Overview
Planning Your Trip
Cultural Essentials
Beyond Tourism
Practical Information
Accommodations
Food
Sights
Museums
Entertainment
Shopping
Nightlife
Daytrips
Excursions
Basics
The currency chart below is based on August 2008 exchange rates between local currency and Australian dollars (AUS$), Canadian dollars (CDN$), European Union euro (EUR€), New Zealand dollars (NZ$), British pounds (UK£), and US dollars (US$). Check the currency converter on websites like www.xe.com or www.bloomberg.com for the latest exchange rates.
As a general rule, it’s cheaper to convert money in Argentina than at home. While currency exchange will probably be available in your arrival airport, it’s wise to bring enough foreign currency to last for at least 24-72 hours.
When changing money abroad, try to go only to banks or casas de cambio that have at most a 5% margin between their buy and sell prices. Since you lose money with every transaction, it makes sense to convert large sums at one time (unless the currency is depreciating rapidly).
If you use traveler’s checks or bills, carry some in small denominations (the equivalent of US$50 or fewer) for times when you are forced to exchange money at poor rates, but bring a range of denominations since charges may be applied per check cashed. Store your money in a variety of forms; ideally, at any given time you will be carrying some cash, some traveler’s checks, and an ATM and/or credit card. All travelers should also consider carrying some US dollars (about US$50 worth), which are often preferred by local tellers.
Traveler’s checks are one of the safest and most convenient means of carrying funds. American Express and Visa are the most-recognized brands. Many banks and agencies sell them for a small commission. Check issuers provide refunds if the checks are lost or stolen, and many provide additional services, such as toll-free refund hotlines abroad, emergency message services and assistance with lost and stolen credit cards or passports. Traveler’s checks are readily accepted in cities and towns throughout the Pampas and in rural areas of Buenos Aires province. Within Buenos Aires itself, you will have a harder time finding establishments that accept traveler’s checks. Ask about toll-free refund hotlines and the location of refund centers when purchasing checks, and always carry emergency cash.
Where they are accepted, credit cards often offer superior exchange rates—up to 5% better than the retail rate used by banks and other currency exchange establishments. Credit cards may also offer services such as insurance or emergency help and are sometimes required to reserve hotel rooms or rental cars. MasterCard and Visa are the most frequently accepted; American Express cards work at some ATMs and at AmEx offices and major airports.
The use of ATM cards is widespread in Argentina. Depending on the system your home bank uses, you can most likely access your personal bank account from abroad. ATMs get the same wholesale exchange rate as credit cards, but there is often a limit on the amount of money you can withdraw per day (usually around US$500). There is typically a surcharge of US$1-5 per withdrawal.
Debit cards are as convenient as credit cards but withdraw money directly from the holder’s checking account. A debit card can be used wherever its associated credit card company (usually MasterCard or Visa) is accepted. Debit cards often also function as ATM cards and can be used to withdraw cash from associated banks and ATMs throughout Argentina.
The two major international money networks are MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus (for ATM locations ☎+1-800-424-7787 or www.mastercard.com) and Visa/PLUS (for ATM locations ☎+1-800-847-2911 or www.visa.com). Most ATMs charge a transaction fee that is paid to the bank that owns the ATM. The major national money networks within Argentina are Banelco (marked by red and white signs) and Link (marked by green and yellow signs). Link ATMs allow you to choose which network you wish to withdraw from, be it MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus or Visa/PLUS. You should have little trouble withdrawing money from these machines. Banelco ATMs do not allow you to choose the network.
If you run out of money while traveling, the easiest and cheapest solution is to have someone back home make a deposit to your bank account. Otherwise, consider one of the following options.
It is possible to arrange a bank money transfer, which means asking a bank back home to wire money to a bank in Argentina. This is the cheapest way to transfer cash, but it’s also the slowest, usually taking several days or more. Note that some banks may only release your funds in local currency, potentially sticking you with a poor exchange rate; inquire about this in advance. Money transfer services like Western Union are faster and more convenient than bank transfers—but also much pricier. Western Union has many locations worldwide. To find one, visit www.westernunion.com, or call in Australia ☎1800 173 833, in Canada and the US +1-800-325-6000, in the UK +44 0800 833 833, or in Argentina 011 4777 1940. To wire money using a credit card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa), call in Canada and the US +1-800-CALL-CASH, in the UK ☎+44 0800 833 833. Money transfer services are also available to American Express cardholders and at selected Thomas Cook offices.
In serious emergencies only, the US State Department will forward money within hours to the nearest consular office, which will then disburse it according to instructions for a US$30 fee. If you wish to use this service, you must contact the Overseas Citizens Services division of the US State Department (☎+1-202-501-4444, from US ☎888-407-4747).
The cost of your trip will vary considerably, depending on where you go, how you travel, and where you stay. The most significant expenses will probably be your round-trip (return) airfare to Argentina (see Getting to Argentina: By Plane). Before you go, spend some time calculating a reasonable daily budget.
To give you a general idea, a bare-bones day in Argentina (camping or sleeping in hostels/guesthouses, buying food at supermarkets) would cost about US$30 (AR$90); a slightly more comfortable day (sleeping in hostels/guesthouses and the occasional budget hotel, eating one meal per day at a restaurant, going out at night) would cost US$50 (AR$150); and, for a luxurious day, the sky’s the limit. Don’t forget to factor in emergency reserve funds (at least US$200) when planning how much money you’ll need.
Some simpler ways include searching out opportunities for free entertainment, splitting accommodation and food costs with trustworthy fellow travelers, and buying food in supermarkets rather than eating out. Bring a sleepsack to save on sheet charges in hostels and do your laundry in the sink (unless you’re explicitly prohibited from doing so). Museums often have certain days once a month or once a week when admission is free; plan accordingly. If you are eligible, consider getting an ISIC or an IYTC ; many sights and museums offer reduced admission to students and youths. For getting around quickly, bikes are the most economical option. Renting a bike is cheaper than renting a moped or scooter. Don’t forget about walking, though; you can learn a lot about a city by seeing it on foot. Drinking at bars and clubs quickly becomes expensive. It’s cheaper to buy alcohol at a supermarket and imbibe before going out. That said, don’t go overboard. Though staying within your budget is important, don’t do so at the expense of your health or a great travel experience.
Locals don’t tip too much—about 10% at decent restaurants, usually when it’s not included. More upscale and trendy bars and restaurants, however, charge a cubierto (“cover”) for table service of approximately AR$5-6. In these circumstances, since the cover is small, make sure to tip more than usual. Tipping is never expected for taxis. Be sure to round up to the nearest peso, though, so the driver doesn’t have to give you change.
See for more information on Argentina’s value added tax (VAT).
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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