cuevas” (exchange houses)

- Informal but widely used by locals and expats.
- Often give slightly better rates than Western Union with less waiting.
- To find a safe one, ask your **hotel concierge, Airbnb host, or trusted local**—avoid random street hawkers (“¡cambio, cambio!”).

### 3. Casas de Cambio (official exchange offices)

- Safe but usually offer the **worst rate** (official rate).
- Convenient if you only need a small amount and don’t want to deal with Western Union.

### 4. Hotels

- Some higher-end hotels exchange cash, but rates are closer to the **official rate**.
- Safe but not economical.

## 🚫 What to Avoid

- **Street changers (“arbolitos”)** on Florida Street shouting “Cambio!” — some are legit, others are scammers. Risky for tourists.
- **ATMs** — terrible rates + high fees. Only use in emergencies.
- **Exchanging large USD/EUR bills without checking them** — Argentinians are picky; bring **crisp, clean $50 or $100 bills**.

## ✅ Pro Traveler Tips

- Bring **USD/EUR in large denominations** (clean, no tears). You’ll get the best rates.
- Always carry a [**mix of card + cash**](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/do-i-need-cash-or-can-i-pay-by-card/).
- If staying longer, consider splitting between **Western Union pickups** and **cuevas** to avoid long waits.
- Check daily rates on **Dólar Blue websites** (like *DolarHoy.com*) to know if you’re getting a fair deal.

👉 **Best combo in 2025**: Use your **foreign card** for restaurants, hotels, and big purchases (good tourist rate), and get **cash via Western Union or a trusted cueva** for taxis, kiosks, tips, and small vendors.