Money in Argentina
Argentina uses the Argentine peso. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- ARSArgentine peso
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Argentina
The official and parallel (blue) exchange rates are now close, so street changers offer little advantage. Carry pesos for small shops and cash discounts.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is still widely used, and some small cafes do not take cards. Cash discounts of about 10%, sometimes up to 20%, are common, as reported by Sol Salute.
- ATMs
- Andean Trails advises avoiding ATMs and reports withdrawal fees can reach US$10 per transaction plus your bank's charges. Sol Salute says machines can run out of cash and its fee and limit figures are inconsistent, so no limit is given here.
- Foreign currency
- Pesos are the norm, though some tourist restaurants, hotels and large supermarkets accept US dollars, and crisp US$100 notes get the best rates when exchanged (Sol Salute).
- Exchanging money
- Use banks or exchange houses, and the sources say the gap between the official and blue (street) rates has become small. Street changers (arbolitos) carry counterfeit and short-change risk, so count notes and avoid them.
- Watch out for
- Foreign Visa and Mastercard charges are generally processed near the MEP rate, and your own bank's foreign fees still apply. Converting leftover pesos back to dollars costs money, so spend them before leaving.
Tipping in Argentina
Around 10% in restaurants, usually in cash. Round up for taxis.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Sol Salute, Andean Trails, HTL Hoteles, Argentina Tourism, Jacada Travel, Wonderful Wanderings.
Convert to and from ARS
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,544 ARS | 1,730 ARS | 2,072 ARS |
| 10 | 15,439 ARS | 17,297 ARS | 20,718 ARS |
| 50 | 77,197 ARS | 86,483 ARS | 103,588 ARS |
| 100 | 154,394 ARS | 172,966 ARS | 207,177 ARS |
| 500 | 771,970 ARS | 864,832 ARS | 1,035,883 ARS |
What each amount is worth in ARS. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Argentina use?
Argentina uses the Argentine peso (ARS).
Do you need to tip in Argentina?
Appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants, usually in cash. Round up for taxis.
Can you pay by card in Argentina?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is still widely used, and some small cafes do not take cards. Cash discounts of about 10%, sometimes up to 20%, are common, as reported by Sol Salute.
Are there ATMs in Argentina?
Andean Trails advises avoiding ATMs and reports withdrawal fees can reach US$10 per transaction plus your bank's charges. Sol Salute says machines can run out of cash and its fee and limit figures are inconsistent, so no limit is given here.