Guide to Argentina Blog

[James Bond]

I came across this travel blog written by a fellow Brit. Seems he has lived in Argentina for the past 7 months. I checked it out and it is well written. He has an IG with the same name "Guide to Argentina". Check it out.

Home - Guide To Argentina

The Ultimate Travel Guide

guidetoargentina.com

 

[Blockchain]

I just checked out one of the pages and it doesn't sound like he understands the exchange rates after living in Argentina for 7 months. 🤣

He writes about the tourist dollar/rate and being able to get 1,600 pesos to $1 but he has that backwards. That rate isn't for tourists! That is the rate that Argentines have to pay when they use their credit cards outside of Argentina. Who is going to tell him that he isn't getting 1,600 pesos!

Is Argentina Cheap for Tourists? – Updated September 2024

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has...

guidetoargentina.com

 

[Vince]

I just checked out one of the pages and it doesn't sound like he understands the exchange rates after living in Argentina for 7 months. 🤣

He writes about the tourist dollar/rate and being able to get 1,600 pesos to $1 but he has that backwards. That rate isn't for tourists! That is the rate that Argentines have to pay when they use their credit cards outside of Argentina. Who is going to tell him that he isn't getting 1,600 pesos!

View attachment 7779

Is Argentina Cheap for Tourists? – Updated September 2024

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has...

guidetoargentina.com

Ouch. Not sure how accurate the rest of the content is if you're so off about this. This is basic stuff. Can't figure out how he thought tourists were getting that rate. You would think in 6 months he would have figured it out.

 

[Uncle Wong]

Ouch. Not sure how accurate the rest of the content is if you're so off about this. This is basic stuff. Can't figure out how he thought tourists were getting that rate. You would think in 6 months he would have figured it out.

It was confusing seeing all the rates. When I was there I saw this website and it was confusing but I figured it out the first day! I can't believe the government charges so much for Argentineans to use their credit card/debit cards outside of Argentina. They don't want them to spend money outside. This blogger probably has his parents paying his bills or something not to realize it for 6 months.

Dólar hoy, cotización del dólar, precio del dólar, dólar blue, precio histórico del dólar, valor del UVA | Dolarito.ar

Seguí la cotización del dólar minuto a minuto, compara cotizaciones, visualiza los valores históricos, conocé el precio del dólar, evolución del valor UVA

www.dolarito.ar

 

[Vero]

That would be nice if there was a way to get 800,000 pesos for $500 USD!

 

[Finance Prof]

That would be nice if there was a way to get 800,000 pesos for $500 USD!

Maybe he can see the future. The blue dollar might end this year at 1600. Let's see.

 

[Uncle Wong]

I just checked out one of the pages and it doesn't sound like he understands the exchange rates after living in Argentina for 7 months. 🤣

He writes about the tourist dollar/rate and being able to get 1,600 pesos to $1 but he has that backwards. That rate isn't for tourists! That is the rate that Argentines have to pay when they use their credit cards outside of Argentina. Who is going to tell him that he isn't getting 1,600 pesos!

View attachment 7779

Is Argentina Cheap for Tourists? – Updated September 2024

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has...

guidetoargentina.com

It looks like he removed that page now which is good. It is funny that even someone that has lived in Argentina for 7 months can get it totally confused. But not sure how you could think it was that rate because you would notice it on your credit card unless you weren't paying your own bills.

 

[James Bond]

I just checked out one of the pages and it doesn't sound like he understands the exchange rates after living in Argentina for 7 months. 🤣

He writes about the tourist dollar/rate and being able to get 1,600 pesos to $1 but he has that backwards. That rate isn't for tourists! That is the rate that Argentines have to pay when they use their credit cards outside of Argentina. Who is going to tell him that he isn't getting 1,600 pesos!

