Argentina travel money tips
Heading to Argentina? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS, $).
Tipping
10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares. USD tips are warmly welcomed.
Cards vs cash
Foreign cards now get the favorable 'MEP' rate at most terminals — use cards over cash exchanges. Carry some pesos for taxis.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
ATM withdrawals give the worst rate and high fees. Use Western Union or pay with a foreign card instead.
Heads-up
- Inflation is extreme — quoted prices can change weekly. Always confirm the price.
- Check counterfeit pesos: real notes have a clear watermark and raised ink on the portrait.
About the Argentine Peso (ARS)
The Argentine Peso (ARS, symbol $) is the official currency of Argentina. Knowing the live ARS rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.