Where do I change Argentine Pesos?

The bureaux de change/currency exchanges ("casas de cambio") or banks are the best places to change money safely and transparently. However, and specially in downtown ("Microcentro"), you are likely to come across people offering to exchange money. They are called "arbolitos". These operations are illegal.

Local currency can also be obtained from cash machines (ATMs) which operate 24 hours a day and accept all major international cards.

Where do I check the exchange rate?

To learn the different currency exchange rates, you can either visit the currency exchanges and banks or check the National Bank official website ("Banco de la Nación Argentina").

How much money do I change?

It's highly recommended to change only small amounts of money at a time, since exchange rates for Argentine Pesos change frequently. So, you can also make the most of your cash to get better change at stores.

What do I do with leftover Argentine Pesos?

If you have a large amount of Pesos, we recommend to change officially at a bureau exchange or bank. To do so, you need to keep the receipt from your original Dollars sale when entering the country. You will be able to change only up to U$100. But if the amount is less than $1000 (one thousand Argentine Pesos), it is better to spend it in transport (to the airport, bus station, etc.) or buy souvenirs.

Other recommendations

Tax Free Shopping: foreign tourists can ask for VAT refund in the purchases of domestically-manufactured goods with a value of or over $70 (seventy Argentine Pesos) made at the country in the stores affiliated to the Tax Free system from "Global Blue Argentina".

To do so, you must follow these steps:

At the store: buy at the shops with the Tax Free logo and ask for the refund form.

At Argentine Customs: when leaving the country, in any office of the Argentine Customs (airports, ports or border crossing) show the receipts together with your purchases and your passport and ask for the refund forms to be stamped.

Tax refund charge: it may be in cash, credit card or bank cheque.

Click here for more information on the VAT return offices.