View attachment 7779

Is Argentina Cheap for Tourists? – Updated September 2024

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has...

guidetoargentina.com

That is a big mistake to post on a blog. I notified him that he had it wrong and it looks like he deleted that page. It is a good way to ruin your credibility if you post that the exchange rate is 1,600 to $1 USD when it is only 1,100 to $1. Oops.

 

[earlyretirement]

I just checked out one of the pages and it doesn't sound like he understands the exchange rates after living in Argentina for 7 months. 🤣

He writes about the tourist dollar/rate and being able to get 1,600 pesos to $1 but he has that backwards. That rate isn't for tourists! That is the rate that Argentines have to pay when they use their credit cards outside of Argentina. Who is going to tell him that he isn't getting 1,600 pesos!

View attachment 7779

Is Argentina Cheap for Tourists? – Updated September 2024

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Argentina has long been a favourite among travellers. In recent years, many tourists have found Argentina to be a very cheap destination. However, recent political changes have meant that the economic landscape of Argentina has...

guidetoargentina.com

I'm not sure how you can live in Argentina for so long and think you are getting 1,600 pesos to $1 or getting the Dolar Tarjeta.

The Dolar Tarjeta is the rate Argentines have to pay to use their debit/credit cards outside of Argentina. They are taxed for using their cards outside or on airline tickets for tickets outside of Argentina. This is horrible that the government taxes citizens like this. You will know when Argentina is healthy when they stop doing things like this.

You can read more about this tax and dolar tarjeta here:

Dólar tarjeta hoy: a cuánto cotiza el dólar turista el 15 de octubre

La cotización del dólar tarjeta tiene este martes un precio de $1619,49; se trata del valor que se utiliza para las compras con tarjetas en el exterior o el pago de servicios

www.lanacion.com.ar

 

[Betsy Ross]

Many tourists coming down confuse all of the exchange rates. I could understand from a tourist that doesn't know any better but not sure how you can live here for half the year and think that you're getting this rate. Oh well.

 

[Wally]

Oops.

 

[VINO]

It is very easy to see what the MEP rate that you get for using your credit cards by just looking at your credit card after using it.

The only website I have found that has the Visa/Mastercard on a daily basis is this one. It is fairly accurate.

ARS Rates - Check Argentina Blue Dollar Rate Easily

View the latest exchange rates for the Argentine Peso against the US dollar, including the official rate, Blue Dollar, VISA, MasterCard, and Western Union rates.

app.ggomma.xyz

 

[Betsy Ross]

It is very easy to see what the MEP rate that you get for using your credit cards by just looking at your credit card after using it.

The only website I have found that has the Visa/Mastercard on a daily basis is this one. It is fairly accurate.

ARS Rates - Check Argentina Blue Dollar Rate Easily

View the latest exchange rates for the Argentine Peso against the US dollar, including the official rate, Blue Dollar, VISA, MasterCard, and Western Union rates.

app.ggomma.xyz

Thank you @VINO! I was looking for a conversion website for Visa/MC. I knew one had to exist. I will bookmark it.

 

[Digital Nomad]

He has a section on Digital Nomads. I still haven't met any expats that actually got a Digital Nomad visa for Argentina. A few that I spoke with tried but said it was too much of a hassle and too much paperwork. He has a sample of expenses and only has rental apartments for $380/month. Not sure where he is looking but I have never seen apartments that cheap. One American that I talked to told me he is paying that just in HOA fees for his apartment in Las Cañintas.

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Argentina

In recent years, Argentina has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, fun culture and natural beauty. As a result, the Argentine government has made it really easy for foreigners to live and study in the country. Keep reading to find out...

guidetoargentina.com

 

[StatusNomadicus]

The Dolar Tarjeta is the rate Argentines have to pay to use their debit/credit cards outside of Argentina

resurrecting this 2024 thread, i haven't needed to know how the Dólar Tarjeta, Dólar Turista, etc. work because i barely understand how the MEP and Official and Blue work after a year and a half 😛

BUT, a friend here is planning a trip in a few months to NYC for a week or two, and i started wondering how they will be treated financially during this trip. i know it's convoluted for us Expats coming to Argentina, with the strange rates from Peronism's cancerour past, but it seems like the communist tax on Argies is still in place in 2025, right?



so, according to this rumor:

1. right now Argentines are paying a huge tax on their purchases abroad, instead of needing we'll say 1200 Pesos to get a Dollar, they need some crazy high amount like 1500...is that correct?

