How to beat the Blue Dollar: Saving money in Argentina

To stretch your budget in Argentina, avoid using international credit cards or ATMs, which use the official, unfavorable exchange rate. Instead, bring crisp, high-denomination US dollars in cash and exchange them at the 'dólar blue' rate at local exchange houses or via Western Union to effectively double your purchasing power.

1. Bring fresh US dollars. Only bring brand-new, unmarked, high-denomination ($100) bills. Damaged, small, or marked bills will be rejected or exchanged at a significantly worse rate by local 'cuevas' (unofficial exchange houses).
2. Use Western Union for transfers. If you don't want to carry bulk cash, use the Western Union app to send money to yourself. You can pick up the local currency (Pesos) at any location, often at a rate even better than the street-level blue dollar rate.
3. Avoid bank ATMs. Never withdraw pesos from an ATM using a foreign debit card. You will be hit with the official bank rate, high transaction fees, and a daily withdrawal limit that often doesn't cover a single dinner.
4. Pay for large bookings in cash. When booking tours or boutique stays, ask if they offer a 'descuento por pago en efectivo' (cash discount). Many operators prefer US dollars or blue-rate pesos and will knock 10-15% off the price.

Is it safe to carry that much cash?

Yes, if you are discreet. Split your cash into different bags and use a money belt. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones in Buenos Aires is common.

Can I use my Visa card?

Argentina recently adjusted its systems to allow foreign cards to get a rate closer to the blue dollar, but it is still rarely as good as cash. Use cards only as a backup.