Money & Payments in Buenos Aires (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Inflation runs high (~33% in 2026), so prices can shift daily. Monitor spending with a currency-tracking app.
Avoid informal money changers on Calle Florida despite their calls; the rate gap versus official exchange is now minimal (~1–3%), making the risk of counterfeit bills not worth it.
Do not exchange all your foreign currency at once. Break it into smaller amounts over your stay to manage fluctuation risk.
Credit card surcharges (1–10%) exist at some establishments; debit cards sometimes avoid these fees.
Contactless and mobile-wallet payments (Mercado Pago, Google Pay, Apple Pay) are increasingly common and streamlined.
For backward planning: Arrive with crisp $100 USD or €100 bills to exchange. Small bills and worn notes are rejected.
Some restaurants offer 5–10% discounts for cash payment, so always ask.
The SUBE card is essential for buses and trains; buy one immediately upon arrival.

Payment Methods Ranked

MEP rate applied automatically; no ATM fees; convenient.
Caveat
Not accepted everywhere; some establishments add surcharges.
Fair rates; transparent; safer than street changers.
Caveat
Requires passport; limited to higher denominations ($100+ USD).
Caveat
Fees apply; requires bank account or credit card to initiate.
Advantage
Good rate (often close to Blue Dollar); avoids carrying large cash from abroad.
Convenient access at any time.
Caveat
High fees (USD 10–15 per withdrawal) + low limits = least efficient option.

Banking

Challenges: Process varies by bank and branch; some banks reject foreigners without DNI despite legal requirement to accept them. Multiple attempts at different branches often necessary. Online banking typically requires DNI.
Limitations: Foreigners typically cannot borrow; loans rarely offered. No asset protection or bank secrecy.
Currency Options: Accounts can be held in Argentine pesos or US dollars. Dollar accounts face strict scrutiny and capital controls.
Benefits For Nomads: Local account essential for: online purchases in Argentina, automatic bill payments (cell phone, utilities), Sube card top-ups, Mercado Pago transactions. International wire transfers and services like Wise/Western Union available but incur costs.
Account Setup Process: Download form 663, submit to nearest AFIP office with passport to obtain CDI code. Then present CDI and passport at bank branch to open account. Debit card available within 5 days.

Key Banks

Banco de la Nación Argentina (public; easiest for foreigners; immigrant account option)
Banco Provincia (public; extensive network)
Banco Galicia (private; known to accept foreigners)
Banco Santander (private; large network; easier if you bank internationally with Santander)
BBVA Argentina (accepts residents and non-residents)
Banco Macro (private; strong provincial presence)

Account Types

Cuenta Para Migrantes (Immigrant Savings Account)
Available At
Public banks (Banco de la Nación Argentina, Banco Provincia)
Requirements
Passport, CUIL/CDI, proof of address
Description
Specifically for foreigners; restricted savings account; no minimum balance requirement
Cuenta Corriente (Current Account)
Description
For everyday transactions; comes with checkbook and debit card; may have minimum balance and maintenance fees
Caja De Ahorro (Savings Account)
Description
Standard personal savings; no minimum balance; available in pesos or USD; comes with debit card
Cuenta Sueldo (Salary Account)
Description
For employees; direct salary deposits

Documentation Required

Valid passport or national identity document
CUIL (Código Único de Identificación Laboral) or CDI (Código de Identificación)
Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, or Declaración Jurada de Domicilio)
Certificate of transitory residence or precaria (for visa holders)
Visa if required for stay

Tipping Norms

Bartenders: Customary but not obligatory; similar to restaurant staff.
Restaurants: ARS 1,000
Tour Guides: ARS 750
Taxi Drivers: Not required; Uber and Cabify rides do not require tips.
Currency Warning: Never tip in USD. Locals cannot easily exchange or use $1 or $5 bills. Use low-denomination pesos ($2,000 and $500 notes are most useful).
Delivery Personnel: 5% of order; delivery apps like Rappi and PedidosYa auto-suggest tips.

ATM Withdrawals

Fees: ARS 1,200
Status: Not recommended; exorbitantly expensive and low limits make ATMs the least efficient cash-withdrawal option.
Daily Limits: Usually around USD 100–150 equivalent per transaction (approximately 150,000–220,000 ARS).
Cash Availability Warning: ATMs often run out of cash ahead of weekends and public holidays.

Alternative Strategies

Use credit/debit cards for direct point-of-sale purchases (MEP rate applied automatically)
Exchange cash at licensed casas de cambio or official exchange offices on Florida Street
Use Western Union app to send yourself cash and pick up at local branches (often better rate, avoids ATM fees)
For accounts with fee-reimbursement (e.g., Charles Schwab), ATM use becomes more viable

Card Acceptance

Overview: Credit card acceptance is widespread in major establishments but not universal. Visa and Mastercard are standard.
Major Venues: Upscale restaurants, hotels, retail outlets in central areas accept cards readily.
Best Practice: Always ask before ordering: '¿Aceptan tarjeta extranjera?' (Do you accept foreign cards?). When paying by card, always choose to pay in Argentine Pesos (ARS), never accept payment in your home currency.
Smaller Merchants: Small shops, traditional cafés, and street vendors often accept cash only or have signs reading 'solo efectivo' (cash only).
Contactless Mobile Wallets: Increasingly available; Mercado Pago, DLocal, and Bitso are popular digital wallets.

Cash Requirements

Bill Condition: Bills must be pristine, printed after 2013, with no marks, rips, or wear. Exchange houses and cuevas scrutinize bills carefully.
Recommended Amount To Bring: USD 200–400 in clean, recent $100 bills for a 1–2 week stay. Only $100 bills are reliably accepted for exchange; smaller denominations ($20 and below) are often rejected.

Where Needed

Tips (restaurants, tour guides, delivery, taxis)
Small cafés and kioscos
Street markets and vendors
Public transportation (SUBE card top-ups)
Free walking tours
Informal street commerce

Exchange Rate Context

Rate Convergence: The spread between official, Blue Dollar, and MEP rates has narrowed significantly in 2026. The era of arbitrage-based travel is over; rates differ by only a few percent.
Inflation Note: Argentina has high inflation (~32–33% as of mid-2026). Prices can change rapidly within days or weeks.

Public Transportation Payment

Cash Policy: Cash cannot be used directly on buses or subways; SUBE card or contactless card required.
Primary Method: SUBE card (rechargeable transit card sold at kioscos and subway stations).
Modern Alternatives: As of December 2024, subway turnstiles accept Visa/Mastercard debit and credit cards, and virtual wallets (Google Pay, Apple Pay, MODO). SUBE still required for city buses (colectivos).

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Buenos Aires

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Buenos Aires

Good to know

Good to Know

Payment Methods Ranked

MEP rate applied automatically; no ATM fees; convenient.

Fair rates; transparent; safer than street changers.

Convenient access at any time.