Argentina uses the Argentine peso, with the code ARS5. This guide helps you understand how to use money in Argentina, including cash, cards, and ATMs. You will also learn about US dollar acceptance.
Updated 2026-10-26. Numbers carry a small link to their source. Fees and rules change, check the screen or the form before you pay.
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Updated 2026-10-26
Download on theApp StoreComing soonArgentina's national currency is the Argentine peso5. The ISO code for the currency is ARS4. Prices in pesos are usually shown with a plain $ sign. US dollars are often marked as U$S6. As of 2026, one US dollar is worth 1528 Argentine pesos3. One euro is worth 1712 Argentine pesos3. One British pound is worth 2044 Argentine pesos3.
Argentine peso notes come in different values. There are also smaller centavo coins, but they are rarely used.
Most hotels and large stores accept card payments7. However, many smaller businesses may only take cash7. Argentine law requires merchants to accept debit card payments8.
Pay by foreign card and Visa or Mastercard sets the rate16. They use their own daily rate16. This rate is different from the cash peso rate. Banks may also add extra fees to card payments.
Download on theApp StoreComing soonSince February 28, 2025, some shops take foreign debit cards in US dollars14. The central bank, BCRA, allowed it14. This means you might be able to use your US dollar debit card directly. However, it is not accepted everywhere.
The old system of many rates ended on April 14, 202513. That includes the 'tourist dollar'13. There is now a single floating market rate for the dollar13. This rate was between 1000 and 1400 pesos per dollar in April 202513.
You can get local currency at 'casas de cambio' (exchange bureaus) and banks9. ATMs are available 24 hours a day and accept all major international cards10. However, using an ATM can be expensive. As of 2023, the fee per withdrawal is 10842.5 ARS1. The maximum withdrawal limit at an ATM is 60000 ARS1.
It is illegal to change money with street vendors, sometimes called 'arbolitos'11. For your safety, only change money at legal, regulated places11. When exchanging foreign cash, it is best to exchange small amounts at a time. The exchange rate for foreign currency against the peso can change a lot15.
When leaving Argentina, you can exchange leftover pesos back to US dollars. However, there is a limit of up to US$100 in cash12.
Tourists can claim back the VAT (Value Added Tax) on goods made in Argentina17. This applies to purchases made at stores that are part of the Global Blue program17. The VAT rate is 21%2. The typical refund percentage is 15%2. The minimum purchase amount for a refund is not stated in current data. An old figure of ARS $70 is mentioned but is likely outdated due to inflation17.
The currency code for Argentina is ARS4.
Yes, as of February 28, 2025, some merchants accept foreign debit card payments in US dollars14.
Yes, as of 2023, ATM fees can be 10842.5 ARS per withdrawal1.
It is best to carry both. Large businesses accept cards, but many smaller ones only take cash7.
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