How are new expats and foreigners in Argentina handling daily payments in Buenos Aires without local bank account?

[LuckyLuke]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently based in Los Angeles and planning to spend 3 months in Buenos Aires soon. I'm trying to wrap my head around the day-to-day payment situation for foreigners and expats.

I know QR code payments are huge with locals for everyday purchases, but I’m curious how much of a hurdle it actually is if you don't have a local bank account.

For those living in BA or who have visited recently:

• Do you easily get by relying mostly on cash and international cards?
• How often do you find it frustrating not having access to local QR payment apps?
• Are there specific spots like cafés, taxis, kiosks, or smaller grocery stores where this is a constant issue?

I’d love to hear your real-world experiences. Is the lack of QR access a major annoyance, or no big deal in practice? @FuturoBA I believe I read you recently moved from the US to Buenos Aires. What are you using?

Thanks!

 

[earlyretirement]

Hi @LuckyLuke,

Welcome to Argentina. Foreign credit cards work fine in most places but just realize you will not get the best exchange rate. They take a spread that usually ends up being 6% less so it's cheaper to use a QR code. You can use Apps like Peanut that work great and offer great exchange rates. You can sign up at that link below. Then you can just transfer from a bank account (KYC required) or you can fund it with Crypto. You can deposit from a wallet or exchange. I use Coinbase and it works perfectly and instant. Then you can pay via QR code via Peanut.

I already have local bank accounts but I'm always beta testing different apps.

https://peanut.me/invite?code=SAINTBAINVITESYOU838

You typically need a DNI to open up a local bank account. Some have said they did with a CDI # but it's few and far between. You can research on the forum's search engine as it's very powerful. I recall a few threads. Maybe look up "opening bank account without DNI".


I'd recommend bringing a fair bit of cash down as well as it's easy to exchange. Or you can just use Western Union which gives a great rate usually. You will have to pay some fees to get the cash down but it's safer than carrying lots of cash.

Arq Dollar App is another app. I can't remember if you need a local ID or not but that also works well and it allows you to pay with QR or it has a virtual debit card as well you can use with Apple Pay.

If you need to transfer larger amounts feel free to DM me as I can help you easily get USD into Argentina.

 

[Digital Nomad]

I have heard good things about Peanut. I just used Western Union and it worked well. I also mostly used my American credit cards and didn't have any problems. Almost everywhere takes credit cards except taxis but my American credit card linked to my Uber worked fine. Cabify I had to have cash. My credit card wouldn't work with that. And remember the 10% tip at restaurants mostly don't allow you to pay on your card. A few places do but most ask for cash. So you always will need some cash.

 

[Johnny]

I just bring cash $100 new bills and exchange down there. Just be careful and make sure the bills are new and don't have any marks on them. I had a new bill and it had a stamp mark on it from the bank and they wouldn't accept it.

I also use my US credit card at dinners. A few places let me tip on my card but most don't. I didn't mess around with any apps or QR. Credit cards work fine. You might pay a little more but worth it for convenience.