Foreign exchange guide to Argentina and the Argentine peso
What's in this Argentina currency guide?
The official currency of Argentina (country code: AR) is the Argentine peso, with symbol $ and currency code ARS.
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The Argentine peso is subdivided into 100 centavos.
An important short-term driver of peso exchange rates is risk sentiment. As a riskier, emerging market currency, the peso will fall in value against the major currencies of the world (especially JPY, USD, CHF, GBP and EUR) during periods of economic uncertainty or when geopolitical risk is elevated.
It is fair to say about the currencies of Argentina (there have been four new currencies since 1970) that they are stuck in perpetual decline.
The current peso was introduced in 1992 after the former currency, the austral, had been rendered nearly worthless by hyperinflation. The new peso – exchanged for 10,000 australes – was to be pegged against the US dollar at a rate of 1:1, requiring the Central Bank of Argentina to hold in its reserves 1 dollar for every peso in circulation, which became impossible after the 1998-2001 financial crisis.
After the fixed exchange rate system was abandoned, the peso fell sharply. By the end of 2002, it had weakened to levels around 3 per dollar; by the end of 2010, to 4 pesos per dollar; by 2015, to 13 pesos; and amazingly by 2023, to 180 pesos per dollar!
The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents. The banknotes come in denominations of 2 pesos, 5 pesos, 10 pesos, 20 pesos, 50 pesos, 100 pesos, 200 pesos, 500 pesos, and 1,000 pesos.
The banknotes feature images of famous Argentine historical figures, such as José de San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, and Juan Domingo Perón. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Save money and time by Ordering your Argentine peso online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the ARS cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Argentine peso otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
Argentina is one of the most popular places to visit in South America – whether you are backpacking the continent or just on a short, budget holiday. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Argentina:
Visit Buenos Aires: The capital city of Argentina is a vibrant and cultural hub with plenty of things to see and do. Some must-see attractions in Buenos Aires include the Recoleta Cemetery, where many famous Argentinians are buried, and the iconic tango clubs of San Telmo.
See the Iguazu Falls: Located in the north of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. The falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil and are a must-see for any visitor to the region.
Explore Patagonia: Located in the south of Argentina, Patagonia is a vast and rugged region known for its stunning natural beauty. Some top attractions in Patagonia include the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Torres del Paine National Park, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Visit the Andes Mountains: Argentina is home to some of the highest peaks in the Andes mountain range, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The Andes offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing.
Learn about Argentina's history and culture: Argentina has a rich and fascinating history, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences. Some top cultural attractions in Argentina include the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, the Tango Museum, and the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art).
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). It is a good idea to exchange some of your home currency for pesos before arriving in Argentina, as it may be difficult to find places that accept foreign currencies.
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. It is a good idea to shop around to compare rates and to find the best deal. Credit cards are widely accepted in Argentina, especially in major cities, and it is a good idea to have at least one card with you when traveling.
ATMs are widely available in Argentina, and it is a good way to get local currency. It is a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company before traveling to Argentina, as they may block your card if they suspect fraudulent activity. It is also a good idea to let them know the dates of your trip and the countries you will be visiting.
Overall, it is a good idea to have a mix of cash and credit cards when traveling to Argentina, and to be prepared for the possibility that credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
Plane: Argentina has a well-developed domestic flight network, and flying is often the fastest way to get from one place to another. Major airlines in Argentina include Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM.
Bus: Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel around Argentina, and there are many different companies offering long-distance services. Bus travel is often more comfortable in Argentina than in other countries in South America, with options ranging from basic to luxury.
Car rental: Renting a car is a good option if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace. There are many car rental agencies in Argentina, and prices are generally affordable. It's worth noting that traffic and driving conditions can be challenging in Argentina, so be prepared for that.
Train: While the train network in Argentina is not as extensive as in some other countries, it's still a viable option for travel between some major cities. The Tren de las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a popular tourist attraction that runs through the Andes mountains.
Tour package: If you want a more structured and hassle-free way to see the country, you can consider booking a tour package. These packages typically include transportation, accommodation, and some meals, and allow you to sit back and enjoy the sights without having to worry about the logistics.
Visit Buenos Aires: The capital city of Argentina is a vibrant and cultural hub with plenty of things to see and do. Some must-see attractions in Buenos Aires include the Recoleta Cemetery, where many famous Argentinians are buried, and the iconic tango clubs of San Telmo.
See the Iguazu Falls: Located in the north of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. The falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil and are a must-see for any visitor to the region.
Explore Patagonia: Located in the south of Argentina, Patagonia is a vast and rugged region known for its stunning natural beauty. Some top attractions in Patagonia include the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Torres del Paine National Park, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Visit the Andes Mountains: Argentina is home to some of the highest peaks in the Andes mountain range, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The Andes offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing.
Learn about Argentina's history and culture: Argentina has a rich and fascinating history, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences. Some top cultural attractions in Argentina include the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, the Tango Museum, and the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art).
The below interactive chart displays the USD/ARS change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
The domestic currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso.
The three letter currency code for the Argentine peso is ARS — symbol is $.
It is the domestic currency in   Argentina.
No, the Argentine peso is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to ARS (US dollar to Argentine peso)*.
*Converted at the current USDARS interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Argentina you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
When sending money to Argentina it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Argentine peso deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Argentina.
Living as an expat in Argentina can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Argentina is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich culture and a welcoming community. Here are a few things to consider when living as an expat in Argentina:
Finding a place to live: It is a good idea to research different neighborhoods and areas before moving to Argentina. Many expats live in the capital city of Buenos Aires, which has a range of housing options, from apartments in the city center to houses in the suburbs.
Learning the language: While many people in Argentina speak English, it is a good idea to learn some Spanish, as it will make it easier to navigate daily life and to connect with the local community.
Getting a job: It can be challenging for expats to find work in Argentina, as many jobs require fluency in Spanish. However, there are some opportunities for expats, especially in industries such as tourism and education. It is a good idea to research the job market and to network with other expats and locals to find job opportunities.
Health care: Argentina has a public health care system, which is free for citizens and legal residents. Expats may be able to access the public health care system by obtaining a temporary residence permit. It is also possible to purchase private health insurance.
Adjusting to the culture: Argentina has a distinct culture, and it is a good idea to be open to learning about and adapting to local customs and traditions.
Overall, living as an expat in Argentina can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It is a good idea to be prepared and to do some research before moving to the country, to make the transition as smooth as possible.
The economy of Argentina is diverse and complex, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Argentina is a major exporter of agricultural products, including soybeans, wheat, and beef. The country is also a major producer of manufactured goods, including cars, textiles, and chemicals. The service sector, including tourism, is also an important contributor to the economy.
Over the past few decades, Argentina has experienced a number of economic challenges, including high inflation, economic instability, and a heavy debt burden. In recent years, the government has implemented a number of economic reforms, including reducing government spending, devaluing the currency, and negotiating with creditors. These measures have helped to stabilize the economy, but there are still challenges ahead, including a high unemployment rate and a large budget deficit.
Overall, the economy of Argentina is facing a number of challenges, but there are also opportunities for growth and development. It is a good idea to stay informed about the economic situation in Argentina and to be aware of the potential risks and opportunities when doing business in the country.
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Argentina:
Understand Argentine peso currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the ARS exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Argentine peso bank account: A local ARS bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Argentina. It may also be more convenient to use a local ARS bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Argentina. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Argentina. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Argentina, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.