2. if so, does a combined USD/ARS account like my Santander Cuenta Unica change any of this? (account in both USD and Pesos). i don't think so, since i think the algorithm charges Argentines a bad rate on any transactions in Dollars. anyone have any experience on how to make this better?

3. any wallets like ApplePay or Uala or Prex or Naranja or anything else able to charge in Dollars for a 1:1 rate? as in, never converting to Pesos, and never getting subjected to the 30+% tax?

4. do Argies just fly with 5,000 bucks USD every time they go to the USA on vacation or to visit family?? pay for hotels and food and activities and rental cars with USD cash? this is the first time i'm helping someone with a USA trip.

5. any other insight on how to get the best rate (i was wondering if they could use a credit card of mine, authorized with them as a user, with a small credit limit, if they give me cash ahead of time...obviously there's a risk) - i'm not worried about the risk, but would a US bank even let an Argentine be an authorized user? seems like with the millions of laws and communist restrictions, it just wouldn't even be possible. so, buy a prepaid Visa reloadable gift/debit card, and they can use that in the US as needed?

strange world we live in, where in 2025 we have rockets landing on boats, but people from huge cities like BsAs can't take a 9-hour flight direct to Miami and spend Dollars without getting absolutely wrecked. thanks in advance for the info!

 

[Betsy Ross]

resurrecting this 2024 thread, i haven't needed to know how the Dólar Tarjeta, Dólar Turista, etc. work because i barely understand how the MEP and Official and Blue work after a year and a half 😛

BUT, a friend here is planning a trip in a few months to NYC for a week or two, and i started wondering how they will be treated financially during this trip. i know it's convoluted for us Expats coming to Argentina, with the strange rates from Peronism's cancerour past, but it seems like the communist tax on Argies is still in place in 2025, right?



so, according to this rumor:

1. right now Argentines are paying a huge tax on their purchases abroad, instead of needing we'll say 1200 Pesos to get a Dollar, they need some crazy high amount like 1500...is that correct?

2. if so, does a combined USD/ARS account like my Santander Cuenta Unica change any of this? (account in both USD and Pesos). i don't think so, since i think the algorithm charges Argentines a bad rate on any transactions in Dollars. anyone have any experience on how to make this better?

3. any wallets like ApplePay or Uala or Prex or Naranja or anything else able to charge in Dollars for a 1:1 rate? as in, never converting to Pesos, and never getting subjected to the 30+% tax?

4. do Argies just fly with 5,000 bucks USD every time they go to the USA on vacation or to visit family?? pay for hotels and food and activities and rental cars with USD cash? this is the first time i'm helping someone with a USA trip.

5. any other insight on how to get the best rate (i was wondering if they could use a credit card of mine, authorized with them as a user, with a small credit limit, if they give me cash ahead of time...obviously there's a risk) - i'm not worried about the risk, but would a US bank even let an Argentine be an authorized user? seems like with the millions of laws and communist restrictions, it just wouldn't even be possible. so, buy a prepaid Visa reloadable gift/debit card, and they can use that in the US as needed?

strange world we live in, where in 2025 we have rockets landing on boats, but people from huge cities like BsAs can't take a 9-hour flight direct to Miami and spend Dollars without getting absolutely wrecked. thanks in advance for the info!

They have had this tax on locals using their credit cards forever! Why do you think Argentines use so much cash. You can see daily the exchange rates on all the sites. All my local friends just use cash.

