Entry requirements, vaccines & more...
Argentina is known for being complicated with money, but in 2026 it is far simpler than it was a few years ago. Here is what you need to know before you go: entry rules, the basics and, above all, how to pay without losing money.
🛂 Entry requirements
- Visa: citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and most of Latin America do not need one for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
- Passport: must be valid for your whole stay. Travellers from Mercosur countries only need their national ID card.
- Health insurance: since 2025 the law requires foreign visitors to declare that they have health cover, and national public hospitals can charge for non-emergency care. Always travel with travel insurance.
💱 Exchanging money: what has changed
For years Argentina had several exchange rates, and visitors gained a lot by changing dollars on the parallel market (the famous "blue dollar"). Currency controls were lifted in April 2025, and today all the rates are almost the same: the gap between the official and the blue rate is around 1–3%.
| Rate | 1 USD ≈ |
|---|---|
| Official (Banco Nación) | ARS 1,560 |
| Blue (informal exchange offices) | ARS 1,565 |
| MEP (used for foreign cards) | ARS 1,566 |
💳 Ways to pay, from best to worst
1. Foreign Visa or Mastercard · the best option
Accepted in almost all restaurants, shops, hotels and museums. Purchases with a foreign card are converted at a rate close to the MEP, the best on the market.
- ✅ A good rate, with no need to carry cash
- ✅ Saves you VAT at hotels (see below)
- ❌ Some banks charge a foreign transaction fee: use a fee-free card (Wise, Revolut, N26 or similar)
2. Cash dollars or euros · as a back-up
Handy for tips, markets, taxis and small businesses. Exchange offices in the city centre give a rate 1–2% better than the banks.
- Bring new US$100 notes with no marks, tears or writing. Old or damaged notes get a worse rate or are refused.
- Dollars get a better rate than euros. If you bring euros, change them straight into pesos rather than into dollars first.
- For two weeks paying mostly by card, US$200–400 in cash is enough.
- Change a little at a time, just what you will spend in the next few days.
3. Western Union · an alternative to cash
You send money to yourself through the app before or during your trip and collect it in pesos at a branch with your passport. The rate is usually similar to the exchange offices.
- ✅ No need to travel with lots of cash
- ❌ Transfer fees, queues that can take over an hour, and branches that sometimes run out of notes
4. Cash machines · emergencies only
They give very little per withdrawal, around ARS 60,000 (≈ US$39), and charge US$8–12 in fees every time. It is the most expensive way to get pesos. If you have no choice, use machines inside a bank during opening hours.
🧾 Taxes you can avoid
🏨 VAT on accommodation (21%)
Foreign visitors do not pay VAT on their hotel if they pay with a card issued abroad or by transfer from a foreign bank, and show their passport at check-in. If you pay in cash or with an Argentine card, you lose the exemption. On sites such as Booking.com, prices for foreign guests are usually shown without VAT.
🛍️ Tax-free shopping
Participating shops (look for the "Tax Free" sign) refund 13–14% on goods made in Argentina, such as clothing, leather or wine. Ask for the form in the shop and claim your refund at the airport before you leave.
💡 Everyday tips
- Cash discount: many restaurants and shops give 10% off if you pay in cash. Ask: "¿Hay descuento en efectivo?"
- Tipping: around 10% is normal in restaurants, in pesos and in cash, even if you pay the bill by card.
- Notes: the largest is ARS 20,000 (≈ US$13). Keep some ARS 1,000 and 2,000 notes for tips and small purchases.
- Prices in pesos: they go up almost every month because of inflation. Prices in this guide are from November 2026, so do not be surprised if things cost a little more.
- Paying in dollars: some businesses accept cash dollars, but almost always at a worse rate than paying in pesos.
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