Understanding Currency Exchange in Argentina: Official, Blue, and MEP

Traveling to Argentina can be an unforgettable adventure—but understanding how currency exchange works is key to making the most of your money.

Navigating the various exchange options is essential to avoid surprises and ensure your travel budget goes as far as possible. Choosing the right rate can make a huge difference in how much you can enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer.

There are three main types of exchange rates in Argentina. Let’s break them down so you can choose the best option for your trip.

Official Exchange Rate

• What is it? The official rate is the one used by banks and authorized exchange offices.
• Advantages: It's a safe and regulated option.
• Disadvantages: It usually offers the worst rate, meaning you'll get fewer Argentine pesos for your money.

Blue Dollar Rate

• What is it? Also known as the parallel exchange rate, the dólar blue is used in unofficial exchange houses, called cuevas. These were once hidden, but today they are widely known and accepted.
• Advantages: It offers the best exchange rate, giving you significantly more pesos per dollar or real.
• Disadvantages: These operations are not regulated by Argentina's Central Bank. You must exchange cash, which can be inconvenient and unsafe due to the volatile nature of the Argentine peso.

A safer alternative to the blue dollar:
Use Western Union. You can send money to yourself ahead of the trip and pick it up in pesos at local branches in Argentina, often at a rate close to the blue dollar.

Disadvantages of Western Union::
- Long lines at branches
- Occasional lack of cash
- Limited hours of operation
- Errors in registration can delay or block transfers

MEP Exchange Rate

• What is it? MEP (Mercado Electrónico de Pagos) is the rate used for payments made with foreign credit or debit cards. It was created to encourage tourism and reduce reliance on the black market.
• Advantages: Offers a rate close to the blue dollar (around 95% of its value) No need to carry large amounts of cash

The MEP rate can be accessed in two ways:

1. International Credit Card

• Advantages: Easy to use—just activate your card for international transactions and swipe away.
• Disadvantages: IOF tax: 4.38%. Bank spread: typically between 4% and 7%

International Debit Card / Global Accounts (Nomad & Wise)

• Advantages: Offers lower fees compared to credit cards. IOF: only 1.1%. Bank spread: around 2%. → You can save an average of 10% compared to credit cards.
• Disadvantages: Requires advance planning to set up your account and transfer funds before the trip.

Which Rate Should You Choose?

It depends on your travel style and priorities.

If you value safety and convenience, the official rate is the most straightforward—though it comes at a cost.

If your goal is to maximize value, the blue dollar gives you the best return, but involves risk and logistics.

For most travelers, the MEP rate is the best balance between good value and convenience—especially when used with global accounts like Wise or Nomad.

Pro tip: A smart strategy is to combine multiple exchange methods to stay flexible and protected.

Plan your currency exchange carefully and enjoy your trip to Argentina with peace of mind!

Our Experience: What Worked Best for Us

We spent 5 days in Buenos Aires and brought both cash (USD) and our Wise, Nomad, and C6 cards. We like having multiple options because in other trips, some cards weren’t accepted at certain places. In Buenos Aires, everything worked smoothly.

Note: We brought USD because we already had it at home. You can also bring Brazilian reais.

We chose not to exchange our cash into pesos, mainly for convenience. The difference between the Blue rate and MEP was only around 5%, which for us didn’t justify the hassle of carrying a lot of cash.

Establishments That Accept USD or BRL

Many places accept US dollars or Brazilian reais, but be aware: change is always given in pesos.

Paying with Pix

Some shops accept Pix payments directly from your Brazilian account.

Discounts for Paying in Cash

Paying in cash often gets you discounts, especially in smaller businesses. It’s always worth asking before paying.

SUBE Card

To top up your SUBE card (used for public transportation), you must use Argentine pesos in cash. Cards and foreign currency are not accepted.

Tipping

Tips must be paid in cash. Unlike Brazil, tips can’t be added to the card total—they need to be handed over separately in cash.

Final Tips

• Check daily rates before your trip to know what’s favorable.
• Avoid airport exchange booths, as they often offer poor rates.
• If using the blue dollar, exchange safely—ask for trusted recommendations.
• Stay informed: economic conditions in Argentina can change quickly.
• Car rentals only accept credit cards for deposits—debit cards like Wise and Nomad won't be accepted.

Read also:
Gramado e Canela: 13 passeios imperdíveis para incluir na sua viagem

If you have any questions or want to share your experience, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

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