Dólar hoy, cotización del dólar, precio del dólar, dólar blue, precio histórico del dólar, valor del UVA | Dolarito.ar

Seguí la cotización del dólar minuto a minuto, compara cotizaciones, visualiza los valores históricos, conocé el precio del dólar, evolución del valor UVA

www.dolarito.ar

 

[StatusNomadicus]

Why do you think Argentines use so much cash. You can see daily the exchange rates on all the sites. All my local friends just use cash.

just interviewed 3 argies who travel outside of Argentina, and yes there is cash, but none of these 3 bring thousands of USD when they travel instead, here's some info you aren't aware of that i just learned:

"Stop Debit" is a feature with ARS/USD combined accounts for Argentines, where you can postpone paying on a credit card (they have AmEx, MAstercard, and Visa) until the day the bill is due, so after your trip spending in Dollars outside of Argentina, you can deposit in-person or make USD payments on the account, to pay the USD charges directly and not incur the 30%+ taxes/charges from the Dolar Tarjeta/Turista/whatever

(this is the best i can summarize from them talking really quickly about it - perhaps an Argie can chime-in here who has traveled in 2025, about how it works with a Stop Debit on a credit card/bank account)

did you know that, @Betsy Ross? zero of these 3 people bring USD cash when traveling, so i wouldn't assume your small circle of friends is reflective of all Argentines; who would want to walk around with thousands of dollars and risk hotel/airbnb staff stealing your vacation money, when a simple online banking click can liberate you from paying the bad rate? no loss when spending USD from your USD account 🙂

 

[James Bond]

just interviewed 3 argies who travel outside of Argentina, and yes there is cash, but none of these 3 bring thousands of USD when they travel instead, here's some info you aren't aware of that i just learned:

"Stop Debit" is a feature with ARS/USD combined accounts for Argentines, where you can postpone paying on a credit card (they have AmEx, MAstercard, and Visa) until the day the bill is due, so after your trip spending in Dollars outside of Argentina, you can deposit in-person or make USD payments on the account, to pay the USD charges directly and not incur the 30%+ taxes/charges from the Dolar Tarjeta/Turista/whatever

(this is the best i can summarize from them talking really quickly about it - perhaps an Argie can chime-in here who has traveled in 2025, about how it works with a Stop Debit on a credit card/bank account)

did you know that, @Betsy Ross? zero of these 3 people bring USD cash when traveling, so i wouldn't assume your small circle of friends is reflective of all Argentines; who would want to walk around with thousands of dollars and risk hotel/airbnb staff stealing your vacation money, when a simple online banking click can liberate you from paying the bad rate? no loss when spending USD from your USD account 🙂

Many locals have debit cards or credit cards from the US or Europe. I also have friends that travel with plenty of cash. That isn’t uncommon but many have some sort of card or Wise. Wise lets you do Apple Pay and generate a credit card #. That is what my friends here do.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

Many locals have debit cards or credit cards from the US or Europe

strangely enough, i haven't met anyone in Mendoza yet who has this. they ALL use Argentine banks, although in Cordoba and BsAs i met a handful of Airbnb owners/managers who did have US/EU accounts. but it seems like most people aren't able to do this, or don't know, or don't want to. i'm still learning more. the 2 people traveling later this year from Mendoza to the USA do not have these things, which is why i'm asking 🙂

some sort of card or Wise. Wise lets you do Apple Pay and generate a credit card #

but if it's an Argentine account under the laws of ARCA/AFIP, it would still be charged in Pesos at the bad rate, right? even with ApplePay, Wise, whatever, it would still fall under those Peronist laws, yeah? this is what Grok AI says:

"Argentine Wise Account:

• If your friend’s Wise account is registered in Argentina (with an Argentine address and ID), any USD spending abroad (including via Apple Pay) is subject to Argentina’s currency controls. According to Argentine regulations, foreign transactions from Argentine accounts, even those in USD, trigger the PAIS and percepción taxes.
• Example: A $100 USD purchase in the USA would be converted to ARS at the official rate (~ARS 1,059 per USD, as of January 2025), then taxed at 65%, resulting in a total cost of ~ARS 1,746 per USD (the “Dólar Turista” rate). This appears on the Wise statement or bank statement if funding the Wise account from an Argentine bank.
• Funding the Wise Account with USD:
  • The key to avoiding taxes lies in how the Wise account is funded. If your friend funds their Wise USD balance with USD acquired outside Argentina’s tax system, they can potentially bypass the taxes:
    • Option 1: USD from Abroad: If they have access to USD from a foreign source (e.g., a friend or family member abroad sends USD to their Wise account), these funds are not subject to Argentine taxes when spent in the USA via Apple Pay. The transaction is processed as pure USD, with no conversion or taxes applied by Argentina.
    • Option 2: MEP/CCL USD: Your friend can purchase USD in Argentina at the MEP or CCL rate (~ARS 1,220 per USD, as of January 2025) through a brokerage account (e.g., Bull Market, Balanz) and transfer these USD to their Wise account. Since the USD is acquired outside the official “Dólar Turista” system, spending it via Wise/Apple Pay in the USA avoids the 30% PAIS and 35% percepción taxes.
    • Challenges: Transferring MEP/CCL USD to Wise requires a compatible brokerage and may involve fees or delays (1–3 days for settlement). Additionally, Wise may flag large USD deposits from Argentina for compliance checks due to the country’s currency restrictions."

 

[Jenn]

strangely enough, i haven't met anyone in Mendoza yet who has this. they ALL use Argentine banks, although in Cordoba and BsAs i met a handful of Airbnb owners/managers who did have US/EU accounts. but it seems like most people aren't able to do this, or don't know, or don't want to. i'm still learning more. the 2 people traveling later this year from Mendoza to the USA do not have these things, which is why i'm asking 🙂


but if it's an Argentine account under the laws of ARCA/AFIP, it would still be charged in Pesos at the bad rate, right? even with ApplePay, Wise, whatever, it would still fall under those Peronist laws, yeah? this is what Grok AI says:

"Argentine Wise Account:

• If your friend’s Wise account is registered in Argentina (with an Argentine address and ID), any USD spending abroad (including via Apple Pay) is subject to Argentina’s currency controls. According to Argentine regulations, foreign transactions from Argentine accounts, even those in USD, trigger the PAIS and percepción taxes.
• Example: A $100 USD purchase in the USA would be converted to ARS at the official rate (~ARS 1,059 per USD, as of January 2025), then taxed at 65%, resulting in a total cost of ~ARS 1,746 per USD (the “Dólar Turista” rate). This appears on the Wise statement or bank statement if funding the Wise account from an Argentine bank.
• Funding the Wise Account with USD:
  • The key to avoiding taxes lies in how the Wise account is funded. If your friend funds their Wise USD balance with USD acquired outside Argentina’s tax system, they can potentially bypass the taxes:
    • Option 1: USD from Abroad: If they have access to USD from a foreign source (e.g., a friend or family member abroad sends USD to their Wise account), these funds are not subject to Argentine taxes when spent in the USA via Apple Pay. The transaction is processed as pure USD, with no conversion or taxes applied by Argentina.
    • Option 2: MEP/CCL USD: Your friend can purchase USD in Argentina at the MEP or CCL rate (~ARS 1,220 per USD, as of January 2025) through a brokerage account (e.g., Bull Market, Balanz) and transfer these USD to their Wise account. Since the USD is acquired outside the official “Dólar Turista” system, spending it via Wise/Apple Pay in the USA avoids the 30% PAIS and 35% percepción taxes.
    • Challenges: Transferring MEP/CCL USD to Wise requires a compatible brokerage and may involve fees or delays (1–3 days for settlement). Additionally, Wise may flag large USD deposits from Argentina for compliance checks due to the country’s currency restrictions."

My friend in Argentina has a Spanish passport so she uses that. I don’t know how it works. I use Wise and it’s great!